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North holds off West Geauga behind Dichazy's 10 Ks
Posted on 03/31/2026
After a successful spring trip to Myrtle Beach, the North softball team carried that momentum into Ohio, opening its in-state schedule with a 9-5 win over West Geauga on Monday to improve to 3-0.
“West Geauga is a very good team,” said North head coach Mike Ferrari. “In my opinion, this was a really good team win. We had a pretty balanced offensive attack, and we had some timely hits. Violet (Dichazy) was hitting her spots, and she was dealing. She had 10 strikeouts and scattered some hits. Most of the lineup pitched in and did really well. We put the bat on the ball and put it in play.”
After both teams traded runs early, North broke the game open with a five-run third inning and never looked back. The Rangers added single runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to build a comfortable 9-2 lead heading into the final frame.
West Geauga made things interesting with a three-run seventh, but North pitcher Violet Dichazy shut the door to secure the complete-game victory.
Dichazy was dominant in the circle, striking out 10 while allowing eight hits and five runs, four earned, over seven innings.
“My rise (ball) was on point today,” Dichazy said. “I was coming at the batter’s first pitch looking to put them behind in the count.”
She also contributed offensively, scoring twice, driving in a run, and drawing three walks.
The Rangers’ lineup continued its early-season trend of production up and down the order. Gianna Pintar led the way, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a double. Maddy Ferrari added two hits and an RBI, while Olivia Credico and Hayden Vahcic each doubled and drove in a run.
Giavanna Tirabasso contributed a hit, run, and RBI, Holly Mosnik drove in a run and scored, and Haylee White added a hit. Melanie Okerwall also scored in the win.
Ferrari said the consistency throughout the lineup has been a key to the team’s fast start.
“It’s just confidence,” Ferrari said. “You can have a lot of cage monsters who can hit front toss, but until you get outside and get on the turf or the dirt, that’s where you make your proverbial hay. The girls have been fighting in their counts and doing a very good job with that.”
West Geauga was led by Dayana Malone, who went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two doubles. Peyton Gambatese added two hits and two RBIs, while Morgan Atwara scored and reached base twice. Gianna Lallitto drove in two runs, Faelynn Beckrest added an RBI, and Malory Lear scored.
Despite the late push from the Wolverines, Dichazy said she never doubted the outcome.
“A little rough way to finish off the game, but I had 100 percent confidence in my team behind me,” Dichazy said. “My catcher was also super helpful in staying strong with my mental game, and that led me to throw the complete game.”
North will look to stay unbeaten when it travels to Madison on Thursday, while West Geauga heads to Lutheran West on April 7.
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North Closes Myrtle Beach Trip With Second Straight Win
Posted on 03/27/2026
The Eastlake North softball team didn’t just finish its Myrtle Beach trip unbeaten—it showed its ability to win in multiple ways, pulling away late for a 6-3 victory over West Greene on Thursday.
“I told the girls afterwards that I was really happy about the at-bats that we’ve been putting together,” head coach Mike Ferrari said. “We’re competing, and we’re fighting for counts, and we’re staying competitive. We had a couple of girls who were down 0-2, and they fought all the way back, worked the count and got a walk. We’re putting the ball in play and barreling it up, and good things happen when you put the ball in play.”
The Rangers wrapped up the spring trip at Ripken in Myrtle Beach with a 2-0 record and will return to action April 2 at Madison.
Eastlake North struck first in the second inning when Olivia Credico singled, and Holly Mosnik followed with a double. Brooklynn Burnside lifted a sacrifice fly to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
They added another in the third as Maddy Ferrari tripled and scored on Violet Dichazy’s RBI single to make it 2-0.
West Greene answered with two runs in the fourth and another in the fifth to briefly take a 3-2 lead, capitalizing on a mix of walks, hit batters, and a key single.
But Eastlake North responded in a big way in the sixth.
Hayden Vahcic reached on an error before Credico singled and Mosnik walked to load the bases. Melanie Okerwall delivered an RBI single, Gianna Pintar followed with a bases-loaded walk, and Ferrari’s sacrifice bunt plated another run as part of a four-run inning that swung the game for good.
“We talk a lot about approach, but the best pitch you see is usually early in the count, and if you like it, and it's in your zone, we want them to be aggressive and get after it,” Ferrari said. “We’ve been harping on that through practice and the scrimmages down here in Myrtle, and we've had some success with it. We’re definitely trying to be aggressive.”
