Playing three sports as well as keeping a busy traveling team schedule, Sophia Becker isn’t used to having time away from a sport.

This spring, it was a frustrating time for the Catasauqua softball senior.

Becker missed some time early this season with a broken foot.

“It definitely was really hard watching games from the sidelines instead of playing,” stressed Becker. “I tried my best to be there for my teammates in every way possible, but it really hurt that I couldn’t be on the field.”

One of seven seniors on the roster, Becker knows this team may need time some time to mature. They finished 10-12 last season and advanced to the second round of districts. This season, the Rough Riders got off to a 1-3 start.

This year’s team has the predominant makeup of seven seniors and six freshmen, making it an interesting and challenging mix to blend.

“Our team is made up of upperclassmen and underclassmen,” noted Becker. “Since I have been out, three freshman had to start, which ordinarily wouldn’t be the case.

“Now that our backup catcher is back at softball, we should be able to restructure positions a little bit. Sometimes, it has been difficult because the starting five seniors on our team have a lot of softball knowledge, but the underclassmen aren’t as experienced on the field.

“It’s hard to play at two different levels at practice, but we hope the younger girls are able to rise up with the guidance of the seniors.”

Teammate and batterymate Delaney Troxell was be glad to see Becker back. Freshman Ava Wetzel has seen some time in the catcher’s role.

“Not having Sophia is a big loss for our team offensively and defensively,” said Troxell. “Rylee is a freshman who has stepped up and filled her role in our defense, and she has been doing a great job behind the plate.

“It will be a relief when she (Becker) comes back.”

If she is cleared with her X-rays, Becker expects to be back on the field this week. However, she’ll be at first base instead of being behind the plate. Freshman Rylee Boushell has seen some time in the catcher’s role.

Becker is anxious to being a major contributor again. The Roughies have games with Northwestern and Northern Lehigh this week.

“I’m hoping to play my first game back this week,” added Becker. “I fully trusted our backup catchers who did a good job. I can’t wait to get back on the field.”