As a freshman, Hannah Edwards was in awe.

“We had a lot of camaraderie, and the whole town rallied around us,” remembered Edwards. “I still remember the stands being packed at Pates Park. Those are the moments – of community – that I’ll remember forever.”

Edwards – who hit a team-high .659 with 52 stolen bases – recalled the 2013 softball season in which her Catasauqua teammates captured the school’s first Colonial League Championship since 1981 with a 6-0 victory over Pen Argyl. The team beat North Schuylkill, but they then lost to Pen Argyl in the District Class 2A final, and they finished with an overall record of 18-6.

This season marked the 10th anniversary of the title, and this year’s Roughies made their first appearance in a postseason game since 2015.

Catty’s lineup was composed of Olivia Schlofer at first base; Erika Lebron, second base; Danielle Lilly, shortstop; Jordan Dardas, third base; current head coach Paige Kogelman, center field; Edwards, right field; Amarys Moten, left field; and Shea O’Brien, designated hitter.

Alexis Ayache was the starting pitcher and Janae Matos was the catcher. Ayache was 14-2 with a 1.81 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 104 innings.

Reserves were Kortney Kunkle, Tori Scott, Jordan Matchette, Autumn Schray, Shiloh Sziy and Abby Preletz. Victor Diaz and John O’Connell served as assistant coach.

Thomas, who had a 10-year stint at Catty, knew from the start that it was a special year.

“We scrimmaged Liberty in the preseason and played very well against them,” said Thomas. “After that scrimmage, we knew we had a pretty special group.

“This group of girls loved to play softball and that it showed in their style of play and how they practiced. The upperclassmen lead by example, whether it was extra reps in the cage or working on defense. The group of seniors we had that year, Paige Kogelman and Erika Lebron for example, were the first group we had coached for all of their four years of high school.”

Thomas also saw flexibility as a big part of the team’s success.

“We had strong upperclassman leadership that helped bring along our younger players,” said Thomas.” The players were accepting of position changes we needed to make to improve the team overall,” said Thomas. “Erika Lebron moved from the outfield to second base and a few games into the year Olivia Schlofer became our everyday first baseman.”

Schlofer, who hit .311, also was a freshman who valued the support form the coaches and upper classmen.

“I don’t remember many technical specifics, but I do remember how supportive and awesome the coaching staff was and the team dynamic we had. I felt like as a freshman everyone was super supportive and welcoming. We all really worked well together.”

Matos, who hit .450 and was tied for the team lead in RBIs with 30, also watched a tight bond develop before her as a senior leader.

“That was one of the best years,” said Matos, who is a teacher in the Allentown School District and an assistant softball coach at Moravian. “We had a mix of talented returners and new talent to the roster.

“The best part was how everyone clicked as a team. Everyone knew their role and accepted what they brought to the team. Our coaches kept things fun and focused, which was the good balance we needed.”

Matos always was confident that the team could win.

“We knew it was our best shot,” she added. “We talked about getting our name on the banner in the gym and setting ourselves to be part of the program’s history.”

Kogelman, who has been the head coach for the past four seasons, saw the connection among the team thrive over the years. She hit .328 and was tied for a team-high 30 RBIs.

“The reason that year was so special and so good is because we were a team that played together our whole lives,” said Kogelman. “We knew how to play as one, which was a huge advantage. We were so sick of being the underdogs, and we didn’t take anyone’s stuff.

“We should have gone to states that year, but unfortunately, we came up short. It was a great way to end my senior year and my high school career.”

Edwards, who also led the team in hits (56) and runs (40), cherished the moments and longtime friendships.

“We all played together since we were eight years old, and it was a really unique experience,” said Edwards. “I was fortunate to be led by an amazing group of seniors, who led the way and set the tone for us to get as far as we did. There’s no better feeling than coming together as a team to achieve something like that.”

Thomas has some lasting impressions of that moment in Catasauqua history.

“One lasting memory I have is whenever I hear Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.,” he said. “It immediately takes me back to that night. After the game was over and pictures were being taken, this song was being played over the loudspeaker.

“I often think about my ten years at Catty, and I have wonderful memories with all the players I coached, but this group was pretty special.”