When the umpires handed her the game ball after her team’s 4-0 victory over Panther Valley Monday afternoon, Delaney Troxell admittedly was a bit surprised.

It was then that the Catasauqua sophomore realized she had thrown a perfect game.

Troxell struck out 15 batters and had two hits in the masterpiece that is believed to be a first in quite some time in Rough Riders’ softball history.

“When the umps gave me the ball after the game, I was a little puzzled, but I said ‘thanks,’” noted Troxell. “I honestly didn’t know that I threw a perfect game. I had a one-hitter last year, and I had at least one with a walk, but this was my first.”

Troxell managed to stay focused along the way.

“After I got the first two batters on strikeouts, I just had a good feeling about the game. It was a little chilly, mostly windy out there, but I usually get pretty warmed up quickly. We got a couple of runs in the first few innings, and we were all on point from warmups.

“Early on, (catcher) Sophia Becker told me that it was going to be my day. I was always in front all day. I did have a 2-0 count on one batter and then threw three strikes. I didn’t think about it late in the game, but I saw my coach and catcher were whispering, and I knew something was up. It was great that she (Becker) made a diving catch for the last out of the game.”

Becker truly believed Troxell could piece it all together.

“Delaney had a very positive mindset for the game that allowed her to pitch without stress,” said Becker. “She was hitting all of her spots with ease and never lost focus throughout the game.

“I’ve never seen a performance from her like this one. Her talent makes my job as a catcher much easier.”

Troxell knows their relationship is a major factor for success.

“We have played together since we were 8- or 9-years-old,” said Troxell.” She used to be the pitcher, and I was the catcher.

“Ever since seventh grade, she has been my catcher.”

Roughies’ head coach Paige Kogelman, who was an integral part of the program’s recent successful run, couldn’t recall an alumni who achieved the feat.

“I saw one on TV, but I don’t think anyone I played with had one,” she said. “They couldn’t hit her speed, and she was hitting her spots.

“Her passion, dedication, hard work, and teamwork is very unique and hard to find.”

Troxell cited the teams’ previous 15-6 win over Saucon Valley as the perfect transition into Monday.

“We were all pumped up about the big win over Saucon Valley,” she said. “Everything was clicking, and we knew we would have a good day.”

Yet, Troxell knows she has to move ahead.

“I’ll enjoy it and celebrate it with my family,” she said. “But I’ll put it on the shelf, and get ready for our next practice and game.

“We still have some more things to do.”