Disappointment was felt by Bethlehem Catholic’s softball players, coaches, and fans after the Hawks’ 5-3 loss to Tamaqua in the District XI Class 4A softball semifinal on Friday at Pates Park.

“What we were told is exactly what we saw. They lived up to their billing,” said Becahi coach Rich Mazza, regarding the Tamaqua Raiders. “I’m disappointed. We had our chances, and we made a couple mistakes. They play a lot like we do. I’m proud of our kids.”

As the lead continued to change throughout the game, the Hawks and the Raiders found themselves going into extra innings, tied 3-3 in the seventh inning, after Tatum Kresley attempted to score the winning run on Alyssa Jiminez’s double, but was called out in a controversial play.

In the top of the eighth, Tamaqua’s Jane Kupchinsky had a hit up the middle, and Jen Frederickson reached first base on an error. Maddy Matsago had a single, which loaded the bases for the Raiders.

Courtney Hoffman’s hit to short was knocked down by Jess Indelicato, but her throw to third from her knees missed Alyssa Lopez, and two runs scored.

In the bottom of the eighth, Alexa Panuccio reached first base on an error, and Morgan Christine had a single.

Indelicato had a single, a double, and a walk in the game, and Lopez had a home run in the sixth inning.

Tasha Miner’s sacrifice fly in the first inning scored Indelicato.

Julia Sledz scored the run that sent the game into extra innings on Jiminez’s double.

“It was a good year for us,” said Mazza, “but I’m a little disappointed.”

Tamaqua will move on to the district final, and will have played Bangor on Tuesday, past Press deadlines.

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Also coming past Press deadline is Liberty’s semifinal game with Emmaus, scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 30, at Patriots Park in Allentown.

The Hurricanes got off to a bit of a slow start last week before the holiday against Nazareth. The Eagles scored single runs in the first and second innings for a 2-0 lead before Liberty scored three times in the bottom of the third and fourth innings to pull away.

Alexa Burger broke the 3-3 tie with an RBI single to put LHS ahead. Kristin Kaleycik homered in the game for Liberty.

The other semifinal bracket features Parkland and Easton which were scheduled to play right after Liberty takes on Emmaus.