West Geauga enters the 2026 softball season with a blend of veteran leadership, postseason experience, and an infusion of talented young players as the Wolverines begin competing in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division after one season as an independent.
After finishing 13-13 a year ago, West Geauga caught fire in the postseason, winning a district championship and reaching the regional semifinals before falling in a tight 3-2 game to Bryan High School. That tournament run provided invaluable experience for a roster that returns seven starters and 10 letterwinners.
“We have three positions to fill from our tremendous seniors from last year, but we have much experience back from a great group last year,” head coach Mark Percassi said. “These girls all played in some big games last year and gained great experience throughout the season playing some great competition. We have a strong freshman class entering our program that will push our veteran girls and possibly contribute to our varsity team.”
With a core that has played together for several seasons, chemistry is one of the Wolverines’ biggest strengths.
“We are experienced and an incredibly cohesive group,” Percassi said. “These athletes love playing ball together. They’ve played a lot of games together and have learned to overcome adversity, play and win in some big games, and mostly to have fun together every day.”
That experience also fuels expectations entering the season.
“Our expectations are high,” Percassi said. “We return many experienced players, including three tremendous seniors. Our athletes played in big games last year, and more of our girls played summer and fall ball, and so you see growth in them and adding a young new player or two, we’re excited to compete, be pushed, and have fun playing this game.”
Still, the message inside the program is about staying focused on the daily process.
“We have high expectations for sure, but also realize that it’s a whole new season, and we must stay present and enjoy the journey and not worry about the outcome,” Percassi said. “The outcome will be a byproduct of our hard work and enjoyment of playing the game.”
Leading the Wolverines is a strong senior class, highlighted by pitcher Lely Percassi and first baseman Morgan Atwara, both of whom have already committed to continue their careers at Lakeland Community College.
Percassi anchors the pitching staff after throwing 133.2 innings last season, posting an 11-8 record with a 4.50 ERA while also hitting .333 with 25 RBIs.
“Lely pitched really well when it counted last year, especially in the playoffs,” Percassi said. “That experience is invaluable for her. Lely also has been a middle-of-the-order major producer since her freshman year and has worked extremely hard to continue to grow her game.”
Atwara provides leadership and power in the lineup after hitting .321 with 15 RBIs and two home runs while playing strong defense at first base.
“Morgan is a team leader, great at first base, and hits the ball as hard as anyone I’ve seen,” Percassi said.
Behind the plate, sophomore Peyton Gambatese returns after a breakout freshman season that saw her hit .437 with 17 RBIs and 32 runs scored, earning Honorable Mention All-District honors.
“You’d never know Peyton is a sophomore,” Percassi said. “She plays well beyond her years, is a tremendous catcher and middle infielder, and a major part of our batting lineup.”
The middle of the infield is one of West Geauga’s biggest strengths, with Dayana Malone and Ava Borz both entering their third seasons as starters.
Malone hit .440 with 21 RBIs and 29 runs, earning News-Herald Honor Roll recognition.
“Dayana has come into her own and is a mainstay at the top of our lineup,” Percassi said. “She has fun playing the game and is a major producer for us at the plate and in the field.”
Borz delivered one of the program’s biggest moments last spring, blasting a two-run walk-off home run in the district championship game while finishing the season hitting .481 with 39 RBIs and six home runs.
“Ava steadies our infield as our shortstop, entering her third season as a starter,” Percassi said. “Ava had a huge breakout season last year, including her historic two-run, game-winning homerun to win the district championship. She’s excited to build off of last year.”
At third base, Faelynn Beckrest brings versatility and athleticism after hitting .319 with 11 RBIs, adding seven stolen bases.
“Faelynn is ultra athletic and could play anywhere in the field,” Percassi said. “Fae is an aggressive baserunner, fast and growing into a really good hitter. We are excited for her to play a key role with our team this year.”
The outfield will feature a mix of experience and competition for playing time. Senior Malory Lear returns after battling injuries last season and brings leadership to the group.
“Malory is coming off an injury-riddled junior season but has been a productive player on this team since her freshman year,” Percassi said. “Malory plays with savvy and is a great teammate.”
Center field could see a rotation between freshman Gabby Donofrio and junior Sydney Gallagher, while Allie Arrigo, Danica Talcott, and Sammy Paskowski will compete for time in right field and the designated player role.
“All three of these athletes are competing with each other for playing time, and it’s likely they all will contribute to this team,” Percassi said.
The Wolverines’ pitching staff will also see some young arms join the mix. Freshmen Gabby Donofrio and Addie Miniard could provide depth behind Percassi.
“Gabby enters her high school career as a very talented athlete who throws hard,” Percassi said. “Addie is a pitcher who hits her spots and uses her spins to obtain success. She’s another freshman that we are excited about and has a bright future.”
For West Geauga to build on last year’s tournament run, the formula is clear.
“We must play great defense, hit our spots pitching, and have timely hitting,” Percassi said.
The Wolverines know every opponent will bring their best effort this spring, especially after last year’s postseason success.
“Our biggest challenges will be realizing that the teams we play want to win too,” Percassi said. “We must be focused, present, and excited to play in big games and be challenged.”
If the experience from last season translates and the young players continue to develop, West Geauga could again find itself playing meaningful softball deep into May.
