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Boardman 10-11 girls in state tournament
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Jenna Burns of the Boardman 10-11 team gets some pointers from coach Brian Gorby before going up to bat during a Little League softball game last weekend at Springfi eld High School. Boardman will be making its second consecutive appearance at the state tournament Monday in Bucyrus.
By Greg Gulas
BOARDMAN
Championships have been commonplace for Brian Gorby with his Youngstown State men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams.
He has won 12 women’s and six men’s titles during his 20 seasons as the Penguins’ head coach.
As the Bordman 10-11 girls all-star coach, a state Little League title might just be the crown jewel missing on an already expanding championship resume.
Gorby’s squad will be making a second consecutive state appearance when they take on the Tallmadge-Bucyrus winner at 6 p.m. Monday in the state tournament in Bucyrus.
“This is the second straight state appearance for our 11-year old all-stars and they’re definitely ready to go. They’ve been very patient while awaiting state tournament play so needless to say they are excited that the time has finally arrived,” Gorby said. “I’ve coached my son Beau’s team for two years, now but this is my first time coaching girls’ softball. Along with coaches Mike Trell and Tim Saxton, we all agree that this has been a very special group of all-stars.”
Last year Boardman hosted the state event and was eliminated in two straight games, suffering losses to Clyde and Elyria.
Trell, who coached his daughter, Alexis, when they finished as runners-up (their highest ever finish) in the first ever 11-year-old tournament back in 2004, said the tournament will be very competitive.
“We don’t know very much about the other two teams, but Tallmadge schools have an excellent softball program and Bucyrus is also very competitive. It is no surprise to me that these are the three teams vying for a state title,” Trell noted. “Our group is ready to take to the field.”
Gorby’s daughter, Jersey, a shortstop, and Trell’s daughter, Maddy, a catcher, complement pitcher Logan Menosky to make this year’s squad strong up the middle.
They’re a unit, however, with an excellent supporting cast.
While Maddy’s father and Gorby call the game, it has been Maddy’s development behind the plate that has been a key in their preparation.
“I like catching and cannot wait for the time when we finally get to take to the field. My goal is to win it all, in honor of my sister [Alexis] since they finished runners-up that very first year the tournament was held for 11 year-olds,” Trell said.
Jersey Gorby bats cleanup.
“I’m just looking to make contact and advance the runners,” she said. “It’s our defense that we’ll also count on in backing up Logan when she is on the mound,” Gorby said.
Menosky said the key to a first-round victory will be staying ahead in the count.
While I depend on my fastball in crucial situations,” Menosky said. “I like throwing my changeup, but only when I am ahead in the count. I like to keep batters off-balance and thinking.”
Menosky, who pitched all spring with Boardman’s 12 year-old travel team, will get the starting nod in Monday’s game while Trell and Gorby are set at catcher and shortstop.
Joining them will be Jenna Burns at first base; second baseman Carina Cummings and Sophia McGee at third base to round out the infield.
Outfielders include Melissa Davanzo in center, who will be flanked by Melissa Melewski in right field and Gwen Lesnansky in left field while rounding out the team are Marraya Youngblood, Madison Demetra and Gabby Pantaleo.