JEFFERSON TWP — Two years ago, the Knoch High softball team was, well ...

“You can say it,” says senior outfielder Mikayla Moretti. “We were pretty bad.”

A sophomore on that team, Moretti watched helplessly as the Knights struggled to pitch, hit and field on the way to a 2-14 record.

It was dark days for a program that was competitive with players like Kirsten Brant, Jade Thrower, Stephanie Fincher and Zoe Hughes from 2006 to 2008.

Even then, though, coach Tim Knappenberger and Moretti knew better times would come in the future.

That future is now.

Following a 7-0 win over defending PIAA Class AAA champion Valley Friday afternoon, the Knights are 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the section.

“Valley’s not as strong as they were last year, but it was a landmark win for us,” Knappenberger said. “They went out and did it. They worked hard in the offseason. Most of the core group we had coming back played travel ball, they played 12 games in the fall, they hit in the cage in the winter.”

It was a feeling the three seniors on the team — Moretti, Rachel Neff and Calla Hinderliter — have been waiting a long time to experience.

They remember the tough years when they wondered if they would win one game, let alone string together a winning streak like this one.

“It definitely feels good,” Neff said. “I couldn’t be more excited. We have really meshed together and that really helps.”

The real turnaround may have happened last season.

Even though Knoch won just four games, the Knights were two one-run losses to section foe Highlands away from making the playoffs.

That gave the team loads of confidence heading into this season.

“They are still humble,” Knappenberger said. “They come to practice to work every day. When they step between those lines, they are all business.”

Knoch has been winning behind the arm of sophomore Britni Brandstetter, who gave up just four hits in the shutout win against Valley Friday and a lineup that has been bashing the softball this season.

The Knights have scored 65 runs in seven games.

“When we have a good hitting day,” Neff says, “there is no stopping us.”

The three seniors are all batting .400.

Beyond their play on the field, they have provided valuable leadership to a younger group that hasn’t had to experience the downs they have.

“The seniors, they have all performed when it counts,” Knappenberger said. “They have come to the field each day for me for three years and played to the best of their ability, given me 110 percent. I think knowing this is their last year has pumped them up a little more.”

Moretti, though, isn’t getting too carried away with the winning streak to start the season.

The memories of losing are still fresh in her mind.

“I take losses hard,” Moretti said. “I think about them a lot. When we win, I don’t even think about it. Maybe it’s just me. We have been taking things one game, one inning, one pitch at a time. Sure, we’re 7-0, but we really haven’t done anything.”