A new season brings new opportunities.

For the Blue Bombers, it came from both new and old members.

After two days of delays from cold weather, the 2026 softball season finally got underway for both Palmerton and Lehighton on Thursday.

Following two tight innings, the visiting Bombers found its offensive rhythm and couldn’t be stopped on their way to a massive 19-0 Colonial League victory.

The Indians find themselves in a period of transition, learning how to compete under new head coach Ed Ziegenfuss.

“It’s been a learning experience for all of us; learning where they fit it,” he said. “We have a lot of girls without a lot of varsity playing experience.”

The Bombers possess a unique balance of senior leadership and upcoming freshman looking to provide an immediate impact to the program. The most impressive from this contest was pitcher Hailey George, who shut the Indians down through four innings, allowing only one hit and three walks while striking out nine in her varsity debut

“There was a lot of practice before,” she said. “I was excited for my first game, and I think I did really well.”

Taking a 1-0 lead into the third inning, Palmerton turned a tight rivalry matchup into a dominant lead. Seven hits brought home six runs, including a two-run triple from Morgan Wayda and a three-base hit by Hailey Barry.

The Bombers one-upped themselves in the fifth with what felt like a non-stop scoring parade with contributions from everyone in the lineup.

A total of 14 batters came to the dish and brought 11 runners around to score. Among the offensive contributors were Tessa Sander with a two-run single and pinch-hitting freshman Peyton Graver with another single that scored two runs.

Barry finished 4-for-4 with two RBIs and also reached 100 hits in her high school career. Despite her individual accomplishments, she appreciates the role of being a senior leader and having the supporting cast around her that can all provide offensive contributions.

“It feels very comfortable when we have people like that,” she said. “If we can keep hitting the ball like that, we can go far this season. The girls coming up are obviously amazing, but to be a leader for them is so easy because they all play travel ball. They’re all just really well-rounded. Having them here with us makes everything better.”

In total, 11 different Bombers picked up hits — including six who had multi-hit games. Sander ended 3-for-5 and led the team with four RBIs. MacKenzie Ferber reached base in all four of her appearances with three hits and a walk, and freshman Jaylin Strohl also put up a 3-for-5 performance and tallied two RBIs.

Bomber head coach Bob Hock knows that not every game is going to be like this for his team, and he’s just happy to see a new season begin — especially with the promising youth he now possesses.

“I know these young kids have played tons of softball already,” he said. “There’s a lot of coaches out there; tournament coaches and summer (ball) ... they’re doing a great job with these kids, and they come here ready to play, and it makes things easier on a high school coach.

“There’s obviously adjustments. Kids tend to feel pressure at the high school level more than the tournament ball ... but these kids seem like they’re up to the task. It’s nice to see all the enthusiasm around the town of Palmerton. We’re excited for the season. It’s great to be outside on the field.”

JUMPING IN ... With the season underway, both teams are off to a busy start to their schedules, as Lehighton travels to Notre Dame today. Palmerton will make its next journey to Northern Lehigh on Saturday.

Palmerton 016 1(11) - 19 22 0

Lehighton 000 0 0 - 0 2 0

George, Barry (5) and Trumbore; Yeakel, Costenbader (5) and Mriss. W - George. L - Yeakel.

Records: Palmerton (1-0; 1-0 CL); Lehighton (0-1; 0-1 CL).