Bethlehem Catholic’s run in the PIAA Class 4A state softball tournament came to an end after a 2-1 loss to Villa Joseph Marie in a semifinal game last Thursday at Spring-Ford High School in Royersford.

“It was just an unfortunate series of events,” said Becahi coach Dave King, regarding Villa Joseph Marie’s two runs scored in the top of the first inning.

First was an overturned call at third base where Villa Joseph Marie’s Ava Tsiouplis was initially called out, and Tsiouplis later scored on a bases-loaded walk. Abi Evans was then hit by a pitch, and the Jems scored another run.

In the bottom of the third inning, Becahi’s Jordan Merklin laid down a bunt that spun still, stole second base, and reached third on a wild pitch. Hailey Pyle’s sacrifice fly to center field scored the Hawks’ only run.

A similar scenario presented itself in the bottom of the second when Francesca Oberholzer was hit by a pitch, stole second base, and reached third on a wild pitch but didn’t score.

Oberholzer led off the fourth inning with a single past third base, but was out on a fielder’s choice. Kristal Torres had a single to the outfield, and Angie Iovino had an infield hit, but Sarah Banko was also called out on a fielder’s choice.

Becahi pitcher Emma Bond worked her way out of a bases-loaded, fifth-inning jam, forcing a fly ball to right fielder Leah Chladny who made the catch and ended the Jems’ threat.

Becahi catcher Teighan Boyle led off the sixth inning with a base hit to center but was out at second on a fielder’s choice, and Torres drew a walk.

“We didn’t do enough to win, and that’s the truth. We didn’t do enough to win,” Coach King said. “This was the wrong time for a bad game, that’s all. Simple as that.”

Saying goodbye to seniors Bond, Boyle, Merklin, and Iovino, King told them they had a great run.

“Who could say anything bad? It was awesome,” said King. “We did a list the other day of every piece of bad luck that happened to us this year, but they’re just so resilient, and I couldn’t be prouder right now. Coach (Rich) Mazza couldn’t be prouder of them. I thought we might have a chance to make it to Penn State. They deserved a shot at it, but it didn’t happen.”