Percassi Dominant on Mound, Malone and Rodriguez Perfect at Plate
Game photos click here.
A day after defeating Lake Catholic 18-4, the West Geauga Wolverines softball team traveled to Chagrin Falls on April 23 to take on the Tigers.
They continued their dominance at the plate, getting out to an early first-inning, 5-0 lead, then extended their lead to 17-0 as they scored one run in the second, two runs in the third, and nine runs in the fourth inning.
Afterward, West Geauga Head Coach Mark Percassi said that the game against the Tigers was a reflection of how the Wolverines have been performing this season.
In particular, he said his players were aggressive, excellent at the plate, and ran the bases well against the Tigers, emphasizing their preparation.
“I just think they show up ready to go, they’re focused, (and) we work on things constantly,” Coach Percassi said.
West G hit the ball extremely well against the Tigers with 16 hits, seven walks and 15 RBIs. This followed a 12-hit, 12-walk, 11-RBI performance a day earlier against Lake Catholic.
Leading the Wolverines offensively against the Tigers were freshman Dayana Malone (4-4, double, 3 RBI) and senior Elena Rodriguez (3-3, triple, 3 RBI).
Post-game, Malone said she was focused on timing up the pitcher, then looked for the pitch that she wanted — and if she got her pitch, she would take the swing.
This strategy worked extremely well for Malone, as she led off the game with a line-drive single and then doubled in the second inning.
Malone completed her perfect day at the plate with another line-drive single to center field in the third inning and a base hit to center field in the fourth inning.
For the week, over four games, Malone was an amazing 9-11 at the plate.
“She’s got such a smooth swing, sees the ball well, and she’s disciplined (at the plate),” her Having a perfect day at the plate against the Tigers was senior Elena Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said she had her hands working well together and made excellent contact.
Coach Percassi said Rodriguez has been working extremely hard during practice on staying short to the ball, then getting extension through the ball after contact.
In addition to the great offensive performance by the Wolverines, Lely Percassi had a great game on the mound against the Tigers. In five innings of work, she struck out six, only gave up three hits, and did not allow a run.
Post-game, Lely Percassi said she’d been very accurate, as her pitches hit the spots she’d aimed for. She was also focused on throwing her fastball, changeup, and drop curve. Although she was accurate with all three pitches, Percassi felt her changeup worked best against the Tigers.
Coach Mark Percassi also said Lely did a good job of hitting her spots, and noted the importance of accuracy on the mound to the whole defense.
“I think the defense responds when we’re throwing a lot of strikes and keeping the ball on the plate,” Coach Percassi said. “They’re more alert and they play good defense.”
With excellent pitching and offensive showings this week, the Wolverines went 3-1 and extended their record to 7-2 on the season.
