Yellowjackets stinging
FREEPORT — Freeport's softball team is used to success, not missing the WPIAL playoffs since 2009.
But the Yellowjackets have taken their play to a higher level in 2018.
Freeport will enter the upcoming Class 3A district playoffs as the Section 1 champion with an undefeated record of 12-0.
It is the first section crown for the 'Jackets since they shared the title with Burrell in 2000.
“We were positive about the season before it started and felt we could make a run for the section title,” said Freeport coach Sam Ross. “We knew we'd be right there.”
“Freeport has always had good sports teams. To be part of the softball team that has been really good this year, it's pretty cool,” said senior second baseman/pitcher Ashleigh Schmidt.
The 'Jacket offense has been potent all season, not scoring less than four runs in any game and averaging nearly 11 runs per contest.
The lineup is led by its first four batters — Schmidt, Tori Radvan, Ally DeJidas and Claire Crytzer. The quartet sports a combined batting average of .482 (67-of-139).
DeJidas, a junior center fielder and three-year starter, leads the team in batting average (.622), runs (25), RBI (22) and home runs (five).
“She has been intentionally walked several times this year,” said Ross. “Defensively, she covers a lot of ground. We always expect something good out of her.”
“I wanted to be better than I was in previous years and I worked all off-season to make that happen,” said DeJidas. “I'm willing to do anything to help the team.”
As a team, Freeport has hit 15 home runs this season, including three from freshman Maya Borghol. Senior Jenna Hildebrand and freshman Emily Schmidt have also shown long-ball capability and are batting .361 and .429, respectively.
“There are games when we score a lot in the first couple of innings,” said Ashleigh Schmidt. “In other games, we've scored to come back and win. You never know when it's coming.”
Freeport is batting .379 as a team.
“Over the last few years, we were overwhelmed by teams like Burrell, Deer Lakes and South Park because of how strong their lineups were, one through nine,” said Ross. “Now, we're that strong.”
Ashleigh Schmidt and Radvan, a sophomore, have logged 66.2 of the team's 75 innings pitched this season and have combined for 62 strikeouts and just 12 walks. DeJidas is a third option in the circle. Her one start this season yielded a 5-inning no-hitter against East Allegheny.
“Ally is a left-hander, so she gives opponents something different to think about,” said Ross.
As much talent as Freeport has, intangibles have played just as big a role in the team's success.
“We have good chemistry, a belief in each other and a belief in ourselves,” said Crytzer. “It gives us confidence.”
“It's been a great ride,” DeJidas said. “We are such a close group and there's no drama. That has helped us.”
The 'Jackets received a first-round bye in the playoffs and will open the postseason with a quarterfinal game Thursday against the winner of Tuesday's game between Freedom and Waynesburg.
Freeport has not made it past the quarterfinal round this century, something Crytzer and her teammates plan to change.
“Every game, teams are going to be gunning for us,” she said. “There is some added pressure, but I think that's good. We know we have to play our best.”
