The Liberty Hurricanes knew if they hit well, they could win a district final, but it was their defense that also shined as they became District XI Class 6A softball champions with a 3-1 victory over Parkland last Thursday at Pates Park in Allentown.

“It’s really hard to explain,” said Liberty coach Sam Carrodo. “I had four state championships when I coached at Northampton Community College, but winning this one here, with the odds against us, and the Parkland mystique, and that tension, it’s just unbelievable.”

Until Thursday, the Trojans had been undefeated all season, not that they had not been challenged by teams, including Liberty, this year.

“Poor Parkland, but we did it,” said Hurricane catcher Cailin Donegan.

The Hurricanes challenged early as lead off hitter Skilee Diaz had a base hit past the Parkland shortstop.

“I knew I had to get us pumped up, and I think that was a big factor for everyone,” said Diaz.

Kristin Kaleycik also had a base hit in time for Donegan’s 2 RBI double that gave the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead.

“We definitely wanted to get on top and take pressure off our pitcher,” Donegan said.

That would prove to be vital in the third inning when Mikayla Ruppert’s RBI scored Kaleycik, before Parkland had a run in the bottom of the third and threatened to score more with the bases loaded.

“It’s always scary with people on base, but I trust that Paige [Zigmund] won’t place the ball where they’ll get a hit,” said Donegan. “I wanted to help her calm down and make sure she throws the pitches I was calling.”

After a 1-2-3 top of the fourth, Zigmund was back to pitch quickly.

“When it was bases loaded and then having to come back out, I tried not to think about it,” said Zigmund.

A double play by Kaleycik at third base to Jess Watts at first ended the fourth inning for the Trojans.

“It’s a reflex kind of play. There’s no thinking,” Kaleycik said. “Our team is not a one or two-person team. Everybody has their job.”

For Liberty right fielder Mikayla Ruppert, the job was base running on Thursday night, beating out two throws as she ran to first.

“I know I can beat slow grounders, and it’s important to get those runs for Paige,” Ruppert said.

Just as important was Diaz’s catch in left field in the fifth inning.

“I dove, and it felt really good. I knew it was a big out,” she said.

And just as big was the final out of the game, a hit to Liberty shortstop Alexa Burger.

“My heart was pounding. I knew I had to make a full effort,” said Burger. “I was really excited.”

After a celebration on the field, gold medals were awarded to the Hurricanes by Coach Carrodo, athletic director Fred Harris, and principal Harrison Bailey.

“I got a little determined [in the seventh inning],” said Zigmund. “This is really awesome.”