South softball’s Reidy continues to thrive in different positions
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Lily Reidy took a positive detour last season but is back home now. And like she did at her new position a year ago, Reidy continues thriving at her old one.
Reidy grew up catching but with stalwart Olivia Beck there last year, South Williamsport used Reidy, then a freshman, at third base. She shined at the new position but after Beck graduated, Reidy moved behind the plate again and has provided South quite a weapon.
Possessing a big arm and excellent instincts, Reidy has picked up where she left off at catcher and has played a key role in South (21-2) reaching today's Class AA state semifinal against Bald Eagle Area.
"She's a gamer. She's always at practice early; if need be, she will stay after," South coach Tom O'Malley said. "She's another hard worker and just a blessing to have on the team."
"It's so natural to me, being there since fourth grade," Reidy said. "It's good to be back into the groove of things and be at home, really."
Reidy's athletic ability and versatility last season allowed South to utilize her even with the catching position already occupied. And only those who had not followed Reidy throughout her youth and travel softball days probably knew she was playing a new position since she played it so well.
Reidy was a rock at third base and made multiple pivotal plays in a one-run first round state tournament win against Elk Lake. South has several athletes like Reidy who can play multiple positions, so with Beck graduating, it moved Reidy back to catcher, Kendall Cardone moved to third and South has continued humming along.
"She did an unbelievable job at third base last year," O'Malley said. "She has quick feet and is very athletic and versatile."
"It was a little bit of an adjustment but I played infield before I started catching," Reidy said. "It was just getting back into those grooves and picking up on some things."
It was a similar story with Reidy sliding back to catcher this season. Again, though, it has been a smooth transition.
Reidy has made it hard to run against South while also doing an excellent job blocking pitches in the dirt. Her ability to keep the ball in front of her has prevented opponents from taking extra bases.
"We all have so much confidence in Lily," second baseman Gianna Goodman said. "We know nothing will get by her."
On top of that, Reidy also has been an effective leader and coach on the field. She has a good rapport with pitchers Alizabeth Schuler and Aleigha Rieppel and serves as a calming influence when situations grow tough.
All those qualities have helped South play well at every stop along the softball ladder over the years. Catching often is more than just about the stats and Reidy has the intangibles to go along with the measurables.
"The chemistry we have together has really helped our abilities to be on the same page," Reidy said. "It helps with what we want to call and things like that. With all the pitchers, we have a special connection and we're always on the same wave length."
"Any team that usually is successful is strong up the middle," O'Malley said "And she's one of the main reasons that this team has done well."
Reidy also has provided a quality bat in the middle of South's lineup. The sophomore has a .392 on-base percentage and is second on the team with 23 RBIs. She hit a key first-inning RBI single against Newport in the state tournament opener and also hit a game-tying home run in the sixth inning of a comeback 3-2 district quarterfinal win against East Juniata.
Her position has changed the last two years, but Reidy's production and impact have not.
"We're lucky to have her," O'Malley said. "She does a really nice job for us."