Rivals in the spring, champions in the summer.
Five Philadelphia Catholic League softball players came together this July as part of the Blue Angels Fastpitch 18-Under travel team and won the USSSA Northeast National championship in Jackson, N.J.
The Blue Angels, based in Horsham, stormed through the tournament undefeated, going 7-0 and outscoring opponents 42-3.
For many of the girls – which would have included 2025 Archbishop Wood graduate and Blue Angel outfielder Kat Freligh, but she was unavailable to participate in the tournament – the title was about more than softball.
For Cardinal O’Hara’s Hayden Sissons, it was the continuation of a journey that nearly ended before ascending to zenith proportions. Persevering through numerous personal challenges, Sissons rediscovered integral intangibles during travel ball.
This past season, the Widener University-bound Sissons helped lead O’Hara to its first-ever Philadelphia Catholic League championship while earning league MVP and first-team, all-state honors. It was an incredible turnaround from someone who seriously considered stepping away from the sport entirely.
“Softball went from something I loved to something that created stress for me day in and day out, which led to health problems,” said Sissons. “I wasn’t sure if I would ever play or step on a field again. Coach Maeve (McGill) and Coach Jackie (Ecker) saw the potential I still had and gave me a second chance. They helped me find the love of the game again. They truly saved the game for me and are the reason I am able to continue in college.”
That second chance led her to the Blue Angels, where she rediscovered both confidence and joy. In the semifinals and championship July 18-19, a nearly flawless Sissons pitched 13 innings, allowing a miserly three hits, one run, and four walks while striking out 21. She also contributed offensively, going 3-for-5 with two triples and three RBI.
Sissons’ story embodies the spirit of the Blue Angels, a program that for the past eight years has united rivals into teammates, and competitors into sisters, from ages 10 through 18.
Program co-founders McGill (18-Under) and Ecker (16-Under) emphasize camaraderie, commitment, and appreciation while simultaneously improving softball skills. At Archbishop Wood, Ecker is head coach and McGill an assistant.
“The bond they have because of playing against each other in the PCL and then on the Blue Angels is strong,” said McGill. “I know they’ll stay friends for years to come.”
The PCL/Blue Angel players concur.
“The fact that we all compete against each other during the high school season, and just weeks later we’re teammates, is what makes it the most special,” said St. Hubert’s senior Samy Staublein, who played mostly third base and reached base at a .526 clip during the tourney. “From the jump we had our minds set on winning. We played as a team the entire time and picked each other up.”
Haley Kober of Nazareth Academy, who graduated in June and will play at Chestnut Hill College, called the championship “the perfect ending” to her travel career.
“The chemistry of this team was something so special,” said Kober, who scored seven runs. “I truly felt like these girls were my sisters.”
Kober’s Nazareth Academy classmate, Casey Derouin, moves on to play at Delaware State University. Derouin joined the Blue Angels this year and immediately felt at home.
“All of the coaches and girls were extremely welcoming,” she said. “Winning a national championship has always been something I wanted to accomplish. To do it with this team meant so much.”
After contributing two hits, four runs scored, and three RBI in the semis and final, Archbishop Wood senior Allison Siegfried described the tournament as unforgettable.
“It was very special, especially because it was the last time I got to play with the seniors,” said Siegfried. “I’m so happy our last game together was such a big win.”
For these five Catholic League standouts, the championship trophy is more than a symbol of athletic excellence. It’s proof of what can happen when faith, friendship, and perseverance come together.
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John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @Johnknebels
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