Paige Papesch of Hathaway Brown puts the tag down on Calla Telzrow of Gilmour Academy.The Hathaway Brown softball team made major strides in coach Bruno Biello's second season leading the Blazers.
The Blazers went 14-12 with the 14 wins representing a school record. In Biello’s first season, HB went 6-7. The Blazers won a Division II sectional semifinal over Collinwood before losing to Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin in a sectional final.
“There was vast improvement from the previous year, which I expected because we had a lot of younger players” Biello said. “We did better all the way around, offensively and defensively, against a bit tougher schedule.
“The hard work all paid off and I expect more improvement going forward.”
Leading the way was sophomore Logan Paul, who starred in the middle of the diamond and at bat. Paul was a modest 13-10, but she pitched much better than that as the sophomore sported a 2.65 ERA. The 13 wins tied the school record. She struck out 192 batters, which set a school record, with the highlight being a one-hitter.
Paul also hit .446 with three homers, five doubles and 20 RBIs with 23 stolen bases. The three home runs also tied a school record. Paul scored 27 runs and had an impressive on-base percentage of .529.
“She’s really outstanding,” Biello said. “She dealt with an illness, but she fought through it. She’s clearly the leader of the team. I’m sure she’s going to set more records. She works hard every day. Her aspiration is to play in college and I feel she’ll reach every goal she wants.”
Paul despite being only a sophomore, is already a two-year captain.
“She’s highly respected by all the girls,” Biello said. “She’s the lightning rod for the team.”
Paul will lead what should be a much more experienced squad coming back next spring as the Blazers lose just one senior, Sophie Daroff, who played second base.
“We’re going to be primarily a senior and junior team, so I expect bigger things next year,” Biello said.
Paul's battery mate, catcher Dominique Hall, will return as a junior next year, which should be nice as the hurler doesn't have to worry about getting to know a new catcher.
Also coming back are junior Margaret Smith at first base and junior third baseman Paige Papesch. Rounding out the infield will be HB's slick fielding shortstop, senior Brianna Owens.
In the outfield from left to right will be sophomore Brady Furlich, junior Kayla Musso and senior Imaya Jones.
“They will form the core of the team,” Biello said. “They all work hard and they are all trying to get better. They all want to see this turn around.
“I always tell them, ‘Be better today than you were yesterday and be better tomorrow then you are today.’ ”
Biello talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the Blazers.
“Clearly, our biggest strength is pitching,” Biello said. “She works every day at her craft.
Our defense is getting better every day, but it clearly needs more work and our overall hitting needs work. I expect us to grow every season.”
Biello was asked how the success of HB’s other programs affects the softball team. Does state championships by the basketball, soccer and lacrosse teams put added pressure on the players?
“I think the girls are inspired by the other programs,” Biello said. “They truly want the softball program to achieve those lofty heights. Students at Hathaway Brown are highly motivated to succeed. I have soccer players and basketball players and they bring that mentality to the program.”
So, next season, the Blazers look to take another step forward.
“I look forward to next year,” Biello said.
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