Credico scored twice and collected two hits, Mosnik reached base three times with a double, and Ferrari added a triple and an RBI. Okerwall, Pintar, and Dichazy each drove in runs in the win.
In the circle, Dichazy went the distance, allowing four hits and three runs—just one earned—while striking out seven.
“She spotted really well today,” Ferrari said. “We’re preaching to her to make things work and to change levels. (Former North standout) Amanda Dobida is calling the pitches, and she works with the pitchers and knows what they can do, and she knows when to pull the string. Violet has been doing really well with her command and spotting it, so she’s giving us a chance when she’s in the circle.”
North Rangers Softball
Eastlake North explodes for 26 runs in season-opening rout
Posted on 03/26/2026
The Eastlake North softball team didn’t ease into the 2026 season—the Rangers erupted.
North opened its year with a commanding 26-1, five-inning victory over Flint Hill (Oakton, Va.) on Wednesday at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, piling up 24 hits in a statement performance.
“It felt amazing, the atmosphere at Ripken is amazing,” said senior Maddy Ferrari. “The weather was perfect today, and honestly, from the beginning of our warmup, I knew we were going to come out strong today. A win always feels good, but especially good when it is the first win of the season and with everyone playing a huge contribution to secure it.”
North (1-0) wasted little time setting the tone, scoring three runs in the first inning before breaking the game open with a nine-run third. The Rangers added four in the fourth and six more in the fifth to end it early.
The offensive explosion was fueled by a lineup that produced quality at-bats from top to bottom.
“The key to the offense blowing up today was the adjustments we made during and after each at-bat,” Ferrari said. “Everyone did a very good job feeding off one another. One thing we as a team have been praising is quality at-bats, and we did just that today: productive outs by moving runners, sacrifice flies, and many RBI.”
Gianna Pintar led the hit parade with a perfect 5-for-5 performance, scoring four runs and driving in two, while staying aggressive at the plate.
“My approach was to get in the box and have fun,” Latini said. “I usually go in and say, ‘See ball, hit ball.’ I tried to be as aggressive as possible by getting my bat to the ball.”
Latini’s timing was locked in from the start.
“I try to keep quick hands getting to the ball, staying in the front of the box today,” she said.
Ferrari powered the middle of the lineup, going 3-for-5 with three runs and a team-high six RBI, including a pair of doubles.
“My approach and intensity level stay the same day in and day out,” Ferrari said. “Now, with it being the first real game of the season and wanting to make a mark early on, I still try my best to keep my composure and remain levelheaded in the box. Ensuring the outcome of my at-bats won’t affect my next at-bat or the rest of my performance. However, the first few hits I produced for my team felt like softball was finally defrosted and in full swing.”
Melanie Okerwall added four hits, four runs, and two RBI, while Olivia Credico (2-4, 3R, 1RBI, 2B, 3B), Holly Mosnik (4-4, 3R, 4RBI, 2B), Brooklynn Burnside (2-4, 2R, 1RBI, 2B), and Hayden Vachcic (2-5, 2RBI) all contributed to the offensive onslaught.
Violet Dichazy did it on both sides, scoring five runs with two RBI at the plate while dominating in the circle. The right-hander struck out 10 and allowed just three hits and one earned run over five innings.
Eastlake North returns to action Thursday morning against West Greene, looking to build on a season-opening performance that left little doubt about its offensive firepower.
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2026 Softball Preview: Eastlake North Rangers
Posted on 03/16/2026
Eastlake North enters the 2026 softball season looking to build momentum after finishing 11-16 overall and third in the Western Reserve Conference a year ago.
With four returning starters, six returning letterwinners, and a key transfer addition in the circle, the Rangers are hoping their blend of experience and young talent can keep them competitive throughout the spring.
First-year head coach Mike Ferrari believes the season will depend heavily on how the returning players lead a roster that features several younger contributors expected to play significant roles.
“We’re confident that we will be competitive,” Ferrari said. “We are limited from an experiential perspective regarding returning starters, but we have some young talent that will get plenty of chances to step in and have an impact.”
Ferrari believes the Rangers will have the pieces to stay in games and develop as the season progresses.
“Our returning starters will need to lead both statistically and from an on-field maturity standpoint,” Ferrari said. “Our youth could be a blessing and a curse all the same. We should have more games to remember than ones that need forgotten.”
Youth and Development Will Be Key
While North has a solid foundation returning from last year’s team, much of the season will depend on how quickly younger players adjust to varsity competition.
