With Softball being a spring sport, it can be anticipated that games will be rained out here and there. However, there have been various Norwin High School softball games postponed or canceled already this 2023-34 season. In fact, so many games have been delayed that the team had 5 games scheduled back-to-back starting April 15 and ending April 19. Despite this pushback, the Lady Knights continue to fight hard for a spot in playoffs this year.
As of April 22nd, the Norwin High School Softball team has only been able to play 7 games thus far this season. This setback, however, has not stopped the players from continuing to show up and give it their all. Some of these players include 7 of Lady Knight’s starting players back from the previous 2022-2023 season: senior Brookelyn Kotch (pitcher/utility), senior Bailey Snowberger (shortstop), senior Josey Michalski (IF), junior Rachel Minteer (IF/OF), junior Izzy Deering (IF), junior Kyla Coyne (OF), and sophomore Addison Grimes (OF).
Although the team received many of their starters back, one of the biggest challenges for the team was losing many of their best players from the previous season.
“We lost a lot of stars last year, so it was definitely a building moment for us in the off-season,” said Kotch. “We definitely learned we needed to come together as a team.”
Not only is the team working on becoming a family, but each player is putting in their own efforts to contribute to the team individually.
“As a player I think I need to contribute more energy to each because there is going to be no easy game this year,” said Deering. “We have to work extra hard to win games this year.”
Norwin’s current record stands at 6-7-0 in conference and 7-8-0 overall. On May 20, the Lady Knights opened the season with a banging 6-2 win against Mt. Pleasant. Michalski and Diem Wardzinski both had home runs in this opening game. The next day, weather played a factor in postponing Norwin’s game against Greater Latrobe. The Knights had less luck in their following game against the Connellsville Falcons, losing 3-4. Although the loss was disappointing, home runs by Michalski and Minteer, as well as various runs and RBIs (runs batted in) by other players, maintained the team’s confidence heading into their game against Canon Mac on May 25. The Knights played a close game against the Big Macs and ended up winning 9-7. There were many notable achievements in this game including a grand slam by Minteer.
The Knights needed a win leading up to their game facing Butler considering Butler has historically given Norwin Softball tough competition. Unfortunately, Norwin took a discouraging 1-6 loss against Butler. From this game forward, the Norwin High School Softball Team’s record continued to fluctuate in wins and losses.
Some of the succeeding games include a strong 4-3 win against Baldwin with two home runs by Coyne and Michalski, an unfortunate loss against Hempfield, and a solid 8-5 win against Canon-McMillan once again. Sophomore Abbie Telli was named player of the week after this hard fought win, as well. Another great win for the Knights was their second consecutive win against Baldwin. Committed senior Bailey Snowberger hit a home run that kept the Lady Knights in the game, leading them to win 11-9.
Although the season thus far has given the team and fans mixed emotions, Coach Brian Mesich is confident in the team’s abilities.
“Our best game was our NA game,” said Mesich. “It was at night and field conditions weren’t great, but the team energy was really good. We made some spectacular plays and battled well. We were winning, then we were losing, and we ended up losing in the last inning. But everyone was engaged, and we finally came together as a team. Even though the end result wasn’t there, it was our first step to becoming a true team together.”
The Norwin Softball team’s season continues throughout the month of May, but the season’s length depends on the team’s ability to push their way into playoffs. Norwin currently stands in fourth place in section 1(6a), putting them in a good position to make the playoffs. Depending on the rest of the season, the Lady Knights hope to make a notable appearance in playoffs against teams such as, currently looking to be, Seneca Valley, Hempfield, North Allegheny, and others. Mesich believes the team’s hopes can only be fulfilled if the team continues to work together, fight for wins, and make adjustments according to their opponent.
“We need to be more consistent,” Mesich said. “In the field, we are making errors that we shouldn’t be making. Of course, physical errors are going to happen, but some of the other issues were at bat when people weren’t in position and we weren’t putting the ball into play. We are doing better at that now, but that has to be more consistent on a game-to-game basis.”
As the team works towards consistency, they will continue to prepare against certain teams in their section, hoping to name themselves as a tough opponent through the rest of the season.
“I am definitely nervous for Hempfield, and basically anyone that’s seated above us,” said Kotch. “I know we can definitely surprise some people based on our stats, but today’s gonna be interesting playing Seneca. You know that anyone can beat you, though. We’re ready for some surprises.”
Most recently, Norwin began their 4-game winning streak against Canon-McMillan. The streak was unfortunately cut short when Norwin lost to the top team in the section, Seneca Valley, 0-2. Despite this loss, the team and its fans hope to see a continuation of wins throughout the rest of the season.
The Norwin community will continue to support the Norwin High School softball team in their efforts heading into playoffs, hoping they can swing their way to qualifying.
