JEFFERSON TWP — There's no mistaking Scott Docherty's voice.

During a typical Knoch HighSchool softball game, the words from the first-year Knights coach echo throughout the lower field at Laura Doerr Park.

"Code Black!"

"Code Red!"

Docherty bellows these phrases from time to time, instructing his team as to what he would like them to do next.

He might have saved the Knights' program from a Code Blue.

Knoch won one game last season and only three the year before that. The program was on life support, it's vital signs barely registering.

This season, following a 9-3 win over Highlands Wednesday afternoon, the Knights are 7-1 and cruising toward what was unthinkable just 12 months ago: a playoff spot.

"These girls have been called losers in the past," Docherty said. "They are not losers."

It got so bad last year that members of the team almost were ashamed to wear the uniform.

They heard it at school, from the opposing team and even from each other.

"We were shunned so bad, they spelled Knoch wrong," said senior left-fielder Meghan Bastin. "No one cared. It was pretty low."

But there's no knocking Knoch these days.

The bandwagon, nearly empty last season, has picked up new passengers almost every day this season.

The Knights started the year 6-0, but fell toValley, 1-0, in eight innings on Monday before rebounding for their first section win against Highlands Wednesday.

"We have people here lining all up and down the fence," said senior Autumn Miller. "Last year, we'd have a couple of parents and that's it. Last year at school, we'd get made fun of. This year, we're throwing it back in their face."

The key for Knoch as been its potent lineup and steady pitching. That was in full view against the Rams.

The Knights pounded out 12 hits, including four doubles. Kristen Brant, Jade Thrower and Lizz King each had a double, a single and two RBI in the game.

Eight of the nine players in the lineup had at least one hit, and leadoff hitter Zoe Hughes scored three runs.

That was plenty of support for freshman pitcher Chelsea Martin, who struck out eight in seven innings.

"These girls are in the cage all the time," Docherty said. "They've probably hit 2,000 balls each, and they are doing well.

"The key is hitting. I was always taught good pitching will keep you in the game. Good hitting will win you the game."

Knoch is just one win shy of clinching a winning season. But the goals are by no means that modest anymore. The Knights feel like they can do much, much more.

"We're 7-1 now, and it's just the beginning of what we're going to do this season," Miller said.

Senior Jackie Brodeur, who moved into the South Butler School District from New Jersey before this school year, has a unique perspective.

At the first practice, she looked around at the players and scratched her head.

She was bewildered.

"It was interesting coming in fresh," she said. "In all our practices, I could tell we had a group of very talented girls. I didn't understand how they won only one game last year."

Highlands 000 021 0—3 7 3Knoch 103 401 x—9 12 2WP: Chelsea Martin (7 IP) 8 strikeouts, 3 walks.

LP: Sarah Mark (3 IP) 1 strikeout, 1 walk

Highlands: Courtney Kordes 2-1B, RBI; Katie Grimes 1B, RBI; Amanda Gladowski 2B; Sarah Mark 2B, RBI

Knoch (7-1, 1-0): Zoe Hughes 1B, 3-R; Meghan Bastin 1B; Jackie Brodeur 2B, 2-RBI; Kristen Brant 2B, 1B, 2-RBI; Jade Thrower 2B, 1-B, 2-RBI; Lizz King 2B, 1B, 2-RBI; Michelle Steinmiller 1B; Martin 1B.

Wednesday: Knoch at Indiana