Perechinsky steps into leadership role as a sophomore
In one week, the Bonnies softball team starts its 2019 season. The team is ready to get out of Butler Gymnasium and onto the field. The Bonnies team will include many old and new faces this season. Head Coach Mike Threehouse believes having returning players and incoming freshmen will be fresh and exciting.
Returning for a bigger role for the Bonnies is Grace Perechinsky, Scranton native and sophomore. She led the Bonnies with a .348 batting average, 13 doubles and 27 RBIs.
“She is going to be in there every day either catching, being the designated hitter role or at first base,” said Threehouse. “She is that caliber player, if she goes out and does what Grace is capable of doing, then she is going to have a fantastic year.”
She has been helping the freshmen with the flow of game. The team has been practicing every day, but Perechinsky is focusing on her mental game.
“My goal is really to communicate more and be more of a leader of the field,” Perechinsky said. “Focusing on increasing my confidence in myself and in my swing and what I can do for the team.”
She earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team last season.
“She plays a huge role and we are expecting a lot from her,” said Threehouse.
Along with Perechinsky, the Bonnies include Abigail Stone and Madison Stewart behind the plate.
“I told all the freshmen coming in this season the biggest thing is working hard and leaving your egos at the door. You have to earn your position. You earn respect through your talent and what you do on the field,” said Perechinsky.
For the infield, senior Alexandra Piergustavo will start at first base after playing 95 career games for the Bonnies. Junior McKenna Holtz will be at second base and junior Brooke-Kane Walker will be playing shortstop. As for third base, there will be competition for the position. Returning senior Olivia Golay, senior Kaitlin Caringi and freshman Tierney Fitzgerald will compete to earn their spots on the field.
For the pitchers, Threehouse with look to juniors Rylee Hehir and Sam Wood for leadership. Hehir will be a primary starter for the Bonnies, while Wood is going to be a late-inning person. He is expecting a lot of positive things from his veteran pitchers.
Threehouse is looking for consistency among his four new freshmen pitchers: Alyssa Yungwirth, Tierney Fitzgerald, Abby Borkowski and Ally Haskell. “They are going to be a good group and chew up innings for us,” said Threehouse.
For the outfielders, junior Elizabeth Enovitch and senior Alexandra Deal will return to the field. Freshman Samantha Moll will look for her first appearance in the brown and white.
The Bonnies season begins on Friday, Feb. 22 against Central Connecticut University in Hampton, Virginia. It is part of a four-game trip. On Feb. 24, they travel to Norfolk to play Norfolk State. The Bonnies will then take a six-game trip to Hawaii for spring break between March 6 to 9.
By Keara Donnelly, Sports Assignment Editor
donnelkm17@bonaventure.edu
