Bethlehem Catholic’s softball team wrapped up its city rivalry games with a 4-3 victory over Liberty last week at Becahi.

“It was huge because we’re having a horrible year and it’s not that we’re a bad team. I think we’re a pretty good team, but things are happening and we’re losing. Maybe now they’re going to start believing in themselves,” said Becahi coach Rich Mazza. “I wouldn’t have cared who it was. We beat a good team. If you beat a good team, then you’re capable of being a good team yourself.”

Down 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning, Becahi’s Mackenzie Brandon tied it with a two-run home run.

“First pitch, I just took it to the outfield and I thought the center fielder was camping under it and she had it, and I was so nervous because I wanted to win this game so bad and when it went over, I was so happy,” Brandon said. “We knew this was going to be a tough one because we know Paige and we know how she pitches but we had to take her pitches where they go.”

The Hurricanes took back the lead on a solo home run by Alexa Burger, but in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Hawks had two runners on base with singles by Ashley Judd and Jaden Spigner. A wild pitch advanced the runners and with two outs, Alyssa Jiminez hit a double to center putting the Hawks ahead 4-3.

“I’m pretty calm in there, usually, and I was hitting her pretty well all day, so I went in there pretty confident,” said Jiminez. “It was my favorite pitch, inside low. I felt like, right there, we pretty much won the game.”

Others were not as certain when the heart of Liberty’s order came up to bat in the top of the seventh.

“In my mind, it was to keep the ball as far off the plate as I can to get a strike, just keep it in the lines and try and put as much movement as I can so it either pops up or grounds out,” said Becahi pitcher Emma Bond. “I felt really good today.”

Two strike outs, one walk, and a fly ball to right ended the game.

“I’m so happy,” Bond said. “I felt like I helped my team as best as I could and finally got a good game going.”