It's obvious mother nature isn't cooperating with any of our spring plans right now, as we had to sport winter coats after wearing t-shirts in a span of just 48 hours.

However, the weather wasn't going to get in the way of a Schuylkill League clash between Blue Mountain and Tamaqua on Wednesday.The Lady Raiders (6-3, 4-1 Schuylkill League) came up with clutch runs when they had to, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, defeating the Lady Eagles, 4-1.Tamaqua ace Bailey Pedersen pitched well against Pottsville on Monday, but earned a no-decision. Today, against Blue Mountain she bounced back and was impressive.Pedersen dazzled, pitching a complete game as she scattered four hits, struck out four, and yielded just one run to the Lady Eagles.Tamaqua head softball coach Jillian Barron liked what she saw in the circle from her ace."We were a little off track Monday when we played Pottsville, but she got herself back on track today and she did a fantastic job for us."Tamaqua struck in the bottom of the first. The Raiders had a few singles, were aggressive on the bases, and played small ball to manufacture the run; which was the only run of the game until the fifth inning."We're trying to get the girls to be confident in their abilities so they don't always have to look for us to give them signs," said Barron. "They have the green light to do what they need to do."Tamaqua responded well after Blue Mountain tied the game at one run apiece in the fifth inning."Confidence is a crucial component of a team," said Barron. "It's important to have that when you're in the batters box. This team can make anything happen."Junior Raider Shayna Dietrich was confident all day at the dish and made most of the noise for Tamaqua on offense.Dietrich had three hits in the contest with two doubles, a single, and a big RBI in fifth inning for the Raiders."Shayna is solid," said Barron. "She's a true ballplayer who helps us offensively and defensively whenever she's asked."Barron also liked what she saw from Lexi Boyer. Boyer had a sacrifice hit in the first inning that helped produce a run, and a RBI double in the fifth inning as well."When I need a hit to score the go ahead run, she's my girl," said Barron. "I can count on her; she's very dependable."Tamaqua ended the game on a very heads up double play. The Raiders confidently flashed their high softball IQ as they knew exactly where to be on the play to close out the game.Barron explained that Alyssa Gerhard and Lexi Boyer (both seniors) do a fantastic job of leading by example on the field."Our seniors have really stepped up and have done a great job in those leadership roles. They get the rest of the team on track. Our seniors make sure the girls are always in the game. They do a great job of assuring the rest of the team that we have enough talent to win our fair share of games."Blue Moutain 000 010 0 - 1 4 1Tamaqua 100 030 x - 4 8 2Tothero and Labe; Pedersen and Sassaman. W - Pedersen. L - Tothero.