A bittersweet season

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Mary Hoch can do it all on the softball diamond.
The St. Hubert pitcher had 12 of the Bambies’ 16 wins on the mound this season, half of which were shutouts. The righthanded hurler averaged about 10 strikeouts per game, allowing an average of four hits by the opposing squad.
But according to Hoch, none of her success would have been possible without the love and support from her Bambie family.
"I love hearing the fans cheer," said Hoch. "Just knowing that they’re supporting me and the team makes everything ten times better. All the support in my life motivates me to always play my best. The fans, my family, the coaches, the teammates — pretty much everybody."
Hoch had plenty of support at last week’s Catholic League softball championship game, when the Bambies took the field against Conwell Egan at Arcadia University on May 29. The heavily pro-Hubert crowd cheered, danced, waved banners and sang for their beloved Bambies.
The support didn’t work its usual magic. Conwell Egan’s Eagles claimed their fifth straight PCL title with a 4-0 victory. End of the Bambies’ season. End of Mary Hoch’s high school softball career.
"I love Hubert’s so much," said Hoch. "And it feels so amazing to get to the championship my senior year. Coming in as a freshman, I never thought I’d make it this far."
But she did just fine. The four-year varsity player has been named second-team All-Catholic pitcher three times. She also helped the Bambies squad establish some school history this season, when they earned a spot in the finals for the first time since 1994.
"This is the first time Hubert’s has been to the championship in a while, so it made it that much more exciting. It’s always a good game between us and Egan. I really thought that we were going to win today," Hoch said while trying to hold back tears.
The championship battle was scoreless going into the bottom of the sixth. The pitching duel between Egan lefthander Angel Bunner and Hubert ace Hoch offered few opportunities for each offense to score. Hoch threw 78 pitches during the game — 60 of them were strikes.
Egan shortstop Brittany Vogel started a rally with a double. The Eagles scored four runs that inning and, ultimately, claimed the title.
"It’s been a great year," said coach Dave Schafer. "Our kids played hard. It’s a tough way to end the season, but I’m proud of the girls."
The Bambies won eight of their last nine games of the season. Hoch pitched a two-hitter and struck out nine during the Bambies’ 4-1 victory over Little Flower in the semifinals.
"I knew we’d end up doing really good," said Hoch. "We have a great team. We were really strong from the beginning."
Through the victories, Hoch developed a reputation for being one the fastest and most accurate pitchers in the Catholic League. Her fastball — clocked around 65 miles per hour — combined with a changeup and drop pitch to reward Hoch with an impressive pitching career at St. Hubert.
She said she doesn’t pay attention to the hype.
"I don’t really keep track of it all," she said. "The records and statistics don’t really matter to me. I just go out there and try to do my best."
Instead, Hoch keeps focused on the game — and hitting the strike zone.
"I get really nervous before games, so you can imagine how I was before the championship," said Hoch. "But I went in there thinking, ‘I can do this. I’m a good pitcher. I can handle the pressure,’ and then I just did the best I could."
Hoch hid her nerves well. In fact, during her final game as a Bambie, the 18-year-old pitcher looked like a pro on the mound.
"After the first inning it was easier to get into it," she said. "The beginning is tough. It’s kind of nerves, but also excitement. You got to just go out there and do your best."
Hoch’s coach has appreciated her contributions to the team.
"I’m very sad to see Mary leave," said Schafer. "She’s been a real warrior all year. She is a class act and a great leader. All the seniors have been great this season."
Hoch plans to keep playing softball. The Somerton resident will be traveling throughout the country this summer with the Philadelphia Angels’ 18-and-under tournament team.
In the fall, Hoch will move on to Kutztown University, which awarded her a scholarship to play with the Golden Bears.
"I’ve been playing softball as long as I can remember," said Hoch. "I’m looking forward to playing all summer and traveling. And I’m really excited to play college ball. I’m nervous, but at the same time I can’t wait — it’s going to be great." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com