Area softball fans were treated to an early-season showdown between two of the top local teams on Friday, as defending Section 1 champion hosted Ursuline in a marquee matchup. And although the Koalas would come away with a 3-2 victory on the afternoon, the tilt portended big things for both ball clubs as they try to establish themselves as title hopefuls once again.

With the game knotted at 1-1 in the sixth inning, Ursuline jumped out in front with two-run double by Emilia Mancuso. Harrison was able to respond with a solo homer by catcher Barbara Jo Coppola in the bottom half of the frame but were unable to climb back on top, suffering their first loss of the year in the process. 

The Koalas put the game away on a diving catch in centerfield by Sophie Nascimento 

First year Huskies head coach Rachel Poccia—who took over from longtime skipper Dean Marino this spring—said that while the loss was a tough one, taking on a team like Ursuline so early in the year can only help this Huskies team figure out its identity.

“It would’ve been great to come out with a win, but I’d rather face adversity when we’re still unsure about everything we’re doing in the beginning of the season,” said Poccia. “These girls do it the right way, they respect the game and they work together.” 

To that end, Poccia said the Huskies are definitely on the right track, with 13 players returning from last year’s championship team. One major change for Harrison this year is in the pitching circle, as freshman Maddie Miller has impressed thus far stepping into the role of the staff ace. On Friday, Miller demonstrated her resilience, making big pitches to escape jams, something Poccia sees as an encouraging sign. 

“We have a bit of a different pitching style this year, and Maddie is definitely up to the challenge, she’s extremely tough,” explained the head coach. “She’s a freshman who didn’t get much experience last year, but she’s taken the ball with that