Johanna Diw provided the offense, Emma Olejniczak the pitching, and over 80 spirited future Perry High softball players the energy Thursday night as the Jayettes defeated Saydel 5-2 in Youth Softball Night at the PAC.  Diw delivered three RBI”s including a 2-run home run in the 6th inning to seal the deal.  Olejniczak was perfect for the first 4 1/3 innings and did not allow a hit until Liz Miklus connected for a two out solo home run in the 6th inning.  The Perry sophomore went the distance allowing three hits with no walks and 8 strikeouts.  She allowed only 1 earned run.  Diw finished with 3 RBI’s while Maddie West added the other RBI.  Katelyn Whelchel scored a pair of runs while Sidney Vancil added another tally.

Prior to the game, over 80 young Perry softball players were introduced to the large varsity crowd.  The future Jayettes all had smiles on their faces as they ran through the varsity dugout and on to the field through a varsity tunnel of supportive Jayette players.  Tiffany Olejniczak is one of 15 volunteer board members with the Perry Youth Softball Association.

“We had a really good spring this year,” she stated.  “We had one 12 and under team and two 10 and under and  two 8 and under squads to go along with 3 t-ball teams.  We love having our closing ceremonies during a Perry varsity game.  We actually got the idea from Carlisle a few years back and the kids seem to really enjoy it!  The varsity kids stuck around after and signed the Perry posters for all of the kids.  It’s a real neat event.”

Perry improves to 5-12 while Saydel falls to 12-7.