Every now and then, we all need a reminder of why we do what we do.

I was fortunate enough to receive one of those Wednesday afternoon at Seneca Valley High School.

Knoch’s varsity softball team advanced in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs that day with a 6-5 victory over Montour. But that’s not the story.

The way the Knights advanced — and the circumstances surrounding it — are why I cover sports for a living.

Jessi Reed is one of two seniors on Knoch’s team. She drilled a two-run double in the second inning to give her team the lead. Pitching-wise, she did not survive the third inning.

Montour produced five runs on five hits against Reed, who was moved to left field as sophomore Celia Knappenberger took over the pitching duties.

A senior replaced by a sophomore in the middle of a playoff game — perhaps Reed’s final high school game — would mark a blow to one’s pride, maybe?

Not at all.

To the contrary, Reed said she should have been pulled and lauded the performance of Knappenberger, who allowed two hits and no runs in getting the win in relief.

It was Reed, in fact, who gave Knappenberger a chance to get that win by socking a home run to left field in the seventh inning. That proved to be the winning run.

And how did Knappenberger feel about her performance? A sophomore coming up big like that in such a clutch situation could be cause for some self-adulation.

Not in this case.

Knappenberger deflected all credit to her teammates playing the field, saying she had full confidence that any of them would make the defensive play on any ball hit in their direction.

Then there’s Montour freshman Lindsey Penz, standing at the plate with two runners on and two outs in the final inning. She quickly fell behind 0-2 in the count.

But this girl kept fighting. Three straight foul balls. Working the count back to 2-2. Two more foul balls.

Eventually, Penz put the ball in play — a slow roller to shortstop — and was barely thrown out at first base.

Jubilation on one side of the field, tears on the other.

And the classy way that all of these young athletes handle the moment.

That is why I cover sports. It is a privilege to witness such things.

Knoch has two seniors on its team. Montour has one. Doubtless, more success on the field lies ahead for these two programs.

But high school sports are about student-athletes representing their respective schools in the field of competition. It’s about having fun while learning about respect, teamwork and humility.

An extension of the classroom? Absolutely.

On this day, Jessi Reed, Celia Knappenberger, Lindsey Penz and all members of both teams, passed with flying colors.

It’s great when kids “get it.” Witnessing such a thing? Fantastic.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle