Let’s tie up a loose end today. And while we’re at it, give credit where it’s due.

Even if Bridget McDermott isn’t sure she deserves it.

During her softball career, McDermott pitched her way into Shepard history. As a junior, the right-hander became the program’s all-time career strikeout leader.

With a scholarship to St. Francis securely in place, McDermott was focused on having a senior season to remember.

And it was. But not the way she would have planned it.

McDermott missed a ton of time due to the lingering effects of a back injury she suffered during summer ball. It was nearly May before she was in Shepard’s lineup for good.

She was instrumental in helping the Astros win the conference championship. McDermott was the winning pitcher and had four hits in a key 12-2 win over Richards.

She ended up with at-bats and innings pitched that totaled half a season. Yet the coaches in the conference selected her South Suburban Red Player of the Year. No one was more surprised than McDermott.

“I was not expecting that,” she said. “I played only half the season. Honestly, there were probably other girls who should have gotten it. I was very grateful but very shocked.”

McDermott was not one of the 30 players I selected for the Daily Southtown’s all-area softball team.

It’s not that I thought she wasn’t worthy. She simply didn’t qualify.

I had to ask her if she was disappointed.

“Honestly, no,” McDermott said. “I don’t even think I should have gotten (conference) player of the year. Yes, I did well when I got back. But our freshmen were great, and (teammate) Abby Horton deserved to be all-area.”

One thing is for certain. When McDermott played, she made a positive impression.

For Reavis coach Meg Madera, McDermott did it from the outfield.

“Bridget had the best outfield arm in the conference and she wasn’t even an outfielder,” Madera said. “The second time we played, she came in and pitched the final two innings. I think she threw three strikes in a row to all six batters she faced.

“Everything she does is very elite. I told one of our sophomores, ‘If you want to see how good you can be, then you need to have a good at-bat against this girl.’”

Tinley Park coach Wendy Podbielniak gave a powerful perspective from the other side of the conference.

“High school athletes today have a difficult time with adversity,” Podbielniak said. “Being injured is definitely adversity. This is a kid who went through the things she went through and came back to perform for her team selflessly.

“There is something to be said for that. The kid has been a starter for four years for Shepard, and she has done a tremendous job. She has proven herself to be a leader, which is an accomplishment in itself.”

Oak Lawn coach Patrick Probst had defending conference player of the year Angelica Rafacz in the mix. Naturally, he wanted a different outcome. But he was happy for McDermott.

“Bridget is a stellar player,” Probst said. “She’s legit — a very good softball player. She plays the game with a lot of passion and enthusiasm.

“Even against us when she didn’t play, she was on a bucket, an extra coach, always in the game. Beyond numbers, she was a leader through and through.”

McDermott smiled when I reminded her of the respect opposing coaches had for her.

“It’s very humbling,” McDermott said. “The coaches in our conference are all great, really nice.”

You know what? I think they’re pretty smart, too.

Good choice.