When she took over the Catasauqua softball program in 2019, Paige Kogelman wanted to mold the program after her days as a player in the program.

Back then, Kogelman was part of a perennial power that won the 2013 Colonial League Championship.

But with an exodus of players from their run, Kogelman knew it would take time.

Over the past few years, wins were scarce and the team even experienced a winless season.

Still, it was about building with youth, and Kogelman remained confident. Without a senior last season, the Rough Riders worked their way to an 8-12 season, the most victories in a campaign in quite some time.

As a result, expectations are high for the Roughies this spring.

“We are very fortunate to have all our players return from last year,” said Kogelman. “We did not have any seniors last season.

“We grew as a team, and you could see the progress. The girls started to believe in themselves. They know what they can accomplish.”

Junior Delaney Troxell, who is approaching the 500 career strikeout mark, is back to lead the pitching staff. Troxell had an overall 7-12 mark last season and had 139 strikeouts. Over her first two years, Troxell had 271 strikeouts and 51 hits.

“Delaney is one of the hardest working players on the team,” said Kogelman. “She has been a real inspiration to our team.

“She has been able to accomplish many things in two years, and I can’t wait to see what she can do over the next two years.”

Troxell certainly has high aspirations for the year ahead. She also led the team in hitting last season with a .439 average.

“Having the majority of our team back and adding two freshmen to our infield helps tremendously,” she said. “We have a lot of girls in the outfield, which gives us a lot of options.

“Our goal this season is to make the playoffs, and with the way we have been practicing, I hope this goal can be accomplished.”

Fellow junior Sophia Becker again will be behind the plate, and she hit above .350.

Senior Nayeska Miranda is back at first base, and fellow senior Alivia June at short. Junior Jane Armbruster will be in left field, senior Cora Soltis in center, and junior Delanie Popa in right.

Kogelman also expects freshmen Mikayla Bird and Briana Deschaine to make an impact. Being a few games away from a district berth last year, Kogelman also expects her team to take the next step.

“This year we have our eyes set on districts and we are not looking back,” she stressed. “We are stronger than ever.“