May 8, 2018 By John Tiech for The 3 min read

CALIFORNIA — Monessen’s Lady Greyhounds traveled to California and blanked the Lady Trojans, 25-0, Tuesday afternoon in Section 2-A action.

Monessen (11-1, 12-2) shared the section crown with West Greene, the first title in the program’s history.

“It was nice to come out and take control early, and it was nice to get a win that was very important to us as a program because now we’re co-section champs for the first time in school history. It means a lot to everyone who has contributed to this program, and we have a top-notch coaching staff,” said Monessen coach Bo Teets.

“Dana (Vatakis) contributed with some good pitching today, but it was a total team effort given our offense performance today,” continued Teets. “We’re sending Dana out tomorrow against Belle Vernon, and for anyone who loves good pitching, it’s going to be a game they’ll want to see, especially with them sending out Bailey Parshall.”

Vatakis pitched a three-inning, no-hit shutout, striking out seven out of the nine batters she faced.

Monessen went through the lineup twice in the top of the first inning, amassing 13 runs on 10 hits and three errors proved to be costly for California (2-12, 1-11).

The Lady Greyhounds nearly went through their lineup twice again in the top of the second inning, producing 11 runs on five hits with the Lady Trojans committing seven errors to give Monessen a sizable 24-0 lead.

Monessen added another run in the top of the third inning thanks to yet another error committed by California to give the Lady Greyhounds a 25-0 lead. Vatakis retired the side in order in the bottom of the inning to invoke the 3-inning, 15-run mercy rule.

Vatakis went 5-for-5 with 4 RBI. Destiny Habeck finished 3-for-5 with 3 RBI, Mattie Telegraphis was 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, and Maddie Guzzie went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. Cara Wheeler finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Carly Rock went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI.

The Lady Trojans committed a total of 11 errors in the game.

“There’s not much to say after that because we got thumped,” said California coach Vance Caetti. “Too many errors hurt us, and the errors hurt us all year.

“Dana is the fastest pitcher we’ve seen all year. I mean it’s a good experience for them to face a pitcher like that, but she’s really good.”

California held its annual senior night before the game for softball players Jessica Beven, Marley Evans, Anna Glawinski, Kristina Luko, Gabby Mariscotti, Karen Watkins and Jordan Whiteskunk.

Monessen hosts Belle Vernon (16-2) today in an non-section action in a highly anticipated pitching match-up between Vatakis and the Lady Leopards’ Bailey Parshall.

Meanwhile, California travels to Beth-Center (3-10) in a non-section game.