Never mind that the Freedom Patriots lost handfuls of seniors to graduation last year, the defending East Penn Conference champions plan to be in the EPC tournament again.

“We run our program year-round but support our multisport athletes,” said Freedom head coach Michele Laubach. “We run clinics and volunteer in the community, and it’s the pride we’ve instilled in Freedom softball that the kids look up to, so we expect to be in the league tournament.”

The Patriots will be led by captains Kaitlin McDevitt, a senior who will bat cleanup as designated hitter, and junior shortstop Julia Heineman.

Despite McDevitt’s veteran status, the power hitter has never played in a game, starting with the year of the COVID pandemic, and last year, as a result of injury, but her home runs in the Patriots’ two scrimmages last week, as well as one she hit at Coca-Cola Park garnered her votes as a captain and a key spot in the batting lineup.

Heineman was one of last season’s top offensive leaders for the Pates.

Also returning is Kean University commit Natalie Stannard, the senior left fielder who hit the game-winning run in last year’s EPC semifinal against Parkland.

While the Patriots have always been a very good hitting team, Coach Laubach is working to get her new, young pitchers consistent, so there is no definitive plan regarding the rotation of junior Julia Griffith and sophomore Madison Glick.

Senior Emily Phillipi is also in the mix, playing first base when Griffith pitches while Griffith plays first when Glick is in the circle.

Taylor Pavolko will start in center field, and Madelin Cooper is slated to start in right.

Brianna Cole, a junior, is returning behind the plate.

With two scrimmages behind them, a win against Berwick and a one-run loss to North Hunterdon, the Patriots are primed to take on Bethlehem Catholic this Tuesday, past Press deadlines.

“Beca is always good,” Laubach said. “This will be a strategy game.”