Perry opens the 2025 season with eight returning starters from a squad that finished 18-8 overall and claimed a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division title with a 9-3 mark.
The Pirates added several promising newcomers as well, leaving head coach Michelle Carino optimistic about her squad’s potential this spring.
“We have an experienced team returning this season and expect to compete at a high level,” Carino said. “With a strong core of returning players and a couple of promising newcomers, we are confident in our ability to build on last year’s success. Our offseason work has been excellent, and the early signs in preseason workouts have been encouraging.”
With such a talented and experienced lineup, the Pirates have the potential to achieve all their goals this spring.
“Our expectations are to be highly competitive within our league and make a deep postseason run,” Carino said. “With our experienced lineup and improved depth, we are aiming to challenge for a league title and position ourselves well for tournament play.”
The Pirates are as talented as they are experienced with eight returning All-CVC honorees on the roster this spring.
Seniors Madeline Infalvi, Elise Strahan, and Madelyn Rupert, and sophomore Arianna Rogers were named first-team All-CVC after productive junior campaigns.
Infalvi, who will play second base, was named the Lake Division MVP and was an honorable mention all-district selection.
“As our leadoff hitter, Madeline sets the tone for our offense with her ability to get on base consistently and create scoring opportunities,” Carino said. “Her speed and smart baserunning make her a constant threat to advance and put pressure on opposing defenses.”
Strahan, who will play shortstop, also was an honorable mention all-district selection.
“Elise is a solid and versatile infielder who provides stability on defense and reliability at the plate,” Carino said. “As one of our most consistent batters, she delivers quality at-bats and is a key contributor to our offensive success.”
Rupert returns in the circle after posting a 10-2 record last season with 51 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings.
“Madelyn was a key contributor last season, earning 10 wins in the circle while also having a solid year at the plate,” Carino said. “Her experience and reliability make her a crucial part of our team’s success this season.”
Rogers will patrol the outfield again this season.
“Arianna uses her speed to track down fly balls and cover ground in the outfield,” Carino said. “Last year, she made a strong impact at the plate, delivering key contributions to the lineup.”
Seniors Rosalyn Tharp and Sydney Collins and sophomore Morgan Winters earned second-team All-CVC honors last spring.
Tharp, an all-district honorable mention selection, is one of the area’s top all-around catchers.
“Rosalyn is a workhorse behind the plate, providing invaluable experience and leadership to our team,” Carino said. “She handles the pitching staff with confidence and adds a strong bat in the middle of our lineup, making her a key contributor on both sides of the game.”
Collins, a Lakeland Community College commitment and all-district honorable mention selection, will play one of the outfield positions.
“Sydney is a dependable defender who brings great leadership to the team,” Carino said. “She also adds a pop of power to our lineup, making her a key offensive threat.”
Winters will split time at first base with Rupert and senior Hailey Hodge and also see time in the circle.
“Morgan made an immediate impact as a freshman, winning seven games and recording four saves,” Carino said. “She was also a leader in multiple offensive categories, making her a versatile and valuable asset to our team.”
Freshman Sophie Sivon will start at third base and sophomore Emma Brainard will play in the outfield. Both will see time in the circle.
“Sophie has the potential to make a significant impact by adding depth to our pitching staff and solidifying our defense,” Carino said. “Her versatility and skill in multiple areas make her a valuable asset to the team.”
Hodge will help the Pirates in a number of ways.
“Hailey adds depth and experience to our roster,” Carino said. “Her familiarity with the game will be a valuable asset.”
Freshman Haylee Reed will compete for playing time in the outfield.
“Haylee will add depth to our outfield and give us some speed on the bases,” Carino said.
Despite their talent and experience, the Pirates must play consistently and remain healthy throughout the season to compete for the conference title and to make a deep run in the postseason.
“One of our biggest challenges will be staying healthy and maintaining consistency throughout the season,” Carino said. “We will focus on developing depth at key positions to ensure we are prepared for any situation.”
The Pirates understand the opportunity they have in front of them.
They’ll stay focused on playing fundamental softball and making the most of the situations they create for themselves on the diamond.
“For us to be successful, we need to execute fundamentally, limit mistakes, and maintain a strong mentality throughout the season,” Carino said. “Staying aggressive at the plate, playing disciplined defense, and maximizing our pitching depth will be crucial to achieving our goals.”
