For the past four consecutive years, Southmoreland softball has had one goal and strived for it a little more each year: the state tournament. On Wednesday, the team not only made school history once, but twice. For the first time in ever, the Lady Scotties will have a shot at both a WPIAL title as well as a state title by beatring previously undefeated Freeport 6-4.

“It’s a relief to know that the hard work has paid off for this team,”said team captain and center fielder Bethany Bunner.” It’s an honor to be apart of a team like this, but we aren’t done yet.”

For pitcher Jessica Matheny, her season hasn’t been smooth sailing as she continues to battle a knee injury.

“From the beginning of the season to the near end its always been about everyone around me,” said Matheny. “Making it to (the state tournament) was a huge deal and big goal for us, and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to be a part of not only this team, but making school history.”

From the start of the game the Scotties got ahead with a lead over Freeport of 1-0 going into the second inning and stayed ahead through the whole game.

“I think scoring that first run really set the tone for the game,” said senior Michaela Burke. “Our coaches always told us we normally start slow so, we changed that and our outcome was pretty rewarding.”

Deeper into the game however, Freeport caught up to the Scotties, making it a 5-4 game. Junior Lexi Klatt changed that with a solo home run to pull the Scotties ahead 6-4.

“It’s a fast paced game and anything can change in the blink of an eye,” said Klatt. “We won this game as a team and came this far as a team. I’m excited for what these next few weeks have in store for us.”

The game came to an end in the bottom of the seventh inning with Matheny getting a strikeout to get the third and final out of the game.

“‘I was nervous from the very start of the game because I knew this game determined everything for us,” said Matheny. “Nobody ever game up hope, and my team stood behind me and I can’t thank them and my coaches enough.”

The Lady Scotties are set to a rematch with section champions South Park at Seton Hill University in Greensburg May 30 or 31.