Valley softball ready to take next step toward success

By: William Whalen
Friday, March 22, 2019 | 9:50 PM

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Nine years have passed since Valley won the WPIAL softball title; it’s been eight years since the Vikings made an incredible run through the state bracket and captured a PIAA Class AAA title.

That wave of players who came through won a couple of titles and consequently created a standard of play that would be difficult for just about any program to live up to.

Long-time coach Carrol Perroz thinks the softball program’s structure is finally in place, and this year’s team is ready to take the next step in getting back to the top.

“This year, we are actually trying to get a junior varsity team going,” said Perroz, who is in her 14th season as coach. “We’re trying to build from the junior high level up. I think they’re gaining the confidence and they have grown.”

Last season, Valley (2-9, 2-8) was a young team and played like it. A squad with very few upperclassmen, Valley picked up two shutout wins over Section 1-3A rival East Allegheny. But there is a silver lining — Valley didn’t lose any players to graduation.

“I felt that we grew a lot last year,” Perroz said. “Coming into this year, I feel like if we pick up where we left of last year, we should be solid and be able to nickel and dime runs across the plate.”

The big change from a year ago is the Vikings defense. Perroz said her team is no long standing around hoping the ball doesn’t come their way.

Without question, if the Vikings are going to have any success this season, it’s going to come down to the arm of senior pitcher Andie Jo Conwell. Conwell, a LaRoche commit, will start from the circle for the fourth consecutive season.

“Her biggest asset is that she is going to have to hit her spots,” Perroz said. “Location, location, location. Our team is only gonna go as far as she can take us.

“She’s not a fastball pitcher, and that’s why the defense needs to want the ball. They’re going to have to be ‘Janie on the spot.’ ”

Junior Madison Gatto will take over behind the plate with twin sisters, Rylee and Casey, getting the nod at first base and shortstop, respectively. Junior Domenica Wolfe will start at second base and senior Auveonna Perkins at third. Perkins also will serve as the backup pitcher and will likely step into the leadoff spot in the batting order.

“They’re not in the field and hoping the ball is not coming to them and now if the ball is, they’re expected to make the play,” Perroz said.

There are a few battles in the outfield. Juniors Ashley Banks and Danielle Yaworski are in the mix at right field. Junior Aimee Johnson has center field locked up. Senior Mackenzie Booker is back on the team after not playing her junior year. Booker is in the mix at left field but could also find a home in the infield.

The Vikings are back in Section 1 with local rivals Burrell, Deer Lakes and Freeport. Gone is South Allegheny and Derry was added to the six-team section.

“If the girls can believe in themselves, we could have a tough lineup,” Perroz said. “They have the bats, but all we need is for them to have that spark in their eye and go.”

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

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