The Fox Chapel High School softball team staged its own type of Cinco de Mayo celebration last week.
The Foxes blasted Plum, 8-1, to claim their first section crown since 2004. It was a special moment, especially coming off of a 1-13 record last year.
“We're having a special season,” FC coach Tom Wamsley said. “The girls started to realize it not too long ago. They wanted to get one of those section champ banners hanging in the gym, and they did it.
“It's been a team effort and everybody's been pitching in. They've been working hard to erase the memories of last year. They knew what they had to do during the offseason, and they came in ready to make people forget about last year.”
Senior shortstop Megan Walkowski enjoyed the moment, she said before preparing for Tuesday's first-round matchup against Seneca Valley (14-3) in a game that was scheduled to played after deadline for this edition.
“It was just a great feeling,” she said. “This will be the first time in the playoffs for the seniors, and it's a great thrill. We've been through a lot in our four years and making the playoffs in our final shot is special. Our hard work has paid off.”
The Foxes, despite getting blasted 13-3 by Mars in a nonsection game May 6, got some uplifting news later on in the evening. Gateway, which had been tied for first with the Foxes, dropped a 2-1 section game to Franklin Regional, giving Wamsley's team sole possession of the section title.
“We'll enjoy the moment,” he said afterward. “Then we'll start getting ready for the playoffs. We have to keep doing what we've been doing all year. Good pitching, timely hitting and a lot of confidence. We'll be ready.”
For the six seniors on the team, this was their first playoff appearance. Izzy Bungo, the second baseman, said the team put their nose to the grindstone this year.
“We were a lot more focused,” she said. “We were veterans who had been through tough seasons, and I think we were relaxed this year. We knew we had to show some leadership to the younger players, and we were like moms or big sisters to them. We wanted them to learn what they would have to do when they were seniors.”
Kelsey Feeney, a hard-hitting third baseman, thought the team was going to turn things around.
“I knew we had the capabilities to do it,” she said. “Confidence was the key to our success. We knew we were better than a 1-13 team, and we had to prove it on the field. We'll be facing some good teams in the playoffs, but if we bring our ‘A' game, we'll be a tough opponent.”
Designated hitter Kat Nestel agreed.
“We went through some tough times last year, but it taught us what it takes to lose,” Nestel said. “We also learned what it takes to win. (The seniors) felt like we were seniors two times. Last year, there were no seniors on the team, and we had to assume a leadership role. We developed a tough skin and came back this year knowing we weren't going to repeat last season. Plus, we had some good players coming up, and we knew we'd have a successful season.”
Other seniors on the team are Alison Arnone and Taylor Edwards.
Marty Stewart is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at 412-782-2123 or mstewart@tribweb.com.
