St. Hubert is triumphant
in Catholic League finals

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

St. Hubert High School softball fans couldn’t help but notice a hint of déjà vu during the Catholic League championship game on May 29.
It was the same setting as last year, with the same swarm of cheering fans. And both squads took the field with the same fierce desire to become the champion.
Last year, the ending wasn’t so happy for St. Hubert’s Bambies when they played Conwell-Egan. This year, against Archbishop Wood, it was a different story.
St. Hubert, 3, Archbishop Wood, 0.
"This year is a lot sweeter," coach Dave Schafer said with a glowing grin. "This is a real work in progress that started three years ago. And it’s a tribute to all the other kids who played."
Last year, St. Hubert’s softball squad lost the title game to Conwell-Egan, 4-0. It was a particularly devastating defeat for the Bambies because it was their first appearance in the title game since 1994.
This time, their stellar season ended triumphantly. The Bambies just had to survive a rocky start to the big game.
They allowed Archbishop Wood to load the bases in the top of the first inning. St. Hubert pitcher Heather Brabazon kept her composure, though, striking out six consecutive batters.
"I think she’s better with the bases loaded and no outs," Schafer said with a laugh. "She’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever met in my life. She’s just unbelievable."
The senior righthander went on to toss a three-hitter; only one Viking runner reached third base. Brabazon was just as impressive on the offensive side, getting on base in three of her four at-bats.
"The first inning was a little rough because they got runners on, but we came back and ended up getting some runs," said Brabazon. "After that, I think we all felt much more comfortable."
St. Hubert senior Carly Sippel got things rolling with an infield single in the third inning. She quickly made her way around the bases thanks to a slap hit by Brabazon and a pair of sacrifice flies that scored both runners.
The Bambies got their third run in the fourth inning on a pair of singles and an Archbishop Wood error. In fact, the Bambies didn’t strike out once during the game.
"We had a good feeling we were going to win," said Brabazon. "We were all nervous, but all the girls at school got us really pumped. We had a pep rally before we came out. It was so unexpected. We came out of the locker room and everyone was outside of school, hanging out the windows cheering for us. It was so much fun."
The cheers never ceased throughout the intense game, which lasted for more than two hours. They actually intensified with each pitch and erupted at the end of the game, when family members, friends and students rushed onto the field in celebration.
It was the first Catholic League softball crown for the Bambies. It also was the high point of a 12-0 record in league play this season and first place in the Catholic League Northern Division.
For seniors like Brabazon, though, the experience was bittersweet.
"It was mixed feelings," she said. "We were all sad because it was definitely our last game, but it feels great to win."
The four-year varsity pitcher — who is armed with a screwball, drop curve, fastball and changeup — now moves on to St. Joseph’s University, which gave her an athletic scholarship.
"I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be fun," she said. "But I’ll miss all of this. I came in here meeting so many new people and blended with the team so well. And it’s only gotten better. From the girls to the coaches to all the good times, it’s all been perfect." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com