Montgomery is District 4 Class A champion for the first time since 2022, dominating the District 4 field and outscoring Cowanesque Valley and Bucktail, 22-2 while capturing that title. A team filled with some decorated athletes in multiple sports also was ignited by past frustration.

It put all its experience and desire to good use and hopes it continues Monday when Montgomery hosts District 2 champion Holy Cross in the state tournament.

“The girls are hungry. They want it. I can’t ask for more than a team that is clicking and wanting it,” Montgomery coach Chris Glenn said. “As a coach, that makes it a lot easier when you don’t have to motivate. They’re already motivated. They’re locked in as soon as we get to the field.”

That certainly showed throughout districts. Montgomery (16-6) never trailed and received stellar contributions in all facets. Pitcher Ava Hartman threw two masterpieces; the defense played near flawless softball and 10 players reached base.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman crosses home during the District 4 Class A semifinal game against Cowanesque Valley on Tuesday at Elm Park. Montgomery won 14-0 in five innings.

So, while Montgomery is a motivated team, it also continues showing it is a mighty good one, too. District 4’s best, as a matter of fact.

“We’re just meshing. Everybody is sharing the bond.” Chloe Gordner said after going 2 for 4 with three RBIs in the district final. “Bad plays we make; we brush them off and keep going.”

“We have a good team, and we’re close,” catcher Addison Greger said after doubling twice against CV. “We have a good bond, so it’s fun on the field.”

Ironically, the fun postseason may have been fueled but some unhappy late-season losses. Montgomery started 13-4 and shared the Mid-Penn West Division championship with Bucktail but lost consecutive games against North Penn-Liberty and Warrior Run.

Perspective, however, was key. North Penn-Liberty was 14-3 at the time and is a perennial District 4 Class AAA title contender. Warrior Run was about to launch a run to both the 3A final and state tournament. So, through the defeats, big winning seeds were planted.

Chloe Gordner of Montgomery gives the thumbs up after getting an RBI single in the 7th inning against Bucktail at Elm Park in Williamsport Thursday afternoon. Montgomery won the District IV Class A championship. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Having those games at the end of our season really helped us a lot,” first baseman Madisyn Miller said following a 2-for-3 performance against Bucktail. “We played North Penn-Liberty, which was a good game and that helped us a lot with hitting. Warrior Run made a big impact because we knew what we needed to work on. I think we came into playoffs feeling pretty good.”

That is exactly the way Glenn, the coaches and athletic administration have planned it since 2018 when Glenn took over. The big picture constantly remains in focus and the main goal is to create a schedule which not only challenges, but also prepares Montgomery to pursue its biggest goals.

It did not take long to see how instrumental that was again. Montgomery closed its regular season against Canton, a team which mercy-ruled Bucktail early this season. So, when the Raiders won, 13-0 with Hartman dealing and the offense raking, it provided an inkling of what might be brewing.

Montgomery validated that enthusiasm against CV, scoring in every inning and beating a team with an impressive resume, 14-0 in five innings. It was more of the same against Bucktail as Montgomery broke open things late and avenged playoff losses from the past two seasons.

“I applaud coach for how he sets our schedule,” Gordner said. “Jersey Shore, Warrior Run, North Penn-Liberty, all are big schools that really set us up well to play in the playoffs.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montgomery's Zoe Furman reacts after reaching third during the District 4 Class A semifinal game against Cowanesque Valley on Tuesday at Elm Park. Montgomery won 14-0 in five innings.

The Bucktail game also shined a light upon Montgomery’s season-long progress. Bucktail defeated Montgomery, 5-4, early this season and this exciting series has swung like a pendulum over the last decade.

The Bucks also are an excellent team which will play in Monday’s state tournament against Greenwood, so the rematches said a lot as Montgomery won the regular season showdown, 10-7 before playing one of its most complete games yet in the final.

“We had some losses, but we took a lot out of those losses, and I think it’s contributing right now,” Glenn said. “I want to make sure we keep that momentum up and it’s a good time to get that momentum, This is when you want to be peaking. You don’t want to do it at the beginning or halfway through, but right now.”

Like it did in 2021 and 2022 when it also won district titles, Montgomery has done just that. And it has not been one or two players doing the heavy lifting, but all the Raiders equally. Hitting has been spread throughout the roster with Montgomery featuring quality depth. It also has threats 1-9 in the lineup, Nos. 7-8 hitters Brooke Dietrich and Arianna Snyder proving it with three-hit performances against CV.

So even if a few hitters are down, others have been up throughout the season. When all are on the same page, Montgomery becomes especially dangerous.

“I know I was struggling lately, but they had my back completely,” said Miller who has topped 100 career hits, RBIs and runs. “They definitely made an impact hitting when I couldn’t. It’s everyone. It’s the whole team.”

And while this hungry team has become District 4’s best team, it remains unsatisfied. The biggest prize out there remains up for grabs and Montgomery is eager to deliver its best shot against the state’s top teams.

Glenn and his coaches can keep the pens hidden for now. No words are necessary. The Raiders are eager to spur into action.

“We’re coming in with a confidence boost but we know we have to keep working hard,” Miller said. “We know we have nothing is going to be handed to us.