Mar 24, 2017 3 min read

Considering Monessen has made the WPIAL Class A softball playoffs the past two seasons and has an ace pitcher in junior Dana Vatakis, you might think head coach Bo Teets is confident his team will make the postseason three straight seasons.

You’d be wrong.

The PIAA’s switch to six classifications has taken perennial contender Chartiers-Houston out the Greyhounds’ section. But defending WPIAL Class A champion and state finalist West Greene returns, along with Jefferson-Morgan, Avella, California and Mapletown. Perennial contender Carmichaels replaces Char-Houston in the section, moving down from Class AA.

“We play in a meat grinder of a section,” he said of Section 2-A. “We know that there aren’t going to be many easy games, if any at all, and have to be on top of our game each time we step on the field.

“West Greene has almost everyone back, and both Carmichaels and Jefferson-Morgan will once again be talented as well.”

While the other teams in the section have been down in recent seasons, they are improving and dangerous.

“With Cal and Mapletown, they have been getting better each year as well and will be tough,” Teets said. “The four teams that make it to the playoffs may be four of the best five or six teams in the class and the schedule should prepare us for the postseason.

“But we also know that if we don’t play to our potential, we won’t make it to the postseason. The girls know that we have to remain focused.”

Monessen lost to West Greene in the WPIAL semifinals and then to North Catholic in the consolation game. A win would have put the Greyhounds in the PIAA playoffs for the first time.

“The girls remember how it felt,” Teets said. “We have to remain motivated and continue to improve as the season goes.”

The key will be Vatakis, a Robert Morris recruit who is not only the pitching ace but one of the team’s top batters.

Monessen’s lineup lost just one starter from last season, but it was leading hitter, Shelby Minardi.

“I would put her with any pitcher in the WPIAL,” said Teets, who is in his eighth year as head coach. “She is very talented and also brings it at the plate.”

With such an experienced team back, Teets knows what to expect from the girls individually and collectively.

Three seniors, second baseman Tori Cooper, third baseman Kelsey Bachinski and outfielder Janae Evans, lead the way, while junior Carly Rock will again be the catcher.

“When your battery is together for a while like they are, it is big,” Teets said. “They know each other and have a feel for what is going on.”

Junior Maddie Guzzie is at shortstop, while classmate Destiny Habeck will see time as a utility player.

Sophomore Soleil Simpson is the designated player and sophomore Mattie Telegraphis will be in the outfield.

They’ll all be counted on to help make up for the loss of Minardi.

“Replacing Shelby will not be easy but we have some girls who we fill can step in and produce for us,” Teets said.