The varsity softball team’s season recently ended after a devastating 5-4 loss to Gateway in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. And, even though almost 75% of the team is graduating, there will be still be bright spots in the years to come.

Eight seniors on the team are graduating this summer, and they gave much assistance to BP’s success.

Pitchers Taylor Andres and Jess Cook are both graduating, but not without great numbers. Cook was 7-0 with a 1.27 ERA after pitching 33 innings. She only gave up 11 runs, and six of those were earned. She had 12 walks and 27 strikeouts.

Even though Andres was 5-5, she had a 1.58 ERA. In 53 innings pitched, she gave up 26 runs (12 earned). And, even though she walked 15, she had 52 strikeouts.

BP is also losing some powerful offensive forces. Outfielder Rachel Albert was a big force, getting 19 hits in 42 at-bats, a .452 batting average. She scored 22 runs and had 13 RBIs, while smacking three home runs. She also had six doubles, five walks, and two stolen bases. Andres also did well at the plate, as she hit .400 (16 hits in 40 at-bats). She scored eight runs and had 17 RBIs.

Catcher Shelby Reid hit .367 with 11 hits, nine runs, five doubles, and nine RBIs. And, even though she was not talked about much, outfielder Jordan Porzio also helped on offense, hitting .357. Even with 14 at-bats, she had five hits, eight runs, and five RBIs.

Infielders Julia Sherwin and Morgan Crawford also did well during the season. Second baseman Sherwin hit .258 after getting eight hits in 31 at-bats. She had eight RBIs and scored 12 runs. Meanwhile, Crawford, a third baseman, had only 11 at-bats, but had seven hits, eight runs, four RBIs, and four doubles. She also had two stolen bases.

In addition, utility player Kahlie Detmer is graduating. Though she only had three at-bats and one hit, she was a great influence in the locker room.

Even though these eight players will not be playing for BP next year, there are still some players that can help BP get into the playoffs for a third straight year.

The main offensive forces next year for the softball team will be Rachel Hankin and junior Haley Reid. Hankin had 23 at-bats, and had six hits. She scored eight times, and batted five runs in. In addition, she had six walks, and led the team with four stolen bases.

Meanwhile, Reid, a shortstop, was the heart of BP’s offense. She was second on the team in at-bats (39) and hits (17), and led the team with five triples. In addition, she had four doubles, 15 runs, and 17 RBIs.

Sophomore Carolyn Cook and freshman Cheyenne Hamel are also returning. Cook will help the team as a catcher, and also did well when she was at-bat this season. She had 30 at-bats and nine hits. She also scored 12 times and had six RBIs. Meanwhile, outfielder Hamel scored ten runs and had two RBIs. In addition, Colby Reid will help on the offensive end. This season, she only has two hits, but they were both for extra bases. In addition, she had four RBIs and scored one run.

Even though the new pitchers for the team are not apparent, they could come with the addition of new players at any grade. Thus, even though much of the team is graduating, BP’s future could already be secured by young stars.