PORT BYRON - For some softball teams, 11 runs would be a successful game. For the Port Byron Panthers, it was a good start.
Jennifer Meyers / The Citizen
Port Byron's Alyssa Lalonde is called safe after sliding into third base during Wednesday's game against Manlius Pebble Hill.
Port Byron's Alyssa Lalonde is called safe after sliding into third base during Wednesday's game against Manlius Pebble Hill.
The Panthers' bats were scorching right out of the box, batting around and scoring 11 runs in the first inning en route to a 39-2 blowout of Manlius Pebble Hill Wednesday.
Even the unseasonable cold and mix of rain and snow didn't dampen the girls' efforts.
“I think even through the cold we kept playing as a team,” Port Byron first baseman Megan Blauvelt said. “We do what we've got to do and we play with our hearts.”
Port Byron played a solid all-around game and despite the lopsided score, adjusted well to the opposition in a day where the Panthers admitted to not playing their best softball.
“I thought they did well,” coach Bill DeAngelis said. “The girls work very hard and I tried to make sure they kept their composure. I thought they did well as far as adjusting to our opponents.”
Much of the Panthers' offense was built on strong hits, but also smart plays from the batters, who were able to work a number of walks.
“This is the best hitting team I've seen in the five years I've been here,” DeAngelis said. “And they worked for the walks. As a coach you try to check out the pitcher in warm ups and adjust your players. I like them to see a strike before they go up there and start swinging.”
This combination of smart play, working the pitcher and well-placed hits complemented the abilities of the team.
Pitcher Beth Cereo, who had seven strikeouts was dominant.
“She does great for me,” DeAngelis said. “She does everything I ask of her. This year she is working with some new catchers which is a big adjustment, but she has done well.”
Still, Cereo said she didn't feel she was at her absolute best.
“It was a tough game,” Cereo said. “The cold and the snow was definitely an element. I didn't feel I was up to par. I tried my hardest and got better when I got warmer. Once my arm got warmer I got more comfortable and was able to strike people out.”
Backing Cereo up was a strong performance by both the infield and the outfield.
“They kept their composure and made sure they adjusted and didn't get too excited and played some really good defense today.,” DeAngelis said.
Young players like center fielder Alison Short, an eighth grader in her second season with the team, contributed greatly to the teams' defensive strengths.
“She plays beyond her years,” DeAngelis said. “She has great skills for someone her age. The younger players are really stepping up.”
Even the unseasonable cold and mix of rain and snow didn't dampen the girls' efforts.
“I think even through the cold we kept playing as a team,” Port Byron first baseman Megan Blauvelt said. “We do what we've got to do and we play with our hearts.”
Port Byron played a solid all-around game and despite the lopsided score, adjusted well to the opposition in a day where the Panthers admitted to not playing their best softball.
“I thought they did well,” coach Bill DeAngelis said. “The girls work very hard and I tried to make sure they kept their composure. I thought they did well as far as adjusting to our opponents.”
Much of the Panthers' offense was built on strong hits, but also smart plays from the batters, who were able to work a number of walks.
“This is the best hitting team I've seen in the five years I've been here,” DeAngelis said. “And they worked for the walks. As a coach you try to check out the pitcher in warm ups and adjust your players. I like them to see a strike before they go up there and start swinging.”
This combination of smart play, working the pitcher and well-placed hits complemented the abilities of the team.
Pitcher Beth Cereo, who had seven strikeouts was dominant.
“She does great for me,” DeAngelis said. “She does everything I ask of her. This year she is working with some new catchers which is a big adjustment, but she has done well.”
Still, Cereo said she didn't feel she was at her absolute best.
“It was a tough game,” Cereo said. “The cold and the snow was definitely an element. I didn't feel I was up to par. I tried my hardest and got better when I got warmer. Once my arm got warmer I got more comfortable and was able to strike people out.”
Backing Cereo up was a strong performance by both the infield and the outfield.
“They kept their composure and made sure they adjusted and didn't get too excited and played some really good defense today.,” DeAngelis said.
Young players like center fielder Alison Short, an eighth grader in her second season with the team, contributed greatly to the teams' defensive strengths.
“She plays beyond her years,” DeAngelis said. “She has great skills for someone her age. The younger players are really stepping up.”
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