Madalyn Dyer expects to pitch in another Pioneer Athletic Conference championship game. The Green Lane resident says she's looking forward to the opportunity.  "I expect a lot out of myself," Dyer said. "The expectations for this team

Kristina Molnar slides safely across the plate in the fifth inning of Upper Perkiomen's victory over Phoenixville.

are high."

            As the only senior on Upper Perkiomen's softball team, Dyer's performance will likely go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Head coach Dean Sullivan described her as the team's most important player.  "I take my leadership responsibilities seriously," she said.

            Last week, Dyer delivered another dominant pitching performance. She registered 10 strikeouts in an 11-1 victory over Phoenixville in the PAC on Wednesday, April 5.

            Sullivan described Dyer as the top pitcher in the conference. He called her smart and competitive.  "She always wants the ball," the coach said.

            Ashley Forrest delivered three hits and drove in three runs to pace a 12-hit barrage to help the Indians (3-0 PAC, 3-3 overall) remain undefeated in league play. Emily Proctor and Maddie Deeble each posted two hits and drove in two runs.

            Kristina Molnar, one of three freshmen regulars, and Emma Davidheiser each stole three bases and scored two runs. Morgan Robinson added two steals and scored three runs for the Tribe, which utilized a three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to invoke the 10-run rule.

            The team scored in every inning but the second. Forrest, Upper Perkiomen's junior catcher, drove in a run with a single in the first inning. She added a two-run hit in the fifth against the Frontier Division rival.

            The lineup that stole 11 bases against the Phantoms relies heavily on speed. The trio of ninth graders, which includes outfielders Ryan Berg and Deeble, has provided a boost on the base paths.

            Bunts are a significant part of their offensive repertoire, according to Sullivan. He said the trio is always looking to take the extra base.

            "This team has got to make good contact for us to be successful," the coach said. "We don't have a lot of power."

            According to Sullivan, Dyer's determination could be the key to his team eventually winning a conference title. Following last season's 2-0 loss to host Boyertown in the title game, the pitcher spent the off season working with private coaches.

            Dyer also added strength through a weight-training program. Several of her teammates also participated, according to Sullivan, whose team resumed its schedule Wednesday against the Bears.  "Maddy is always looking to get better," the coach said.

            On the mound, Dyer (4-1) is averaging more than 10 strikeouts per outing. Against Phoenixville, she scattered seven hits, working around two singles in the top of the first. She allowed one run in the second inning.

            At the plate, Dyer has made significant strides, according to Sullivan. So far the cleanup hitter has driven in 10 runs and posted a .353 average (6-for-17). Half of her RBIs came in an 8-7 conference win over Upper Merion on April 3.

            "I know I have to hit well," Dyer said. "It's something I've always focused on. We have a good lineup."