LIBERTY – A forty-minute rain delay only slowed the charge of the Hambletonians. Although before the downpour began, the Redhawks stood tall, knocking down five runs in what looked like it might be a shutout. The Hambletonians controlled the tempo from the first crack of the bat, scoring 9 runs in the first inning. A lead that would only grow to 16-0 by the top of the third inning. The Redhawks stepped up to the plate at the bottom of the third inning and took advantage of a bases-loaded situation twice to bring in multiple runs. Head Coach David Philips praised his team after the game, saying, “While we still have much to learn, I am so excited to see their continued growth. Every practice and every game is a building block. Watching them gain confidence, master new skills, and learn to overcome adversity with a positive attitude makes me think very positively about what the rest of this season might hold.” 

After the delay ended, the Redhawks went into the fourth inning with 5 runs on the board, cutting into the visitors’ lead. The Hambletonians would go on to score an additional 10 runs to take the game from the home team with a commanding 26-5 victory. The Redhawks never gave up. This is the season that almost didn’t happen. Numbers dwindled, and Coach Philips went the extra mile to make sure the program continued. “As I prepare to retire after 16 years of coaching, this season carries extra weight. I want to leave this program in the best possible shape for the next coach, but more importantly, I want to leave it as a place where student-athletes feel valued.

 Handing off a healthy program is very important to me because of the players who have worked so hard and who love this game as much as I do. At the beginning of tryouts last month, there was a chance we were not going to be able to field a Varsity team. I felt a profound responsibility to advocate for my three seniors and three juniors—players who have poured their hearts and souls into this program since the 7th grade. After years of hard work and loyalty, they deserved the opportunity to take the field for their final seasons. To me, keeping the Varsity softball program going means everything because, above all else, it is about honoring the commitment of my athletes.” The Liberty Redhawks are now 2-3 after their 18-12 win over the Beacon Bulldogs on Wednesday night!