Four months ago, Parkland High School softball players were in the same situation as other high school athletes around the state. They were unsure if they would be able to play together this year when their season was shut down during the second week of spring practice.

So when Freedom head coach Michele Laubach organized the first Lehigh Valley High School Softball Showcase tournament, 16 high school teams were able to put on their school colors for the first and last times during the 2020 season for a three-day event.

“She did an outstanding job and all the coaches and players have to thank her for putting it together for the kids,” said acting Trojans head coach Stan Luckenbill. “We haven’t seen these kids for four months. I forgot their names. It was just so nice to see them again. It was a good way to say goodbye.”

The Trojans went 4-0 in back-to-back days to bring home yet another trophy, their first ever in July. They have won 16 District 11 championships, 22 league titles and five state crowns as a part of their resume.

“It’s a great tradition, I’m so glad that I got to be a part of it,” said Giana Schick on the Parkland program. “My coaches definitely molded me and set me ready to go to college. We have titles. And it’s just a great experience with all the girls.”

On the first day of competition, last Wednesday at Moore Township Park, Parkland shutout both Bethlehem Catholic (7-0) and Stroudsburg (6-0) to advance to the final four the following day at Coca-Cola Park, the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Konkrete Kids opened a 3-0 lead in just their first at-bats of the semifinal last Thursday. But the Trojans answered, getting two runs back, highlighted by an RBI double by Schick. In the bottom of the second, Allison Superka connected on a two-run double which put Parkland in front 4-3, and that would be all it needed.

“I just wanted to help my team,” said Superka. “I’m just having so much fun to be with my team one last time. All the coaches gave me high-fives and my parents gave me a huge hug. It was just great.”

In the championship game against the Patriots, the Trojans once again were forced to come from behind. Parkland fell behind 2-0 before tying it at 2-2. Schick then came through again with an RBI single in the third, proving to be the game-winner. Senior Andrea Thomas broke the game open in the next at-bat and made it 6-2 with a three-run homer to left field.

Parkland junior pitcher Katie Zaun took home the tournament MVP award, pitching in all four games.