Editor’s note: The next round of softball took place after Press deadlines.

Patriot shortstop Julia Heidemann had a home run, and Patriot senior infielders Matison Piripavel and Hailey Snisky went 4 for 4.

“Winning the EPC (East Penn Conference) championship was a great win, but we’re not done,” said Snisky, who hit a double down the third base line and had three singles on Thursday. “It felt great, great to be able to produce.”

Snisky had a tough offensive start to the 2021 season.

“I started at 0 for 12. That really destroys your confidence,” she said. “The first time we played Northampton was when I had my first hit, and I felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders.”

Now back on track, Snisky and the Pates are ready to take on Whitehall in the semifinal, which will have been played on Tuesday after Press deadlines.

The Zephyrs, seeded fourth, are the type of team that can sneak up on any other.

“We definitely need to bring the intensity,” Snisky said. “And their team is super loud, and they try to distract you.”

When Freedom last played Whitehall, the Patriots had a decent lead but lost it and the game on defense. And as their defense declined, so went their offense.

“Our first three innings were great,” said Freedom coach Michele Laubach, “so if we can play a full seven like we know we can... The girls are excited to be able to get another crack at Whitehall.”