DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Bishop McDevitt's softball team had never made it past the first round, that is until Maddy Lehigh came up with the walk-off winner in the ninth inning against Berwick on Monday.
The Crusaders have adopted 'Win for Deac' as their mentality moving forward, in honor of the late Deacon Joseph Wrabel, who recently passed, but was a fixture at Crusader sporting events and the football team's Chaplain for the last four decades.
His granddaughter, Elise Wrabel, is on the softball team.
"Elise is a big part of our team and I've known her since freshman year and been friends with her since freshman year so it's a big thing for all of us and we know he's watching," said senior shortstop Maddy Lehigh.
After a practice last week, the entire team put on their jerseys to attend Deacon's viewing and support their teammate.
They know he's still watching and he likely enjoyed Monday's dramatic finish.
"I'm sure Deacon had something to do with that. He was the face of McDevitt for the past 40 to 50 years. His granddaughter Elise is our center fielder and we're playing for him cause I know he's a big sports fan. Elise is his baby and we'd love to see Deac out here," said Crusader Head Coach Tim Bowen.
The Crusaders head to Mount Aloysius College to meet Highland in the state quarterfinals on Thursday.