The first inning wasnt kind to the Parkland softball team on Thursday at Coca-Cola Park.

But the rest of the frames were just about perfect as the Trojans took home the Lehigh Valley High School Softball Showcase title.

Parkland rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the first inning against Northampton to earn a 4-3 semifinal victory.

Following that win, the Trojans kept the comeback magic going, shaking off a 2-0 first-inning deficit to beat Freedom 6-2 in the championship game.

Its definitely great because we didnt have our senior year, Parkland senior catcher Giana Schick said. I got to play with my girls again. And catch for Katie (Zaun). Shes a junior, so that was nice. I didnt get to have that season with her. And we played great.

Schick broke a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the third inning against Freedom.

Parkland senior left fielder Andrea Thomas then broke the game open in the next at-bat and made it 6-2 with a three-run homer to left field.

For Thomas, hitting a homer at Coca-Cola Park, a place she has frequented as a fan, was very exciting.

This was on my bucket list, Thomas said about playing at the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Parkland junior pitcher Katie Zaun took home the tournament MVP award with another strong outing, shutting out the Patriots in the final six innings. After a very impressive first day of the tournament, Zaun held Northampton scoreless in the final four frames of the semifinal on Thursday.

Schick, Thomas and senior third baseman Alison Superka all had a pair of hits in the championship game. Superka had the go-ahead two-run double in the semifinal victory over Northampton.

Freedom junior right fielder Gabby Glick went 3-for-4 in the championship game.

Senior pitcher Juliana Presto added a pair of hits for the Patriots.

This was about JP. She was our only senior in the tournament. And this was about her, Freedom coach Michele Laubach said. At one point, I said to her, were down 6-2, I said, its up to you. Do you want to keep hurling or do you want to play third?' And shes like, Im going to throw.' I said, this is for you.

In between the semifinals and the championship game, there was a senior ceremony featuring more than 60 seniors from the teams that participated in the three-day tournament. Each of the seniors were introduced as they walked alongside their parents and then greeted their coaches at home plate.

I dont think we could ask for anything better than a beautiful three days of the event, said Laubach, who was the main organizer of the tournament. Just today at Coca-Cola Park, it really was a very neat experience.

It was another championship for a Parkland softball program that has won six Eastern Pennsylvania Conference crowns in a row and five District 11 titles in the last six seasons.

Its a great tradition. Im so glad that I got to be a part of it, said Schick, who will play at Manhattanville College in New York. My coaches definitely molded me and set me ready to go to college. We have titles. And its just a great experience with all the girls.

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Josh Folck may be reached at jfolck@lehighvalleylive.com.

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Parkland softball completes day of comebacks with win over Freedom, earns showcase title - lehighvalleylive.com