Catasauqua head girls’ basketball coach Mark Seremula certainly had a memorable season in 2020-21.

It was the last time his Rough Riders made the district playoffs because of the COVID all-team invite, and his team also had a winless season.

It truly was an anti-climatic season.

Early this past Monday evening, Seremula knew his team was headed back to the area’s big dance when they routed Kutztown, 47-20. With the victory, the Roughies upped their record to 11-7.

It was a relief for Seremula and his players, who missed the district playoffs by one game with their 10-12 record last season. Prior to the 2020-21 campaign, the Roughies’ last district appearance was in the 2007-08 season under former head coach Dave Troxell.

Against Kutztown, Hailey Jenkins had a team-high 20 points and Sophia Becker added 15.

Seremula was ecstatic for the victory as well as grateful to reach the much-anticipated goal with a senior-laced squad. The Roughies will finish the regular season with games against Wilson, Moravian Academy, Notre Dame of East Stroudsburg, and Northwestern. They began Wednesday’s play seeded fourth in the district Class 3A bracket,

“We controlled the pace of the game with our pressure and qualified for districts,” boasted Seremula. “I’m so happy for the girls. Our seniors have been working toward this goal. They also have done a great job with the younger players. You can see how our chemistry has built this season.

“The hard work that they all put in has paid off.”

Senior Delaney Troxell knew it was a longtime coming for the district date.

“Getting into districts means a lot to me and the other seniors,” she said. “In our freshman year, we didn’t have any wins and now our senior year getting to the district tournament feels amazing.

“We have been working very hard every practice to get to this point, and now we have to push ourselves for the tournament.”

Fellow senior Sophia Becker also reflected upon the long journey of the past three years.

“After winning no games my freshman year, finally getting to districts means a lot to me,” offered Becker. “I have enjoyed playing with this group of girls more than anything, and I can’t imagine it ending anytime soon.

“I am prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure we make it as far into the districts as possible. I want to bring home a district championship for my team and for my coaches.”