Tag Archive for: Catie Perry

THE MOONEY FIREWORK

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Katy Perry the singer has a song called Firework that’s all about finding your inner spark, and lighting up the world. Mooney softball senior Caitie Perry’s hitting can be described as a spark. A spark for the rest of her team to keep on working hard.

For three years Perry has not only shined on the softball field, but also the volleyball and basketball court. The three sport athlete is always on the move and says she never feels overwhelmed or over scheduled. She is always in a state of motion.

COVID-19 as brought the sports world to a standstill, including the 2020 softball season. Perry will never get to suit up in her Mooney uniform again. But the memories shared with her teammates won’t go away. The memories with her coaches, and supporters will stick with her forever. Yet, that still leaves something to be desired. Perry was poised to have a tremendous senior season. Mooney returned 6 seniors on the roster this year, making them one of the more experienced teams in the area. Caitie had plenty of experience getting on base, as she was dubbed the “On Base Machine” by YSN’s Nate Keiper. Every time she stepped to the plate, Cardinal faithful was ready for the fireworks.

Anthony Hartwig got a chance to talk to Caitie through video chat. They discuss being part of a large senior class, Mooney softball off the field, and much more. Get a better glimpse into Mooney Softball with the latest Player Profile “The Mooney Firework”

Presented By

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMnBLLQ4ym0[/embedyt]

QUAKERS ADVANCE TO DISTRICTS IN A THRILLER

SALEM OH- The Quakers and the Cardinals earned the right to play for a spot in the district semis. Having not played each other during the season, it would be a fresh challenge for both sides. The tension was high, an opportunity to play West Branch at stake. And both teams would put on a show for a near capacity crowd.

The action started as many would expect, a back and forth affair between two physical teams. Salem’s defense showed up to play in the early goings especially. They would force four Mooney turnovers using their full court press, all of which resulting in points. Kyla Jamison for Salem would make her presence felt, leading the charge with 6 first quarter points. And despite Mooney shooting well from 3 in the quarter, the Quakers finished out the first on a 7-0 to take a 17-11 lead.

Jamison would continue to dominate the paint in the second, 6 more points a big offensive rebound, but Coach Baker’s group responded quickly. The 7-0 run that Salem had in the first was neutralized by a 14-4 run put on by the Lady Cardinals. Sophomore Alaina Scavina hit her first 3 point attempt to give the Cardinals the lead with 2:30 left in the quarter. Coupled with two trips to the free throw line, as well as senior Catie Perry dropping 9 points, Mooney looked in firm control. But, with just mere seconds on the clock, Casey Johnson for Salem hit a buzzer beating floater to tie the game as the teams headed into the locker room, 25-25.

Third quarter play was slow at first. Neither team made a field goal for the first two minutes. Finally, Annie Davidson for Salem nailed a 3 pointer that seemed to spring life into the Quakers. They would go on a 9-0 run and retake the lead. It was Johnson’s defense as well that sparked the run, with two key steals on back to back possessions. Altogether, Salem had 13 steals. Mooney would keep it relatively close, as their free throw shooting kept Salem from pulling away. Perry, Scavina, and Katie Hough were perfect among themselves on their attempts, going 6/6. Salem would carry a lead into the final quarter, 39-36.

Just as she did at the end of the first half, Casey Johnson sensed her team needed a spark. She supplied it with yet another clean steal and 3 point shot, giving the Quakers a 6 point lead. But Salem would fall into some foul trouble, as Mooney got into the bonus with 6 minutes left in regulation. Two more free throws from Perry brought the lead to 4. A couple turnovers back and forth eventually led to a huge 3 pointer from Katie Hough to make a one point game with just minutes remaining. Forced to foul to extend the game, Mooney needed multiple stops. But the front court of Salem, Jaden Hamilton and Kyla Jamison, soaked up every offensive board. The lead goes back to 4. But Mooney would respond again, this time Perry from NBA 3 point range to cut it back to one, with just 50 seconds remaining.

It all came down to free throws, and both Annie and Abbie Davidson found themselves there. Game on the line, they split both of their attempts. But Mooney could not keep Salem down. A final desperation drive from Scavina resulted in no basket, no foul, and the end of the Lady Cardinals season. The final score, Salem 50 Cardinal Mooney 47.

After the game, Coach Vince Nittoli for Salem, when asked about what his message was to the girls as Mooney kept clawing back, said “This is it. This is our season. This is what we’ve been grinding for.” He would go on to say, “It’s grit. They want it just as bad as we do, who’s gonna want it more down the stretch?”

Kyla Jamison led the way for Salem with 21 points. Casey Johnson added 11 points and 5 steals.

For the Cardinals, Catie Perry finished with a double-double scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Alaina Scavina had a double-double as well with 11 points 12 rebounds.

Salem will go on to face West Branch in the district semifinals, while the Cardinals’ season ends on a hard fought, gutsy performance.

*Story Contributed by YSN’s Nate Keiper.

THE OBP MACHINE

What makes a great multi-sport athlete is their ability to transition from season to season effortlessly. Their desire and toughness pushing them through each season, directly into the next.

Catie Perry takes the court this season as only one of four seniors, but for her, the season never ends. Nicknamed during softball season as “The OBP Machine”, due to her incredible on base percentage, Perry has little time to think about her previous accomplishments as she’s setting new ones each and every day.

Nate Keiper caught up with Catie earlier in the week, prior to the Lady Cardinals game against rival Boardman, to see what the current goals for her and her team might be, as well as discuss favorite Christmas gifts. This week’s player profile has been a much anticipated one, with Catie Perry, The OBP Machine!