Monessen beats Serra, moves into semis for first time
CALIFORNIA - Behind a no-hitter by Dana Vatakis, the Monessen softball team is going to the WPIAL Class A semifinals for the first time in program history.
The team shut out previously undefeated Serra Catholic 10-0 in six innings in Monday night’s Class A quarterfinals at California University.
“I thought we matched up well but they are undefeated for a reason,” said Monessen coach Bo Teets. “We knew that we had a challenge in front of us and I think we prepared well.”
After two scoreless innings, Monessen scored two runs in the third, three in the fourth, and five in the sixth to trigger the ten-run rule.
“We had some timely hits and it propelled us to the win,” Teets said. “Dana makes it tough for other teams and is a Division One recruit for a reason.
“And for everything that Shelby has been through, this is not too big for her and she thrives on the big stage.”
Vatakis finished with 11 strikeouts while Shelby Minardi (three hits and three RBI), Carly Rock (two hits) and Tori Cooper (two hits) paced Monessen offensively.
Monessen will now face highly-touted and top-seeded West Greene Wednesday at a time and location to be determined.
What does it mean to Teets to take the team to this level for the first time?
“You know what, it is hard to answer that in the moment and we still have a goal in front of us and we are focused on it.
“In the future we can reflect back on it but right now, we are staying focused.”