By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports
(May 22, 2022 8:00 AM) On a team full of stars and future college softball players, having fun appears to be one of the priorities for the Northwest High School varsity softball team.
They could be No. 1 in the state in that category.
The Mounties are spirited in the dugout and always encouraging one another.
Senior Grace Pilaczynski says it is what separates the Mounties from another top team.
“When someone is down, there is always someone there to pick them up,” Pilaczynski said of the Mounties. “We are having fun as a team.”
The Mounties may have been less than thrilled the way last year ended. The highly-ranked Mounties were knocked off in the district round and Pilaczynski was hurt at the end of the season.
But Northwest knew there were eight returning players from that squad – including six who will play college softball.
“We recovered … worked on the things we needed to work on,” Pilaczynski said. “As a team we are shooting to win districts and keep winning.
“The important thing is to focus on the game we are in right now.”
Pilaczynski is a four year starter for Northwest – counting the COVID lost-season two years ago.
She entered senior night last Thursday with a .433 batting average, 17 home runs, 107 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. Those numbers would be much higher without the lost season of 2020 and games missed last year due to an injury.
The senior will be headed to Division 1 Youngstown State to play softball next year.
“I liked the family atmosphere (at Youngstown State) and the school itself,” Pilaczynski said.
But the Mounties have unfinished business in 2022. With one of the top pitchers in the state – Nevaeh Ingram – the next month looks bright for the Mounties.
“I trust Nevaeh with everything on the mound,” Pilaczynski said. “You win as a team and lose as a team.
“We are pretty solid offensively and defensively.”
The Mounties are 28-2 heading into action this week.
