By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
ATHENS — On the heels of its first-ever District 4, Class 4A softball title, Athens enters unchartered territory Monday with its first PIAA playoff game Monday at District 11 champion Northwestern Lehigh.
The Wildcats enter the PIAA opener with a 21-1 record coming off a 4-1 win over Central Columbia in the District 4 championship game, while the Tigers (20-3) topped Northern Schuylkil 11-1 in the District 11 title tilt.
Last year, Northwestern Lehigh went to States as the District 11 runner-up, and reached the semifinals.
It's been a difficult spring in terms of weather, and that has not changed as the Wildcats try to prepare for their PIAA debut.
On Saturday, coach Brian Wendela had his charges taking batting practice inside at the Waverly Sports Complex.
"We knew it was going to be cold and rainy, it was mentioned we could get inside to hit, and throw the ball around," said Wendela.
"Our AD, Cody White, called, and the Waverly Sports Complex said we could use the facility.
"It's awesome. We worked out in here a little bit during the offseason," he added. "It's a great place for the kids to be, and I'm very happy we were able to use it."
The Wildcats are preparing for a Northwestern Lehigh team that has been a mainstay in District 11 with seven consecutive appearances in the Class 4A title game. This year's win, however, was the first championship in that stretch.
Wendela said he expects a battle.
"We've been doing some homework on them. They're a good program.
"They're well-coached and have that recipe for winning — good pitching, good defense, and good hitting," said Wendela. "I think they resemble us quite a bit. It's going to be a dogfight for sure.
"We're not sure about their strength-of-schedule. I think we might be more battle-tested than they are," he added. "But, they put up some big numbers this year, and they're going to be tough to beat."
Wendela is hoping the fact he has a young team will be a a benefit.
"All they're talking about is getting out of school early, getting on the bus, and going to play softball. They're excited about it.
"I don't think they understand the magnitude," said Wendela. "I think it will kick in later down the road. One day, it will 'whoa, we just did that,' but for now they're just having fun.
"They are all loving it. We're just going to keep playing hard, and play until they won't let us play anymore," he added.
While this is Athens' first trip to the State playoffs, Wendela has experience at States, having coached Waverly to a Section IV title and a trip to the New York State playoffs in 2019.
Wendela said he learned a valuable lesson from his trip to States.
"We definitely made a mistake by just getting on the bus, traveling to Syracuse, and just getting off the bus and playing real quick.
"This time, we're going to utilize a charter bus, get them out of school early, and grab a quick lunch on the way," said Wendela. "We want to get there early, and work into our warm-ups instead of rushing things."
Once their on the field, however, Wendela said it will be business as usual.
"It's the same recipe as all year: We put up for or five runs, and let our pitching and defense talk.
"I think we have a good chance to play with anyone," he said. "I really like our chances from here on out if we stay focused."
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IN PHOTO: Athens junior Maddie Hiley. IN TOP PHOTO: Athens coach Brian Wendela. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
