Softball: Davey adapts to role as team’s main pitcher

Pitching was the biggest unknown for the Falcons this year coming into the season after the graduation of Eleni Spirakis last spring. Filling her shoes this year is senior Rachel Davey.

“Last year, Eleni and I were the pitchers, which was nice because we could substitute each other out,” Davey said. “With her gone, it has been difficult to pitch five games a week. Sometimes when I am struggling in the game, I just have to not think about it and keep playing.”

To help Davey, junior second baseman Chancee Gaskin occasionally fills in as pitcher.

Despite the pitching challenges, the team has adjusted and has a league record of 2-1 as of March 27.

On March 22, the Falcons’ season got a big boost with an 8-1 win against Palo Alto on their home turf. Senior center fielder Natasha Ramakrishnan led the team with a strong outfield performance while Davey kept the Vikings in check with her strong pitching.

On March 17, the girls lost 6-5 against Milpitas in a close fought away game, but they made up for it in their first league game by beating Fremont 11-1 at home on March 15.

Davey attributed these early wins to a strong pre-season schedule in which the girls beat Westmont in a strong 10-0 performance and lost 4-3 in a close game against Prospect.

“These early games allowed us to get to know each other better and really form as a team,” junior outfielder Kate Bossi said. “We learned our weaknesses and how we can improve in these through specific trainings that have helped us this season.”

Despite the loss of 2016 alumni like Spirakis and first baseman Savannah Green, Ramakrishnan is hoping new freshman additions, including first baseman Ella Parr, right fielder Morgan Woolley and shortstop Hannah Beine, can substitute in their place. These freshmen have already integrated themselves into the team.

“We all know the ins and outs of the game and our skill level is exactly where it needs to be,” Ramakrishnan said. “We have already bonded as a team and our chemistry is really clicking.”

According to Davey, the Falcons are on working on their base running and communication on the field.

Additionally, the girls are hoping  to stay healthy.

“One thing we can work on is making sure we can stay focused through the really tough parts of our schedule since we have so many games in a week,” Ramakrishnan said.