Emmy Pasier likes to talk about how she’s blind to the age and class year of players.
The Maine South softball coach said she will put the best players on the field.
“I don’t look at that last column on the roster,” Pasier said of the column that designates class year.
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The presence of sophomore Toni Tortorella in the starting lineup on Thursday illustrated Pasier’s point. Tortorella, the designated player, went 1-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and three runs in the Hawks’ 14-2, five-inning win over Glenbrook South in Park Ridge.
“If they are young and in the game, it’s because they are producing,” Pasier said.
Tortorella, one of three sophomores on the Hawks, said the older players have been supportive from the start. She pointed out that senior Nina Anderson, who earned the win in Thursday’s Central Suburban South game, often asked Tortorella to play catch early on in the season.
“They made us feel welcome,” said Tortorella, who plays second and third base. “They will give us pointers if we are doing something wrong and really help us out.”
Senior outfielder Erin Faltin, a four-year varsity player, remembered her time as an underclassmen and wanted to make sure the sophomores — Maddie Rog, Liz Schmit and Tortorella — felt comfortable on varsity.
“I was scared my freshman and sophomore year,” Faltin said with a laugh. “I know what it was like to be young on varsity, so I support them and embrace them.”
The Hawks’ camaraderie is evident away from the field. On Tuesday, after Maine South beat traditional conference powerhouse New Trier 11-6, more than half of the team ate dinner at Chipotle in downtown Park Ridge, Faltin estimated.
Tortorella, who was at the popular burrito restaurant, said it means a lot to her to be included in off-the-field activities.
“I believe team bonding is important,” she said. “It gets us closer to one another, and that helps on the field. I know I can count on anyone on this team.”
Game notes
* The Hawks (5-2, 2-0) scored nine runs in the bottom of the first to run away with the league victory. They had 13 hits and five players had two RBIs. Senior Emily Suwanski finished 4-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored.
Anderson struck out seven in five innings to pick up the win.
* Glenbrook South senior shortstop Corinne Arcos had a single and a run scored for the Titans (6-8, 0-2).