By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Ava Fahey and Nina Pacella are Medway High seniors who’ve played significant roles in helping the Mustangs’ softball team get back on track in the Tri Valley League.

When they were freshmen, Medway struggled, winning only two games and finishing with a 2-16 record. But, when Chris Reading took the coaching reins in 2022, Fahey and Pacella enthusiastically bought into his competitive philosophy. 

Instead of dealing with a two-win season and no tournament invitation, they improved to 9-9 as sophomores and had a 12-6 record last year. Their last two seasons also generated playoff berths — Medway won both of its tourney openers but lost in the second round each time.

Fahey, a capable right-handed pitcher, and Pacella, a speedy centerfielder, have been key contributors in the turn-around. Pacella, who hit .300 as a freshman, was chosen as a TVL all-star. Fahey posted a 12-6 regular-season record last year and also became a league all-star. 

Reading was acutely aware at the outset that they were skilled and had leadership ability, so he appointed them as captains as juniors. 

“Both lead by example and set the tone in practice where they work hard and stress a go-go-go approach,’’ he emphasized. “They’re also excellent communicators, never yelling but willing to talk with players before and after practices and games.’’ 

Both girls are pleased Medway has turned the corner and they’d really like to end their careers on a high note.

“My goals are to qualify for the tourney again and get past the second round,’’ Fahey said. “Advancing to the elite eight is realistic and if that occurs, then we’d re-evaluate our situation. Another goal is to beat Norton. They defeated us twice last year and that cost us the TVL Small Division title.’’

Pacella’s objectives align with Fahey’s. “I’d like to see us win the TVL division championship, qualify for the playoffs and advance as far as possible,’’ she said. “Our goals are reachable because we’re talented and experienced.’’

Fahey, who also played golf for Medway, knows why the Mustangs’ 2-16 record in 2021 evolved into a 12-6 record last year. She attributes the upswing to three juniors who excelled last year as sophomores. Priya Bedard (catcher), Olivia Klaus (first baseman) and Katie Anderson (left fielder) were named to the TVL all-star team as sophomores and now they’re junior captains.

“They were essential because they’re talented and fundamentally sound,’’ Fahey said. “They also are reliable and dedicated.’’ Pacella, who also ran track at Medway, noted that “they’re quality leaders, well-skilled and possess a high softball IQ.’’

The same can be said about Fahey and Pacella. And it was Reading who quickly detected their high skill level and their intelligent and instinctive approach.

“Ava pitched every inning of every game last year,’’ Reading said. “A starter as a freshman, she’s got the perfect mentality to be a pitcher. She’s cool under pressure, her velocity and control are good, and she keeps hitters off balance. She was 12-6 last year, had a 2.29 earned-run average and walked only 18 batters in 110 innings. 

“Nina’s speed is incredible,’’ Reading said. “She’s one of the fastest players in the league. She covers lots of ground in the outfield, has great range and decent arm strength. A contact hitter, she’s disruptive, able to score on a single from first base and can go from first to third on a passed ball. Last year, she batted .323, hit two home runs and knocked in 10 runs. She also stole eight bases.’’

Games against Bellingham and Millis stand out as their favorites.

“My best game was against Bellingham as a sophomore,’’ Fahey said. “I was pitching in a tense situation against Ryanne Haynes, who had committed to play Division 1 ball at Providence College. She was Bellingham’s top power hitter and a league all-star but I struck her out on a change-up. We won a close game.’’

Pacella’s most memorable game came against Millis as a junior. She was facing the Mohawks’ ace pitcher, Riley Caulfield. “I surprised myself by hitting two home runs,’’ Pacella recalled. “I’m a contact hitter but that day was exciting. I had struggled against her before but helped the team win with those two homers that sailed over Millis’ outfielders.’’

Both girls rate their selection as two-time captains and their all-star recognition as top thrills in softball.

“I’m pleased with those honors,’’ Pacella said. “To be an all-star as a freshman and a captain twice shows that hard work pays off.” Those honors came earlier than expected. Fahey views her two years as a captain as “a big deal and a great opportunity because a repeat isn’t so typical.’’ She not only was a TVL all-star last year, but also the team’s Defensive MVP.

Both captains are quick to deflect praise to Reading for the Mustangs’ uptick.

“He turned us around from that 2-16 season,’’ Fahey said. “He’s a terrific motivator and strategist.’’ Pacella recalled that he was Coach of the Year last season. “He’s supportive, understanding and objective,’’ she said. “And, he taught us how to communicate with teammates.’’

Fahey throws a fastball, curve, drop and change-up. “I rely on control, moving the ball effectively and staying patient,’’ she emphasized. Pacella says she’s an aggressive competitor. “I enjoy going after the first pitch,’’ she said. “I like stealing bases and running down a hard-hit ball in the outfield.’’

Both 18-year-olds, Fahey and Pacella are Medway natives who are two-time National Honor Society students. Fahey has a 4.12 GPA and Pacella’s is 3.65. Fahey will attend college at either Tufts or the University of Rochester and major in bio-medical chemistry or engineering. Pacella will attend Stonehill College where she’ll major in psychology. Both likely will play softball at the club level.

The duo has a similar competitive philosophy, focusing on reaching their potential and enjoying their athletic journey. “I strive to be the best I can be and have fun,’’ Fahey said. “When that occurs, winning will be the by-product.’’ Pacella leans on a strong work ethic to reach her potential. “Giving 100 percent usually gets positive results,’’ she emphasized.

Both agree on the life lessons that can be learned in sports. “You learn to be a leader, a good teammate, how to overcome adversity and how to be resilient,’’ they said. “Bonding with teammates and building relationships also occur in sports.’’

Fahey and Pacella admit that “it’s bittersweet to see our careers at Medway coming to an end.’’ But they’re looking forward to a challenging future in college. “I want to enjoy these days as much as I can,’’ Fahey said. “College will be a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.’’

Pacella said she appreciates “the time I had with my teammates, starting at the youth level.’’ She, too, is eager to begin college life.

At Local Town Pages deadline, Medway had a 9-3 record and was No. 14 in the Division 3 power rankings. Fahey was 8-2 with an E.R.A of 3.26 and had struck out 54. Pacella was hitting .289 and had scored 22 runs and stole 12 bases.

No matter how the Mustangs fare in post-season play, one aspect remains a constant for Ava Fahey and Nina Pacella: they set the tone for success because of their desire, dedication and devotion to the task at hand.