Everything was falling into place in preparation for the start of Freedom’s softball season when the Patriots were informed that games and practices would be on hold for an unknown length of time due to concerns about the contagiousness of the coronavirus.

“I think we were all confused and in shock, and at that time, not many details were shared,” said Freedom coach Michele Laubach, who was out of town when the news broke. “My assistant coach Lauren Frederick was in charge in my absence, and I instructed her to gather the team and explain what was happening.”

The 2020 Pates are a healthy team with a solid pitching rotation, and unlike last year, good weather had been on their side since the start of official practices.

Competing for the starting pitcher role are senior Juliana Presto, junior Jen Slanovec, and junior Abby Husser.

Junior Matison Piripavel will do the catching for the Pates.

Junior Hailey Snisky will start at first base, and juniors Jade Hofman and Allison Crilly are also competing for the infield at the corners.

Juniors Brenna Ortwein will play second base, Corrin Gill will play shortstop, and Gabby Glick will be in the outfield.

“[All three] were still playing basketball, and Ortwein was a captain last season, so her leadership absence was felt,” said Laubach.

Senior Makenzie Smith will start at center field, and lone sophomore Natalie Stannard, who stepped into a big role as a freshman, and who Laubach said has proved to earn a start this year, will also play in the outfield.

Freshmen Brianna Cole, who is promising at the plate, and Taylor Pavolko are also contending for outfield positions.

“Both are versatile in positions on the field,” said Laubach.

The Patriots had two scrimmages scheduled, one against Phillipsburg and one against North Hunterdon, but those never had the chance to be played. Their first regular season game would have been against William Allen on March 24.

“I’m a positive person. We can still have a season once the public safety is not a concern anymore. I think we can condense what we need and extend the season. We are all used to playing back-to-back games in previous seasons with weather rescheduling,” Laubach said.

“This is a different reason to reschedule, but I support whatever our league, A.D., district, and state decide. The decision is out of our control, but I’m expecting our athletes are completing their workouts with the expectation we will play and be ready to go.”