As roles and relationships have become more refined, ELCO has elevated its play

It’s a variation on the original. But there exists a golden rule in team sports that says, “Love your teammates as yourself and you will never compete alone.”

It’s the moral of the ELCO softball team’s unfolding story. Because morale is one of the most important keys to success.

Cory Derr has been associated with the Raider softball program in a variety of ways for a number of years, but this is his first as the head varsity coach.

“The girls are playing hard, and they deserve it,” said Derr. “As long as they play 100 percent, the way they have all year, we have no complaints. We tell the girls it’s team first. We don’t like to single out players. We’re glad for the individual accomplishments, but everything revolves around the team.”

Because of that approach, ELCO is enjoying a simply splendid spring season. Currently, the Raiders stand at 11-2 overall, 2-2 in Section Three of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, and the Raiders are positioned fourth in the District Three power rankings for an AAAA classification which takes eight teams for its postseason tournament.

ELCO has outscored its opponents by a combined margin of 143-51.

“Everything is going well,” said Derr. “We had a little drop-off against Manheim Central. But we’re hitting the ball good. We’re not making too many mistakes.

“If you would’ve told me at the beginning of the year that we’d be 11-2 after 13 games, I would’ve said I’d take it. We have a good team. I’ve been around the program for a long time. I coached a lot of these girls in rec ball and travel ball. I’ve been around the girls. I’ve seen these girls develop through the program.”

After going 15-5 a year ago and qualifying for the District Three playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons, followed by a sixth loss in playoffs, the Raiders won their first 11 games this spring. ELCO performed better during a 3-2 home loss to rival Northern Lebanon on April 16 than it did during a 10-0 loss at Manheim Central on April 14.

“We’ve been really consistent up until our last two games,” said Derr. “Against Manheim Central, we kind of fell apart. Against Northern Lebanon, we played well, but they’re a good team.

“When we get down, the morale is really different than in past years. No one gets frustrated with anyone else who makes a mistake. It’s a team game, not an individual game.”

ELCO has received important contributions from everywhere on the diamond, up and down the lineup and from the bench, but especially from senior captains Gabby Smith, Abby Hassler and Morgan Wilson. The Raiders’ chemistry trickles down from the leadership at the top.

“All three of our captains have shown leadership all the time – at practice, during games, off the field,” said Derr. “The leadership has been outstanding, all year, no matter what. They address things in the right fashion with the other girls.

“Everyone wants to win, but it’s not all about winning. With the girls, we stress academics first. If the players have issues and need help, it’s the coaching staff’s responsibility to get them help.”

Statistically, Smith has also led the Raiders in the circle and at the dish. Smith has 10 home runs, a batting average well over .600, a 6-1 pitching record and a strikeout total approaching triple digits.

Hassler has also starred for ELCO, both on the mound and in the batter’s box, while teammate Chloe Shirk has served as an offensive catalyst for the Raiders.

“I don’t know if last year necessarily affected this year at all,” said Derr. “It’s good that the core group from last year is still here this year. It almost makes me look good. But these girls have played together for a lot of years.”

No one is quite sure the last time that ELCO qualified for the Lancaster-Lebanon League postseason, which this year will be contested from May 9-14 at the home of section champions, Ephrata and then Millersville University. The District Three softball playoff tournament will be staged from May 19-27.

“My goal for the team from here on out is to play well, play hard and for the girls to play to their capabilities,” said Derr. “Of course, everybody wants to win. But if the girls play like they can play, I’d be happy with that.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated after publication to correct ELCO’s 2023-24 season record. A previously version of the article stated the team had 14 wins, when they actually had 15 wins. We sincerely regret the error.