In her first season at the helm of the Catasauqua softball program, Paige Kogelman is focusing mainly on the future and de-emphasizing the present.

She inherited a program that posted two wins in each of its previous two seasons.

“It’s about building,” said the former Rough Rider standout. “It is a day-by-day process. We will try to get better every game. We’re not looking at it as a win or a loss, but did we get better.”

Kogelman, who was a key part of the Roughies’ heyday as one of the better programs in the Lehigh Valley in the late 1990s, is determined to regenerate the same environment.

“We have to rebuild confidence and bring back the Catty pride,” she stated. “They weren’t dealt a good hand the past couple of years. It’s not the fault of the coaches, but the program wasn’t at a good state.

“It’s a matter of getting the sense of commitment back, and also overall confidence among the girls.”

Kogelman will begin the season with three pitchers, and she plans to use two in a game to begin the season.

Senior Hannah Towich and sophomore Erica Kuhar are back and junior Maddy Kessler will also see action.

“Right now, they don’t have the shoulder strength and stamina to rely on one person,” said Kogelman. “I am looking to use two pitchers a game. We have a number of lineups right now, and we’ll have to see how things go.”

Sophomore Haley DeSchaine will handle the bulk of the catching duties.

In the infield, junior Jocelyn Acevedo has locked down third base, but the remainder of the infield spots will be decided before the season opens on March 25. Kogelman stated all three pitchers will figure in the mix for second, shortstop and center field, depending on which pitcher starts.

Senior Haley Baez, who last played as a sophomore, has locked down one of the outfield spots with an early impressive showing.

“She (Baez) didn’t play as a junior,” said Kogelman. “She has really stepped up her game. She’ll be strong and will bring us some speed.”

Sophomores Janessa Ortiz and Natalie Burgos-Ramos also should see time in the outfield.

Junior Jade Gonzalez will provide depth.

With an overall young squad. Kogelman isn’t positive how her club will progress offensively.

“I look at them some days and think we have something here,” she said. “Then, the next day they look like they don’t have any confidence.

“We could have a couple of different scenarios and we’ll look at the basics. We’ll just have to wait until we get to game time.”

The Roughies were scheduled to have a scrimmage March 18 against Lehighton, field conditions permitting. They also are scheduled to open the season the following week, March 25, against Bangor.

Whatever the case, it will be a slow process.

“I’d like to get outside for at least a week before we begin,” added Kogelman. “You can’t get a true feeling for the game inside a gym.

“It looks like it will be hard to play our first game, but we’ll just keep working to get better.”