The North Penn Girls’ Softball Team of 1985 was a young team with a tough task of upholding a strong softball tradition.  At the beginning of the season, many spots had to be filled; however, they did start with a formidable nucleus of four seniors - Tracy Glose (Capt.), Bambi Hassinger, Andrea Heller and Tracy Kelley.The season started on a rough note with the team falling behind to Pennridge 6-1.   As would be the case throughout the season, the team “hung in there” and managed to win the game 15-9.  While North Penn was hoping to look presentable at that time, they never questioned that they would win the Bux-Mont title.  Given the tradition of the program, it was never a question of “if”, but “how”.  The “how” was by getting down to fundamentals, practice and execution.  With that thought process and by taking one game at a time, North Penn completed the regular season as the undefeated Bux-Mont League Champions; 14-0.  Despite the unblemished record, North Penn did struggle through most of their games.  The Maidens hadn’t been blowing teams out, but they kept winning with an ability to scratch out runs and do the little things needed.  The pivotal game of the season would be the last league game against CB East.  The Maidens fell behind 3-1 and weren’t able to get much going against a tough East squad.  Having already sewn up the Bux-Mont League title and with nothing on the line except the undefeated season, this team could have easily packed it in and let this game go.  However, the character of this team wouldn’t let that happen.  After a rain delay, North Penn regrouped, came out on the field and in typical fashion won 10-6.

North Penn then swept the District Playoffs beating Lower Moreland 5-1, Ridley 7-2, Council Rock 3-1 in 11 innings, and the finals Coatesville 9-7 for the PIAA District One title.  Once again, it would not come easy.  The first two games were a struggle due to the slow speed of the pitching, then a marathon 11 inning game against a powerhouse in Council Rock, and finally a slug fest for the district title.

North Penn again swept the State Playoffs beating Middletown 3-0, Williamsport 9-6, Council Rock 2-0 in 8 innings and Harbor Creek 4-3 for the State title.  The final out of the title game was typical of the season – not flashy, just business. No one told this team they weren’t supposed to win.  The Maidens relied on solid pitching, clutch hitting and air tight fundamentals, and never got down on themselves.  This team was close, with everyone rallying around each other and keeping a positive attitude.   When it comes to raw talent, this team might not have measured up to previous squads, but the road to the championship is littered with individual abilities – teams win championships.  North Penn went much further than anyone expected.  They were a proud group and pride carried them to a PIAA AAA State Softball Championship.

North Penn Placed four players on the All Bux-Mont Team: First team: Bambi Hassinger P; Tracy Glose (Capt.) C; Jean Essner OF; Andrea Heller OF.  In addition, three players received Honorable Mention: Tracy Kelley, 2B; Lynn Dwyer, SS; Kris Martell, DH.  As a team the Maidens finished with a .285 batting average and a 924 fielding average.  Letter winners were: 1^st award – Kris Martell 3^rd, Lynn Dwyer SS, Tracy Smith OF, Marge Politikos SS, Janet Vincent mgr.; 2^nd award – Tracy Kelley 2^nd, Jean Essner OF, Eileen Rogers 1^st, Sue Schaffer OF, 3^rd award – Tracy Glose C and Captain, Bambi Hassinger P, Andrea Heller OF.