T-Girls can definitely hit, must tighten defense

There are several unknowns surrounding the Petaluma High School T-Girl softball team, but then, there are several things that are already known about the defending Sonoma County League champions.

We know they are young, with just four seniors offset by three sophomores and two talented freshmen. We know they have two veteran pitchers and a talented sophomore thrower. We know they will be versatile, with players being asked to master several different positions, and we know they can hit. They had 14 hits in a 13-13 eight-inning tie in their first game against Montgomery last week.

What we don’t know is how the pitching will fare against another loaded schedule highlighted by participation in the Napa High School Tournament. We don’t know how quickly the younger players will adapt to that schedule. And, we don’t know if the six errors they committed in the Montgomery game is real or an abnormality for a team that is generally known for its outstanding glove work.

“We are a good hitting team,” says Petaluma coach Kurt Jastrow. “We can hit from top to bottom of our order. It all comes down to pitching and defense.”

The pitching appears to be strong if not overpowering. Petaluma doesn’t have a fire-throwing No. 1 ace. What it does have is a quality pitching staff.

Senior Emily O’Keefe and junior Ava Chabot both had big games and important wins during Petaluma’s 16-11 2016 season.

Sophomore Jaden Krist is highly regarded based on her youth and travel ball performances. However, she hasn’t pitched in more than a year as she recovered from a leg injury.

All three pitchers are getting a late start after competing for the Petaluma basketball team.

“Their location is not what it should be yet,” Jastrow says of his pitchers. “They will be all right once they get some work.”

Junior Ashley Ayers will do the majority of the catching. “She is an excellent defensive catcher,” Jastrow says.

The veteran coach has all sorts of infield possibilities.

Junior Grace Ghirardelli and sophomore Indya Smith will get most of the playing time at first base. Both are varsity veterans and both hit line drives by the bunches.

O’Keefe, one of the team’s top hitters, started at second base in Petaluma’s first game against Montgomery. When she went into the circle later in the game, Krist slid over from shortstop to play second. Second base also is one of the positions utility player Kayla Beaton can field.

Krist can play any of the four infield spots, as can fiery team leader Alexis Silinante. The all-leaguer already has agreed to accept a scholarship from Rutgers University. “She only knows one way to play and that is to go all out,” Jastrow says.

Against Montgomery, she started at third base, and later moved to shortstop when Krist rotated to second as O’Keefe took over in the circle. It is typical of the maneuvering Jastrow will be making all season.

“We won’t have a set lineup,” explained the coach. “Our players have to play many positions, and have to play them well.”

Junior Brooke Symons has been impressive at third base in practice and in the late innings against Montgomery, playing her way into the infield mix.

The outfield will be anchored by senior Chandler Mevis in center field. She is the lead-off hitter and a good fly catcher with excellent range.

Smith also is a good outer defender who will play left field when she isn’t at first base.

Chabot’s strong bat will have to be kept in the lineup at some position when she isn’t pitching

Junior Mia Pariani will also get playing time in the outfield, while Beaton and Jenna Slacci will provide strong support.

Then there are the twins.

Jastrow is excited about the future of freshmen sisters Kaleigh and Emma Weiand.

“They are both very talented,” the coach says. “They can stand at the outfield fence and throw home on the fly.”

Kaleigh had three hits while playing right field in her varsity debut against Montgomery. Emma, hampered a bit by a minor injury, didn’t play until late in the game. Both will play a lot over the course of the season.

“If I keep a freshman on the varsity, they will play,” Jastrow says. “I don’t bring them up to sit on the bench.”

As usual, Petaluma will play a talented schedule that includes Alhambra, Rancho Cotate in a night game and Ukiah.

“It’s not about the wins and losses. It is about the competition,” the coach explains. “It is about playing good teams so we can get better.

“We can be pretty good, but we have to pitch and play good defense.”