For Sophia Becker, reality set in after a 6-1 loss to Williams Valley in a PIAA District 11 Class 2A semifinal.

The loss ended the Rough Riders season and left them with an overall 11-11 record.

“The last game was tough for everybody on the team,” offered Becker, who is a senior. “Knowing this could be the seniors’ final game, we collectively worked to win. Unfortunately, we came up short with errors that could have been avoided.

“It is really difficult to let go of a sport that I have played since I was little. Softball has been a part of my life since I can remember. It truly hurts to know that I have played my last game.

“I am grateful for the time I had on the softball team as well as field hockey and basketball it has been a blessing to have spent so much of life working toward becoming a better athlete, and I will forever treasure my experiences and lessons.”

The Roughies were the fourth seed in the Class 2A bracket, and they opened with a 6-2 win over Minersville. In the game against Williams Valley, Becker had one of the team’s five hits, and she finished the year with a .361 average, 22 hits and 11 RBIs. She missed part of the season with a broken foot.

Head coach Paige Kogelman was pleased with the season, but she wasn’t totally satisfied. The Roughies will lose six seniors off their roster.

“Overall, our record did not display how good this group of girls were and how proud I am of them,” boasted Kogelman. “In many of these games, we fell short due to our own errors and mistakes. But they continued to fight every day, and that was all I could have asked of them.

“We always needed to work as a unit. We saw what this team was capable of when we all played together. But if one or two lower the bar, the outcome is undesired.”

Fellow senior Delaney Troxell, who pitched every game for the Roughies, cherished every moment along the way. She surpassed the 100-hit plateau and the 600-strikeout level for her career. For the season, Troxell hit .414 with 29 hits, 16 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. She also went 11-11 with a 2.77 ERA and had 205 strikeouts and 13 walks.

“The season went extremely well,” offered Troxell. “I am so proud of my team and how we came back from a rough start. I am grateful for how successful a career I have had. I have had huge support through my coaches, teammates, and the Catasauqua community.

“I can’t believe these four years have flown by. I will always love wearing the brown and white.”