The Freedom Patriots will be represented by three of its softball players on the Lehigh Valley team for the Carpenter Cup Softball Classic, a three-day tournament sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Julia Griffith, Natalie Stannard, and Julia Heineman are headed to FDR Park in Philadelphia this week when their talents will be showcased in front of college coaches.

Because the Lehigh Valley team, coached by Whitehall softball coach Blake Morgan, includes players from several different schools throughout District XI, it will be the first time the team of 15 play together.

“I’m excited to play with these girls, and I know some of the girls from tournament teams,” said Griffith, who plays for Explosion. “We all got along pretty well when we met.”

Last week’s practice was cut short due to rain, but it still provided an opportunity for some basic fielding drills and batting.

Stannard, an outfielder, and Heineman, an infielder, saw ample playing time at Freedom this year, but Griffith is a pitcher, and with a senior pitcher in the circle for the Pates this past season, Griffith is looking forward to her chance to show off her drop curve and screwball.

“That’s the goal. The way I’m looking at it, if I’m doing my best, I’ll have my defense behind me,” she said. “I was in a showcase last weekend past Quakertown, and I think it’s motivation to focus on doing your best.”

Lehigh Valley will have played three games on Monday with the hope of returning on Wednesday for a run at the Carpenter Cup Softball Championship.