South’s chemistry keeps growing as team is set for state quarterfinals

Maybe it’s not surprising that most South Williamsport softball players also are National Honor Society members.

They certainly excel when the subject is chemistry.

The nucleus of this team has done so since first playing softball together as Little Leaguers. It has grown over the years and has been every bit as critical as South’s talent in helping it reach three straight Class AA state quarterfinals.

South (22-2) is back in the Elite 8 again, playing District 1 champion Bristol today at Wilkes University’s Ralston Complex. The bond forged over the years has helped lead the way back there.

"Every game is a great opportunity, especially every time I step on the field with these girls," first baseman Abby Lorson said following Monday’s 15-3 first-round win against Brandywine Heights. "It’s great."

"The whole team I feel like is just one big best friendship. Our chemistry is so good," right fielder Sage Lorson said. "It’s just fun to play with them and that helps, too."

It sure does.

Most of these players were there as 10-year olds when South won a 10U state Little League title. They stayed together and helped the 12U team reach the 2019 Little League World Series. They stuck together from there and now have won three straight district championships, while reaching the state quarterfinals again.

Yes, this team is deep and well-coached. Still, that closeness has created an X-factor. There is no stat for how important it has been, but the team’s success certainly offers a clue.

"It’s amazing. I’m so grateful to be part of such a good team that connects so well," Abby Lorson said. "It’s so fun to do it with these people."

Therein lies another key. Because they have played so long together, all these players have watched each other excel. That creates confidence not only in themselves, but throughout the team.

If one person gets out, the other is ready to pick her up and vice-versa. South has done throughout their softball journeys together and again this season. That has helped it thrive while playing against a demanding schedule which included 5A state quarterfinalists Pittston and Central Mountain.

It also came shining through Monday as all nine starters reached base. Nearly every starter is hitting. 300 or higher and the defense backed up Alizabeth Schuler’s strong pitching with quality fielding Monday.

"Someone picks someone up and that’s what we did. That’s how it started," South coach Tom O’Malley said. "We started multiplying the runs."

It’s been that way over the years, too. Sometimes it’s the top of the order, sometimes the middle, sometimes the bottom. Sometimes it’s all three or two-thirds.

The bottom line is South believes it will come from somewhere. They are all for one and one for all, nobody putting themselves above the team, but everyone believing in the team.

"If I’m not having a good game, someone behind me is going to pick me up and if they’re not having a good game, someone is going to get picked up," Abby Lorson said. "Everyone is doing their best out here."

And they are enjoying the moment, too. These players started working toward their season goals last Dec. 26. They are among a select few teams still playing high school softball.

This is a focused group but also one soaking everything in.

"It’s so fun to be in these games. Even when the pressure is on, you just have to know that it’s fun," pitcher Alizabeth Schuler said following a 2-0 district championship win against Muncy. "It is fun and it’s a high school softball game. No matter what happens, we’re playing the sport we love."

These players love the game, but each other probably even more.

They have spent the majority of their lives playing along side each other. They have made each other better along the way and generated excitement throughout the community.

One needed only look at the scene at Lyons Field last Monday. South was playing 2 1/2 hours from home and Brandywine Heights essentially had a home game. And yet, South still had as many if, not more, fans there.

That scene is one of many these players will fondly remember as they grow older. More than anything, though, they will remember playing together and using their chemistry to reach some lofty heights.

"I have to take every moment in," Sage Lorson said. "Whether I’m playing at the next level (college) or not, I’m never going to get to play with my best friends again, so every moment really matters when I play with them."