GLENSIDE, PA- A grounder from shortstop to first was executed flawlessly, and once again, Archbishop Ryan’s softball had triumphed, this time by a score of 1-0.
If the Ragdolls’ subsequent reaction after defeating rival St. Hubert in the Catholic League semifinals May 24 at Arcadia University appeared tepid, chalk it up to having enormously high expectations.
Such is life when you are a two-time defending Catholic League champion.
“A lot of the people counted us out because we graduated a lot of seniors,” said senior pitcher Lex Marasheski. “So we just had our heads in it and we wanted to prove everybody wrong.”
The Ragdolls’ next test will be formidable when they face regular-season champion Cardinal O’Hara in the league final May 25 at Arcadia University. O’Hara upended Ryan, 4-3, earlier this spring. The Lions finished 11-1 in the regular season; the Ragdolls were right behind them at 10-2.
Referring to the contest against O’Hara, Marasheski said that she and her teammates “took too long” to start scoring. She expects that to change in the championship.
“We need to play the way we normally play,” she said.
Lex Marasheski on Ryan's semifinal win.
Against Hubert, a fifth-seed at 8-4, Ryan took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Junior Emily Ostaszewski led off reached base on an error. After being moved to second by Reilly Kerr, she scored on Skylar Elliott’s double into the left-field gap.
With an early edge, Marasheski had her opponents precisely where she wanted them.
The Ragdolls talk in the outfield after the game. (John Knebels/Philly Sports Digest)
“In the beginning of the game, we were ready to play,” said Marasheski. “We were definitely a little nervous. Not the bad nervous; the good nervous. Then after we scored that first run, everyone got settled.”
Marasheski remarkably didn’t begin her craft until “fifth or sixth grade” and she never took any formal lessons.
She credits hard work and a healthy reliance on her senior catcher, Sarah Ostaszewski, for her productive season.
“With the defense I have behind me, it just makes everything a bit easier,” said Marasheski.
Ryan coach John Kidwell cited the Ragdolls’ confidence and their ability to relax as significant intangible weapons.
“They are used to being in big games,” he said. “They are used to winning up here. They play very good defense, and you can’t play good defense if you’re not confident and relaxed.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)
