Utica’s versatile pitcher-shortstop duo shines
Pair leads Chieftians in win over Lake Shore in MAC White opener
Utica head coach Deonna Giacona used her team’s best weapon to its advantage on Tuesday.
No, it’s not a flamethrower pitcher or moonshot-crushing outfielder — instead, it’s the versatility afforded to the coach by how many good players she has that can play multiple positions.
Freshman Ava Mazza started on the mound before swapping with shortstop Elyssa Frezza, and the two combined to shut out the Lake Shore Shorians for a 5-0 Chieftain victory.
“I feel very lucky,” Giacona said. “Very lucky — very blessed. We have a ton of talent on this team. The thing is, we don’t just have pitchers only. We have pitchers that play positions and can hit. So that actually helps us a ton. They can still stay in the game even if they’re not on the mound.”
Mazza made her varsity pitching debut by allowing two singles in the top of the first inning, but rebounded by striking out Ava Kersanty with two runners in scoring position to end the threat. After two more scoreless innings in which she amassed seven strikeouts, she was swapped into the field.
“I wanted to see what she (Mazza) had,” Giacona said. “This is our first league game, kind of get the nerves out real quick. She did great. She did great being a freshman and not being experienced at this level. But she held her own. I’m very proud of her — the future’s very bright for her. “
Frezza more than held her own in relief. The senior, who had played in the field out of necessity all season before making her pitching debut on Tuesday, chucked four scoreless innings allowing one hit and one walk with eight punchouts. She also went 2-for-4 at the plate as the two hitter.
The duo largely had their way against a Lake Shore lineup that is still getting its feet wet — or dirty — at the varsity level.
“We field one senior, one junior,