Six simple words.

So far this summer, those words have served as a motivator for the Towamensing 8-10 All-Star softball team.

After each game of the District 18 Little League tournament, manager Anna Leigh Conway and her players walked away from the diamond with a simple phrase on their minds: Great Things. Hard Things. Little Things.

For Lindsay Baumgardt, Alexa Becker, Sophia Benscoter, Maci Binder, Willow Conway, Zoei Costenbader, McKenna Gildner, Cheyanne Green, Abby Marques, Avery Sesita, Sophia Simpson, Isabel Sterner and Vivian Zalik, those words continue to be part of their process as their season continues.

“We ended our huddle each game saying and knowing this is what we came to do, and we know we executed that,” Conway said. “We strive for great things, encounter hard things, and focus on little things. In the end, we build a strong foundation for success and develop resilience to face challenges together.

“Every out recorded, every ball fielded, every positive cheer – they all contribute to carrying our team to the next round.”

Recently, Towamensing was able to accomplish “great things” by capturing its fourth straight district 8-10 championship. It was the third straight district title solely for the Palmerton Towamensing Athletic Association (PTAA), with one coming as a combined team with Anthracite in 2021.

Towamensing opened the four-team tournament in Lansford with a commanding 19-5 win over Franklin Township before dropping a 8-6 setback to Weatherly. The very next day, PTAA rebounded with a 20-3 rout of host Anthracite.

Hoping for some redemption from its lone tournament loss, Towamensing was looking to overcome “hard things” by recording two victories over Weatherly to claim the title. PTAA stepped up to the occasion with back-to-back victories (6-5 and 3-2) to capture the D-18 trophy — as well as another chance to pose behind the championship banner for a team photo.

“Our girls came ready to battle,” said Conway. “Though they played on different teams throughout the regular season, our girls arrived at districts united. This group continues to work hard, rising to the occasion every game, each playing a crucial role in our team’s success.”

After outscoring their opposition 54-23 in the four-team tournament, Conway had no problem stating the obvious that helped her team stretch its postseason run this summer.

“We had a strong pitching connection with our ace Abby Marques and Vivian Zalik, our catcher,” Conway said. “Our defense stood strong behind them throughout. Our top hitters bring a lot of energy and excitement to the lineup. Sophia Benscoter, Maci Binder, Abby Marques and Willow Conway had a combined 20 RBIs through districts.”

With its strong support system — PTAA, parents and community — rallying around the club, Conway hopes her players and coaching staff will ride the momentum going forward.

Towamensing will open play this weekend in the Section 6 Tournament. It will face Warrington-Warrick on Saturday at 1 p.m.

“This is my first all-star coaching experience, and I am humbled by their intensity and commitment to the sport of softball and to each other,” said Conway. “We ask a lot of these girls, and each time they step on the field, you can feel their energy.

“We started preparing for this moment when we held winter indoor practices back in February. They have shown their dedication to growth and improvement. These girls show up, and love to play.”

With mere hours until they take the field again, Towamensing has focused on more of those “little things” over the last few weeks.

“After a few days off to go watch and support our U12 Towamensing Softball team capture their Sectional title, we got right back at it,” Conway said. “We have been on the field as much as possible, fine tuning our defense and strengthening confidence in our hitting. A handful of our girls were here in this moment last year, and are motivating our team to prepare for sectionals.

“Leading up to Saturday’s game, we are looking to have fun, enjoy the experience, and trust our preparation.”