Madison H.S. Softball Team Outslugs Villa Walsh

softball team hosted Villa Walsh at the Madison Recreation Center this week and for some players on Villa Walsh like Kathleen Rocco, a life-long resident of Madison, it seemed like a home game. For others, like Madison’s Catherine Zimmerman, it was like playing your sister. You see, the two have been friends since Austin was a puppy and earlier this year Zimmerman and Rocco spent time together honing their softball skills on Lucy D under the tutelage of softball guru Bob Rocco, Kathleen’s father. Apparently the elder Rocco’s training paid off as Zimmerman's four hits helped Madison to a 12–4 win over visiting Villa.

The Dodger offense scored early and often. Madison captain Nicole Iannarone reached based five times with a single, triple and three walks, and Allise Bassolino cleared the bases with a single, double and four runs batted in. Also making contributions on offense were Mackie Goodwin with two hits and two RBIs, and Izzy Kennedey and Kristin Wernsing who both went 2-for-4. Defensively, the Dodgers were flawless in the field. Shortstop Tori Ellis and third basewoman Mary O’Connor fielded everything hit their way and, on the other side of the diamond, Jillian Caruso scooped everything thrown her way. Pitching her way to her 14th win of the season, Stephanie Deep and battery mate Christina Qualben used a mixture of fast balls and off speed pitches to keep the Villa Walsh batters from getting too comfortable at the plate.   

After the game Deep, another softball disciple of Rocco said, “We had this game circled on our schedule since the beginning of the season–it is easy to make mistakes against a good team like Villa but I was able to hit my spots and I’m glad the offense gave me the run support I needed.”