‘It’s something they just expect’: Hampton softball vies to return to WPIAL title game

By: John Grupp
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Hampton softball coach Kate Hedderman made a promise after last season’s loss in the WPIAL Class 4A finals.

The then-first-year coach pledged, “It won’t be the last time you see us here.”

One year after reaching the WPIAL championship game for the first time in program history, the Talbots look to prove their coach right.

“I expect us to make it very far this year,” senior third baseman Aliza Michielli said. “It’s definitely doable.”

Michielli is one of six returning players who started in the 2024 WPIAL title game, a 10-2 loss to top-seeded Elizabeth Forward. The Talbots, who last season won the program’s first outright section title, wasted little time preparing for a possible return. They played in two fall ball tournaments and traveled to spring training in mid-March in Florida, both firsts for the program, Hedderman said.

“We went from one season to another very quickly,” said Michielli, who batted .423 for the 17-6 Talbots. “I think we definitely saw what we are capable of and that made all of the girls very excited. It has us very motivated.”

With all-section sluggers Mackenzie Reese (Pitt) and Charlotte Lomb (Albany) gone to Division I softball, Hampton remains a young team. There are only three seniors and two juniors on the 23-player roster, and the starting lineup could feature six sophomores and a freshman.

One of the youngsters is sophomore pitcher Marissa Snyder, who went 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA last season and earned all-­section honors. She also hit .462 as the Talbots averaged 9.3 runs per game. Among 77 WPIAL big-school programs (Class 3A-6A), only champion Elizabeth Forward (9.5) scored more.

“Hitting is always going to be something that we focus a lot on, and it’s our strength,” Hedderman said. “That’s definitely still the plan.”

Other returning sophomore starters are catcher Katelyn Dubee (.397), who is shifting from first base to her natural position; first baseman Addi Hanna, who is moving from second base, and center fielder Cara Ibinson.

A pair of new starters will handle the middle infield, sophomore Eden Lawrence at second and freshman Alena Zottola at shortstop.

Ibinson will be joined in the outfield by junior Giana Nelson (.444) and a tandem of senior Alaina Dittrich and junior Emily Maloy.

Senior Cassie Vidic (.382) and sophomore Teresa Fritsch provide pitching depth for the Talbots, who open against Shaler on March 24.

After last year’s WPIAL title-­game run, Hampton is developing a new culture and embracing lofty goals.

“It’s something they just expect,” Hedderman said. “We play until June. This season ends in June. That’s how we talk.”

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