Catasauqua head softball coach Paige Kogelman believes her team’s recent 8-6 victory over Salisbury can be a game-changer for her squad.

“Every single girl found herself,” said Kogelman. “We worked as a team. They would see what needs to be down for us to move forward.

We were down 4-0, and we fought back. That was huge for us.”

The Rough Riders (2-3) previously dropped a 15-1 decision to Northwestern the day before, but Kogelman wasn’t overly concerned.

“We used it as a learning game for us,” she said. “We knew they were a very good team. We wanted to work some of the younger girls in the lineup.”

Freshman Delaney Troxell and sophomore Alivia June have been the anchors of the team’s pitching staff, and the duo also has been effective at the plate.

Troxell was 1-2 with a home run against Northwestern, and she had a two-run homer against Salisbury.

She has noticed a difference in her team.

“Our last game against Salisbury was very exciting,” she said. “We were down 4-0, and we started to make a run by making plays, getting on base, and working together as a team,” she said.

“Our hard work and dedication is paying off.”

Kogelman appreciates her duo because of their diversity in their approach.

“Alivia and Delaney are drastically different in their style,” she said. “It’s better how they can mix it up.

“It’s great to have two strong pitchers, and I’m not concerned about pitching at this point. We have one of two other girls who could pitch if needed.”

Kogelman wants her team to take a practical approach to hitting.

“We needed a different mentality to hitting,” she said. “It’s not just about the home run. They’re just starting to realize that. Eight singles outshine two home runs anytime. We can be just as effective getting a sacrifice bunt down.”

She also credited the play of Sophia Becker, Hailey Descahine, and Melissa Rice, all of whom have been major contributors lately.

After a rainout Monday against Southern Lehigh, the Roughies will have a busy week ahead with Pen Argyl Wednesday, the makeup with Southern Lehigh Thursday and Palisades Saturday.

Kogelman noticed an uptick in her team at an indoor practice.

“They were working on their techniques and the little things,” she said. “You can see them willing to work to get better.

“The girls need to go out and play. It is about them going out and giving it their all, no matter who we play.”