Thomas Jefferson softball has standard of excellence

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 12:16 AM

Thomas Jefferson has advanced to the WPIAL softball playoffs in three of the last four seasons, and seven times in the past nine years.

The Jaguars lost to Plum, 8-2, in the Class 5A first round last year to finish with an 11-10 record.

Veteran coach Heidi Karcher is anticipating another strong push for a section championship, hopefully leading to a longer playoff run this season.

“We have a very strong returning group of girls,” said Karcher, who guided the Jaguars to a WPIAL title in 2014. “The pitching and catching batteries we have lined up will be key to our success. And I expect some big contributions from the freshman class.”

Karcher's daughter, Haleigh, is a third-year starter behind the plate and a recent West Chester commit.

“Haleigh also will see some time on the corner (infield positions) and in the outfield this season,” Karcher said.

Haleigh Karcher, who competes in the offseason with the Ohio Outlaws, hit .338 last year and led the Jaguars in hits and RBIs.

“This season looks like it may be one of our best, fingers crossed,” she said. “I'm hoping we go for the section title, and then from there make it all the way, but we have to go one game at a time. Our team looks defensively sound, and our team bonds so well with one another. Our freshmen and newer varsity members are overflowing with talent.

“I can't wait to see what this year holds, and hopefully we fulfill our goals. It will be another tough year in the section, but game by game is the road we have to take from start to finish.”

Sophomore Bella Bucy, a left-handed hurler who saw action in the outfield last season, takes over as the Jaguars' starting pitcher. Bucy hit .379 a year ago.

“Bella is a lefty with incredible spin and placement of her pitches,” Heidi Karcher said. “She is a fierce competitor who will command the mound.”

Other returning starters for the Jaguars are seniors Kimmy Bachman in the outfield and Liz Brock at first base along with sophomore outfielder Abby Chalovich, who hit .344 in 2017.

Bachman is a two-year starter for the Jaguars and has high hopes for the team this season.

Other girls looking to make an impact for the Jaguars include juniors Lauren Liberi and Sarah Thornton and freshman Paige Truax, in the infield; junior Adara Getsy, sophomores Mackenzie Zang and Alana Cleary and freshman Claire Whalen, in the outfield; plus freshman Lily Rockwell, as a designated player.

“We have a great group of strong and determined girls on this year's team,” Bachman said. “We have been putting in a lot of hard work through our winter conditioning and during our first practices of the season. We have some young girls, and I couldn't be more proud as a senior seeing all of their hard work and determination at every practice.

“I believe we should be able to win our section and make a long run in the playoffs. We have a lot of strong hitters and strong fielders, as well. Also, our pitchers' hard work never goes unnoticed and they will be a huge part of the team this year.”

Bachman's older sister, Becca, was a senior outfielder on the WPIAL championship team at TJ in 2014.

“One of my personal goals would definitely be following into my sister's footsteps by winning the WPIAL (title) this year,” Bachman said. “I'm looking forward to this season and making my last season one to remember.”

Thomas Jefferson finished third with an 8-4 record in Section 2-5A last year, behind Connellsville (11-1) and Albert Gallatin (10-2). Ringgold, Trinity, McKeesport and Laurel Highlands rounded out the section.

The Jaguars lost twice each to Connellsville and Albert Gallatin, a WPIAL semifinalist.

“This year, our main focus is to minimize the amount of runs we give up,” coach Karcher said. “We have to hit in a more timely fashion and not leave as many runners on base.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

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