Hampton softball team caps historic season in PIAA playoffs

By: Giustino Racchini
Saturday, June 8, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Hampton’s softball team lost its final two games of the season, but it didn’t dampen team’s accomplishments under first-year coach Kate Hedderman.

The Talbots finished as WPIAL Class 4A runners-up after falling to Elizabeth Forward in the championship game and then had their season come to a close after a 2-0 loss to St. Marys in the first round of the PIAA playoffs June 3.

“There were a lot of firsts this year, and the girls adjusted very well to that,” Hedderman said of the program, which had its best record (17-6) in the past 25 seasons.

The Talbots graduate four senior starters who bolstered the team’s success — Brooke Murgenovich, Mackenzie Reese, Jessica Lange and Charlotte Lomb.

Reese and Lomb are committed to play Division I softball at Pitt and Albany, respectively, and Murgenovich is headed to Division III La Roche.

“It was really exciting to see everyone eager, and show the underclassmen (especially the freshmen) how important it was,” Lomb said.

Lomb also sung the praises of Hedderman, who helped guide the Talbots to a Section 3 title and playoff wins over Knoch and Blackhawk.

“She just showed us that all of our goals were attainable and that we could reach them,” Lomb said.

Lomb, a shortstop, is excited to get to work with her new teammates at Albany in the fall.

“Albany won their conference this year and I’m really excited to get to work with them in lots of different ways,” Lomb said.

Reese, Hampton’s catcher who hit better than .550 this season, was pleased with her team’s efforts in making a run to the WPIAL title game.

“I was beyond proud of the girls for how hard they played and worked throughout the year,” Reese said.

The next four years are fresh on Reese’s mind, and she hopes to continue to find success with the hometown Panthers.

“I won’t let my nerves get the best of me,” she said. “Next year, I will be killing it on the field and in the classroom.”

Hedderman credit the senior class for helping her adjust in her first season and leading the Talbots.

“The seniors helped me out, and aided me to help coach the team,” Hedderman said.

“We knew we had what it took, but we couldn’t get over the hump. (I) just put belief in our players.”

The cupboard won’t be bare for the Talbots next season. Five starters will return, including four rising sophomores and a soon-to-be senior. Fourteen freshmen also provide promise for the future after earning valuable experience this season.

Hedderman credits the dedication of her players, saying that they all learned a lot from each other, and were committed to find success under a first-year coach.

“I’m super proud of everybody,” Hedderman said, “and all the work ethic that they put into this season.”

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