For the last eight seasons, Palmerton has competed in Class 3A of the District 11 playoffs.

During that time, the Blue Bombers qualified for the postseason every year, were district runners-up twice (2022, 2024) and district champions in 2021.

But for the first time since 2016, the Bombers are in a whole new class in the 4A bracket.

Unfortunately for Palmerton, it didn’t have a chance to make a great first impression. As the No. 6 seed, it was forced to take on the reigning two-time 4A champions – and state champs — on Friday.

Blue Mountain rolled to a 10-0 victory.

“When you’re facing the two-time defending state champ, there’s a lot of pride and a lot of good things happening over there,” said Bob Hock, the Bombers’ mentor. “Yeah, that wasn’t the best draw we could have had.”

The Eagles’ starting pitcher, Chloe Brown, made a statement immediately, as she struck out lead-off hitter Mikayla Pengelly to start the game. It was the first of her 10 strikeouts on the day.

After a 1-2-3 top of the inning, the Eagles didn’t take long to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Addyson Fishburn led off with a bunt single, stole second and moved to third on Bomber catcher Hailey Delgado’s throwing error. Avery Hudock continued the small ball with an attempted bunt of her own, which led to Fishburn scoring on the throw to force an out at first.

Hudock stole second and eventually scored on an Anna Borden fielder’s choice RBI for a quick 2-0 lead.

While Brown struck out the side in the top of the second, Samantha Wolfe managed to record the Bombers’ first hit off the Eagles’ ace. Wolfe moved into scoring position as Delgado drew one of two walks off Brown. But that was as close as the Bombers would get.

In the third, Pengelly – the Bombers’ lone multiple hitter on the day – laced a double to get herself into scoring position. However, with back-to-back ground-outs, Pengelly was stranded at second to end the inning.

Meanwhile, the Eagles had no problem crossing home plate in the bottom of the third. Fishburn led off with a double, swiped another base and scored on an Emmerson Frie sacrifice fly to give the Eagles a 4-0 lead.

Brown was able to help herself out with her bat. In the third, Brown drilled a two-run single to make it 7-0.

“I was a little frustrated with our batters,” said Hock. “We just took way too many pitches and got ourselves in holes. It’s always tough to hit behind in the count.

“I think down towards the end we had a little bit better at-bats where we were a little bit more aggressive. But early on, we were very timid, and she just kept moving the ball and we took a lot of pitches. And, when we did put something in play, it found a glove.”

Still, Hock believes his program will learn from this experience.

“I have been here for 12 years, and we have never matched up with them in the playoffs,” Hock stressed. “We knew how good they were. It’s always good competition and that’s what it’s about.”

NO REST … The Eagles advanced and will play Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in Pine Grove. Blue Mountain will face No. 2 seed North Schuylkill.

LEFT A MARK ON THE PROGRAM … Seniors Mikayla Pengelly, Lauren Prutzman and Hailey Delgado played their final innings on the softball diamond as Lady Bombers. While their presence will be missed on the field next season, Hock stated they all left a mark within the program off the field as well. “All three of them, they led by example. Hard workers. Always willing to go above and beyond and do what you needed out of them. The young kids looked up to them for sure.”

Palmerton 000 00 - 0 3 3

Blue Mtn. 214 21 - 10 9 0

Barry and Delgado; Brown and Cavadini. W - Brown. L - Barry.

Records: Palmerton (9-10); Blue Mountain (15-6).