The Whitehall softball team was one of two squads to make the state playoffs last spring, and this season could have provided another trip to that “third season” as head coach Blake Morgan has often referred to the PIAA playoffs.

Last spring saw the Zephyrs compete in three district finals, with boys volleyball claiming a title, while baseball and softball finished second in their respective championship games.

Their postseason performance in the district playoffs earned the softball the a berth in the PIAA playoff where they accompanied the volleyball team in a quest for a state title. And with an experienced roster intact heading into 2020, it would not have been presumptive to believe they had a good chance of returning to state playoffs.

Morgan said that it’s obviously a disappointment, and it’s magnified when considering that their lone senior, Amanda Mortimer, won’t be able to experience another season where a deeper state run was possible.

“It’s hard when it gets taken away from you,” said Morgan.

That comes into sharp focus when he talks about Mortimer who was looking forward to a good senior season, and now that’s not to be. Mortimer had been a captain since her sophomore season, and as a three-year starter, her leadership would have been invaluable this year.

Morgan also said that when he took over the program after Alexis Berg-Townsend stepped down, Mortimer played a vital role in welcoming him and his coaching staff. He said she was that bridge between the players with varsity experience, and the underclassmen who were getting their feet wet in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. She helped build those relationships.

“We’re really going to miss her,” said Morgan.

He said that she would have had a big role in a season where they were building upon last year’s state playoff appearance.

He’s also looking for a way to honor her contributions since Mortimer won’t have a senior night to recognize her achievements.

With those plans now scuttled, the Zephyrs will train their sights on retuning in 2021.

“We’ll just have to wait and get ready for next year,” he said.

Morgan’s also involved in the Carpenter Cup softball team, coaching the team for the last few years. He said that nothing definite has been decided regarding Lehigh Valley’s participation.

“Everybody’s just in a wait-and-see mode,” Morgan said.

That also extends to summer leagues and tournament play. He said that it’s unwise to be too hasty regarding a definite decision at this time. It’s better to evaluate everything once the summer rolls around.

“Right now, you just don’t know,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold.”

Morgan, who’s a restaurateur, is just going to see what the next day has in store. This season may be over for his softball team, but they’ll return another strong group that will make 2021 a year to look forward to.