Bethlehem Catholic High School's softball season began with a 3-1 victory over Whitehall and a 17-0 victory over Pocono Mountain West last week.

Junior Elyse Cuttic has returned as starting pitcher for the Hawks.

Becahi coach Rich Mazza said, "Elyse worked so hard with her pitching coach and developed new pitches, and she's hitting the ball well."

Junior Courtney Shupp, who was injured last season, is catching for Cuttic.

"I'm very happy with the way she's come back, and Courtney and Elyse play on the same travel team," said Mazza.

Freshmen Julia Siedz and Jess Indelicato are playing first base and shortstop, respectively. Junior Angelys Cott is at second base and Bethanne Brandstetter, also a junior, is at third.

The outfield includes freshman Tosh Miner in left, sophomore Maddie Ensley in center and junior Brooke Rau in right.

Rounding out the Hawks' roster are senior, Martina Calluori, in the outfield, freshman, Morgan Christine, as designated hitter, junior, Maria Talpas, in the outfield, and junior, Yanesca Rodriguez, in the infield.

Regarding the number of freshmen and sophomores on the varsity squad, Mazza said, "We have tremendous older kids giving the younger kids confidence, and we're happy with that. The concern is how quickly they're going to develop. They're very coachable, but the younger kids get a little nervous."

Mazza believes the Hawks' strengths begin with Cuttic and good hitting.

"We're a good team, and we're going to make mistakes, but we'll pull together and pick each other up," he said.