GCC softball to lean on veteran players in early going

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, March 12, 2018 | 6:45 PM

The Greensburg Central Catholic softball team is coming off a first-round exit from the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

In order to make a longer run come playoff time, the Centurions will rely mostly on their hitting attack.

“These past couple years we have had trouble against some of the top pitchers in the first rounds,” coach Mike Gaffney said. “We have a great offense, but when you play against the top pitchers in the classes, you can only do so much.”

GCC finished 5-7 last season after getting one-hit by second-seeded Frazier in a four-inning, 15-0 loss WPIAL tournament.

“This year, we have a team full of newer girls,” junior pitcher Bella Skatell said. “We are going to have to help them out. If we want to be successful, we will have to rely a lot on teamwork and communication.”

Gaffney knows to be successful this season, Skatell will play a big part. But he also said the defense will have to step up and play well behind her.

“It is hard to be a good team in softball when you do not have pitching,” Gaffney said. “As long as our pitchers can throw strikes, we should be in every game.”

“We have a team of players that are new to the game, but we are a team full of athletes who know how to compete,” senior shortstop Karly McBride said. “When we find where everyone is comfortable it will just come down to limiting errors and making the plays that we are supposed to make.”

The Centurions are hoping the strong core of leaders can push them further this season.

“We have a few experienced players that we will rely on that play very important positions,” Gaffney said. “In order to win games like we want, a lot of it will ride on them, and they understand that and are up to the task.”

Junior first baseman Anna Vitale added: “The last couple of years we have had to go against some great pitching, and I think we let that get to our heads. We have to be ready for that level of play mentally and be more aggressive.”

Right now, the focus for the players is to take it one game at a time and focus on their next opponent.

“It is important that we get off to a good start and are able to build our confidence early,” Gaffney said. “We want to be able to win the section, and when it comes to the playoffs, anything can happen.”

GCC will open with a nonsection game at Jeannette at 4 p.m. March 26.

Cody Scott is a freelance writer.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.