“I believe our starters will produce as expected, and there are a couple of young players that could have breakout seasons,” Ferrari said. “That said, I’m not sure what the rest of the conference has on their respective rosters. I think most roads go through Riverside as it relates to playoffs; that’s not a secret.”
One challenge the Rangers face early in the season is translating strong practice performances into game situations.
“We have a lot of cage monsters right now, but live, in-game at-bats are different," Ferrari said.
Aggressive Style Sets the Tone
Ferrari expects his team to play with an aggressive mindset as they continue to develop chemistry.
“We are going to be aggressive and create opportunities. We have to,” Ferrari said. “We like the tone of practices and work the team is putting in to get better.”
The Rangers are focusing on playing as a cohesive unit throughout the season.
“When they start to understand that functioning as a unit and doing their job is better for the team, things will fall into place,” Ferrari said.
Ultimately, success for North will come down to trust and accountability.
“Trust in one another,” Ferrari said. “Hold each other accountable for the good of the whole. Know that the work they put in can be relied on when it comes time for the game.”
Leader Behind the Plate
Junior catcher Maddy Ferrari returns as one of the most accomplished players in the Western Reserve Conference. A three-year varsity player, Ferrari hit .397 last season with 10 doubles and three home runs while earning First Team All-WRC and honorable mention All-Lake County honors.
“She is a three-year varsity player and field general behind the plate,” Ferrari said. “She is a talented, cerebral, driven, vocal leader who sets the tone for the team. She loves to compete and is like having a coach on the field.”
Ferrari is also drawing interest at the next level with multiple Division I and Division II offers as she works toward a college commitment.
Experience Up the Middle
Senior shortstop Gia Pintar anchors the infield with experience and leadership.
“She is a lead-by-example, experienced, and consistent performer,” Ferrari said. “She works hard and provides a blueprint for how to do things right for our younger players.”
Second base will feature a mix of youth and experience, with freshman Haylee White and senior Holly Mosnik sharing time.
“Haylee has tons of raw talent and a solid work ethic,” Ferrari said. “She needs some small refinements offensively and defensively, but could have a major impact on the lineup.
“Holly has a good understanding of the game from multiple positions and gets the job done well on defense,” Ferrari said. “Her bat in the lineup will generate runs as well.”
Young Talent Emerging
Several younger players are expected to make an impact for North this season.
Sophomore first baseman Hayden Vahcic is one of those players.
“She is an absolute joy to coach,” Ferrari said. “She is an incredibly hard worker and mature beyond her years. Her bat is going to surprise people as she is becoming a traditional power corner.”
At third base, Brooke Burnside and Gia Tirabasso will split time.
“Brooke is going to be a utility knife for us on defense,” Ferrari said. “She has a good skill set that, once refined, will provide some needed consistency on the defensive side. Gia is an incredibly hard worker and team favorite. Once she irons out some defensive wrinkles, she will be a solid contributor. Her bat has some serious pop and will help us score throughout the year.”
Speed and Power in the Outfield
Senior Olivia Credico brings energy and production to the outfield.
“You’ll know when you are playing North. You’ll hear her,” Ferrari said. “She has an above-average skill set both offensively and defensively.”
Sophomore Melanie Okerwall will patrol center field and could also factor heavily into the pitching rotation.
“Softball Santa Claus,” Ferrari said. “She comes down the chimney, quietly does her job, and delivers good softball…no questions asked. She is fast, has a cannon for an arm, and ridiculous bat speed.”
Right field will be shared by Destiny Hughes, Hannah Triplett, and Elayna Petranszky.
“Destiny has a high talent upside and is an athletic player who will get some time behind the plate as well,” Ferrari said. “Hannah can swing it. If she gets her pitch, it’s going to be a souvenir. Elayna is an inquisitive, hard worker who always barrels the ball well. She could play multiple spots as she continues to get better with every practice.”
Transfer Strengthens the Circle
A major addition to the Rangers’ roster is junior pitcher Violet Dichazy, who transferred from Willoughby South.
Dichazy posted a 3.50 ERA and a 5-4 record last season while also hitting .451 with five doubles, two triples, and a home run. She earned First Team All-Conference and honorable mention All-Lake County honors.
“Vi is a very good overall athlete,” Ferrari said. “In the circle, we will use her until we can’t due to OHSAA transfer rules. She has good movement plus velocity, and she is a competitor.”
She will be joined in the pitching rotation by Okerwall, who logged 25 innings last season with a 3.36 ERA.
“She has a great motor, can spot pitches, and isn’t afraid to challenge hitters,” Ferrari said.
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