Bethlehem Catholic pitcher Elyse Cuttic and catcher Courtney Shupp were aching to get back to their respective positions after sitting out a large portion of the season due to injuries and illnesses.

Coach Rich Mazza complied, and the two juniors led the Hawks to a 5-0 victory over Nanticoke in the PIAA State Class 3A softball semifinal last Tuesday at Blue Mountain High School.

"During practice, I told him I wanted the ball," Cuttic said.

Shupp, who most recently had been playing first base, wasn't as direct, but she got her message across.

"We'd been talking about switching back. That's my home," she said.

Cuttic had 11 strikeouts and gave up only three hits against the Trojanettes.

"Their top three hit over .400, so I had to keep them off balance and play my game. My riseball and my screwball were working," said Cuttic.

Shupp was responsible for Becahi's first two runs with a bases-loaded hit past the shortstop in the first inning.

"I was really excited to come out hitting-wise. Their pitcher brought it a little bit. She hit the outside spots," Shupp said.

In the fifth inning, outfielder Tosh Miner led off with a line drive, later scoring on Cuttic's hit to left field.

"I knew I needed to wait on it," said Miner. "Our defense has been strong all season so we weren't too nervous. It's just amazing to think we only have to go against one other team."

The Hawks loaded the bases in the sixth inning after hits by Jess Indelicato, Angelys Cotto, and a walk to Miner. Shupp was out on a fielder's choice while Indelicato scored the final run of the night.

Becahi reached the state final last year, but lost to Springfield-Delco.

"Now we know what to expect," Cuttic said. "This feels so good."