Sharp defense fuels championship optimism for Hampton softball

By: John Grupp
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Because first-year coach Kate Hedderman runs a batting cage facility in Hampton, she was confident the Talbots would hit the ball this season.

She wasn’t so sure about catching it.

“That made me nervous,” she said. “We didn’t get a lot of fielding practice because we were stuck inside with that rain. I’m impressed with their defense because that’s not really what we have a lot of time to focus on.”

Often overshadowed by the Talbots’ high-scoring offense, the defense has played a big role as Hampton celebrated the first outright section title in program history. The Talbots, who were section co-champs in ‘07, ‘15 and ‘19 under former coach Ron Fedell, clinched the banner with a 20-9 victory over North Catholic on May 2. The players were surprised afterward with “Section Champs” T-shirts from their boosters.

“It was a cool experience for them,” Hedderman said.

The No. 2-ranked Talbots (14-3 as of May 7) have more lofty goals as they prepare for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs and look to reach the title game for the first time.

The WPIAL playoff brackets were set to be released May 8 and the opening-round games were scheduled for May 13 — both after deadline for this edition.

“I feel like we have a good chance to win it,” senior catcher Mackenzie Reese said. “I’ve got confidence in us.”

One main reason for the optimism is the Talbots aren’t giving teams extra outs. Despite starting three freshmen, including pitcher Marissa Snyder, Hampton had committed only 11 errors through its first 17 games and allowed only a handful of unearned runs this season.

They played error-free defense in eight of their games and recorded more than one error only twice.

“Their defense has been awesome,” Hedderman said. “It’s incredibly important. I think that’s what has allowed Marissa to be so successful. She’s been able to really relax out there.”

Senior shortstop Charlotte Lomb, an Albany recruit, and Pitt-bound Reese are among the best at their respective positions in the WPIAL Class 4A, while junior third baseman Aliza Michelli has been “doing great.” The all-freshman right side of the infield — Katelyn Dubee at first and Addi Hanna at second — has avoided ninth-grade jitters.

Senior right fielder Brooke Murgenovich, who made a spectacular diving catch in a 1-0 loss to Chartiers Valley on May 1, is joined by speedy all-section senior Jessica Lange in center and strong-armed freshman Cara Ibinson in left.

The sure-handed defense has allowed Snyder (2.02 ERA, 59 IP, 92 Ks) and junior Cassie Vidic to stay loose in the circle.

“I feel like it helps the pitchers a whole lot,” Reese said. “They know if they get hit, it’s not like, ‘Oh no, that’s going to score a run.’ Our defense is so solid and we can make the plays. All the hard ones and the easy ones.”

The Talbots are averaging 10.4 runs a game, another factor that translates over to the defense. With a potent offense, there is no razor-thin margin for error weighing on the players.

“Our offense has been so strong, it actually allows them to relax a little bit on defense,” Hedderman said. “They know if they mess up, their bats are going to back them up.”

Reese, named the Trib Softball Player of the Week for April 21-27, said this is becoming a special season for the Talbots.

“I feel like us seniors, we really never had this moment,” she said. “We never kept winning like we are. This is actually becoming our dream. We always talked about our senior year and, you know, maybe we can win it all. Now it’s coming to reality and it’s like, ‘Oh wow. This might actually happen.’ “

Tags: Hampton