By John Raffel
Ithaca’s softball team has had a successful season that has put a smile on coach Dar Peska’s face.
The Yellowjackets were 21-7 as of mid May.
Peska has been coaching the team for two seasons, and he noted that it’s one of the better softball teams the school has had in recent years. The Yellowjackets last won a conference title in 1998 and a district title three seasons ago.
“On my team, I think I have at least four kids capable of playing some type of college ball,” Peska said.
Second baseman Karrigan Akin has been a clutch player at the bat for Ithaca. Senior Courtney Cooley is now catching for the Yellowjackets. Two key juniors are Brooklyn Dolloff in centerfield and Kylee Chaffin as the No. 1 pitcher and shortstop.
Chaffin “is one of those players who doesn’t like to lose,” Peska said. “I have a lot of kids like that who don’t like to lose. She has a lot of movement. She has a good drop and a good rise, mediocre changeup, which is getting better. It’s getting to where she can use it and it’s starting to become effective.”
Peska said he has coached Akin since she was eight years old. “She’s done hitting drills with me since that time,” he said. “Her brother pitches for Western Michigan University. Personally, I think he’s a Major League pitcher or as a hitter. He’s a tremendous prospect.”
Dolloff is the team’s leadoff hitter. “She’s a tremendous competitor,” Peska said. “She leads the team in stolen bases and batting average. She’s thrown out four runners at home, three at third, and three at first from centerfield. She’s a tremendous player.”
Cooley started the season for Ithaca as a third baseman. “She had caught for me three years ago on my travel team,” Peska said. “I knew the position wasn’t new to her. She’s just done a great job. She’s hitting .425. She always has hit well. She’s very, very quiet.”
The key for the team to keep having success is to hit the ball, according to Peska. “Our defense has been suspect,” he said. “Offensively, most of the time, have been very good. We don’t talk well defensively.”