Seth Hoderewski felt he had to challenge himself this season, and the sophomore didn’t want to waste any time getting on track after experiencing a successful basketball season.

“Coming into this season, I knew I had to step up my offensive side,” he said. “During last season, I slacked in my base hits. This year I had a different approach.

“Although basketball season took over the beginning of baseball season, I had to find a way to motivate myself. Coach (Eric Schmitt) was eager for me to get back, and so was I.”

Hoderewski has made the most of his opportunities.

Through last week, he led the team in hitting with a .429 average, 19 RBIs and 24 hits. He also leads the team in triples (3), tied for the lead in runs scored (11), and is among the leaders in doubles (5).

Hoderewski has helped his team to an overall 10-7 record after their 9-6 loss to Allen last week. As of Monday, the Zephs were 11-7 overall and 8-7 in the EPC.

He realized the team would have different look after they graduated a number of seniors last year. Even though he is a sophomore, Hoderewski has already established a veteran presence, as he was a major contributor on the basketball court and baseball diamond last year.

“After losing quite a bit of seniors last year, people did not have us in the picture as a successful team,” noted Hoderewski. “With a young squad coming into this year, we knew we needed people to step up.

“I think this year has been successful for us because the younger guys stepped up, and our seniors took charge and became leaders, guiding the younger guys.”

Senior pitcher Aurelias Haddad shares similar thoughts.

“I think the biggest difference has been that we are playing really well offensively,” he said. “I believe that I am throwing better, and I feel great.”

Hoderewski and his teammates have a positive outlook as they close out the regular season this week.

“This year’s team has a connection like no other,” boasted Hoderewski. “We get along, and at the end of the day, we pay baseball and have fun.”

Standings

North

Div EPC Ovr

PM East 9-0 13-2 14-4

Stroudsburg 5-4 7-8 9-9

ES South 5-4 6-9 8-11

PM West 4-4 4-10 5-11

Pleasant Valley 3-6 3-12 5-14

ES North 0-8 0-14 0-16

East

Liberty 6-2 12-2 14-4

Nazareth 6-1 11-3 14-4

Freedom 5-3 10-4 11-7

Becahi 5-3 9-5 13-5

Easton 3-6 5-10 6-12

Dieruff 0-9 1-14 3-15

West

Emmaus 7-2 12-3 12-7

Parkland 6-3 11-4 14-5

Whitehall 6-3 8-7 11-7

Northampton 4-5 9-6 13-6

CCHS 2-7 6-9 8-11

Allen 2-7 5-10 6-12