Bethlehem Catholic third baseman Addison Roche and Liberty infielder Julia Luisser are returning to this year’s Lehigh Valley Carpenter Cup softball team, which will have had its first games on Tuesday, past Press deadlines.

“It’s a little different this year because I know a couple more girls, and I’m more relaxed,” said Roche. “I think we will do well.”

The team practiced this past Sunday under head coach Blake Morgan.

“Batting practice was definitely different from high school and tournament softball because we did coach pitch instead of machines,” Roche said.

Luisser also got a lot out of live batting practice.

“I worked on the inside pitch, turning on it and not letting it travel too far inside,” she said.

This past Wednesday, the Lehigh Valley team bonded at an Iron Pigs game.

“It was really fun, and we had an amazing time,” said Luisser. “Being a second-year player, it’s still kind of new, but I’m looking forward to getting there and actually doing it.”

Luisser and Roche would like to continue their playing careers once they go to college.

Roche has verbally committed to East Stroudsburg University.

“I really love the coach, and I think she can help me improve on my skills and make me a better player,” said Roche. “I’m open to any position that she needs me.”

Luisser is considering Bloomsburg University but is open.

“I went to a hitting camp there,” said Luisser. “They have a good coach and staff, and the players are nice.

One of the draws to playing in the Carpenter Cup Softball Tournament is that college coaches will be in attendance.

The double elimination tournament, being played at FDR Park in Philadelphia, is scheduled to end on Wednesday.