Trojans up big on Hounds before rain

The California and Monessen softball teams were looking to dodge some raindrops and get their non-section contest in at Coal Center, but Mother Nature had other plans.

Persistent rains and an unplayable infield were the main components to the postponement, as the home plate umpire called the game in the top of the second with one out and one on.

Cal was leading 12-0 against their Mon Valley rival.

“We were hoping to get this one in today,” Cal coach Matthew White said. “The girls were excited to get out today and play against their rival. We have been clicking so far this season and I like our progress. These girls are upbeat and are always keeping things positive on the field.”

White was unsure of a possible makeup date, but hopes to get the game in sometime this spring.

After dropping their season opener against Mapletown, 18-4, the Trojans (2-1) have rattled off back-to-back wins over non-section foes Avella (134) and Beth-Center (8-3).

“We have great leaders on this team,” White said. “They lead well, and I think that is not lost on the younger kids. Our practices have been really smooth and lively. We are working on a lot of defensive drills and it has showed up in games for us. We are a better defensive team than last year.”

Cal only registered two wins a season ago, so their impressive start on the softball diamond is extra special for not only the coaches, but the players.

“We are having a lot of fun out there,” Cal lone senior Kayla Saeli said. “We have a good mix of experience and young players on the team. We are gelling right away and I think we are more focus this season than last season. We are loving the sport and playing for each other.”

Freshman pitcher Olivia Lenkey made short work of the visitors in the top of the first for the Trojans, as she retired the lineup in order with a strikeout and consecutive pop outs to short stop.

Lenkey only needed 11 pitches to get out of the opening frame.

In the bottom of the first, Monessen’s pitcher Joey Hurst struggled with her command and was a bit wild with the wet ball. Hurst had to use 41 pitches to get out of the first inning.

The Trojans’ offense took full advantage of the Greyhounds’ misfortune, as Madyson Morton led off the frame with a hustle-double that dropped in shallow centerfield. Morton then took third base off a wild pitch and later scored the first run by way of a passed ball.

Cal made it 2-0 when Aubrey Dearinger was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The next four runs scored were all on passed balls, as Saeli, Avery Filby, Dearinger and Gabbi Luncinksy crossed home plate.

Morton and Saeli were back up to bat later in the inning, and both came through with RBI singles to make it 8-0.

Saeli had a special week off the diamond, as the senior committed to play softball at Pitt-Greensburg next spring.

“Not only can I play softball there, but it works with my major (pre-physical therapy),” Saeli said. “It was a perfect choice for me. The coaches are great and it is just a great fit for myself.”

Despite playing at the next level, the senior is only focus on the present and the 2025 season at Cal.

“We just have to keep our spirts up this spring,” Saeli said. “We can’t get too down on ourselves after a loss or a bad play. We have to move on from it and focus on what is ahead of us. We know we are in a tough section, but our main goal is to make it to the playoffs.”

Later in the inning, Cal garnered four more runs on a pair of 2-run singles by Filby and Luncinsky.

The Greyhounds looked to have their first base runner of the game at the start of the second inning when cleanup hitter Lillie Mackey belted a hard-hit ball to center, but Trojans center fielder Ella Fike made a sensational catch to get the first out.

After Hurst reached base for Monessen after being hit by a pitch, Bry’Aunna Cook was in the batters’ box and ready to go, but the home plate umpire halted play and that proved to be the end of the line for both squads on the rainy afternoon.

The Greyhounds (0-2) were looking for their first victory of the season under second-year coach Brandon Yorty. Monessen dropped earlier games to Washington (16-5) and Carmichaels (15-1).

In the preseason, Yorty expressed a promising year for the Greyhounds on the diamond.

“Two years ago, we finished fourth in the section and last year we were third,” Yorty said. “I want us to continue the upswing. If we don’t win the section, I’d at least like to see us finish second. Regardless, I expect us to make the playoffs. We definitely have the ability.”

Monessen will begin Section 3-1A play Monday against Jeannette. The home game will be the first for the Greyhounds this season.

As for the Trojans, White thinks that they might have turned the corner and is excited for section action.

“I really like our offensive approach so far this season,” White said. “We are squaring up the ball and using our speed on the basepaths. I think that aggressiveness on the basepaths has instilled a lot of confidence at the plate and in the field. We are excited to start the section schedule.” After traveling to non-section foe Jefferson-Morgan Tuesday, Cal travels to Frazier Friday to kick off their Section 4-2A schedule.

Other games washed out by the rain included the Belle Vernon- South Park baseball game and Elizabeth Forward-Yough, Carmichaels-Frazier, South Park-Thomas Jefferson and Serra Catholic-Bishop Canevin softball games.