GREENFIELD — Saturday marked the kick off of the Greenfield Girls Softball League season at Murphy Park. 

“I am happy girls have a place to play the game,” Richard Mascavage, President of the Greenfield Girls Softball League, said. 

The opening day of the season is the only time all the games are played at once, allowing all the girls and families in the program to see how large the program is. It was palpable as over 100 girls marched down Leyden Road in the opening day parade cheering for their teams as they marched. 

Mascavage explained the league allows girls to learn the fundamentals of the game, and builds a love for the sport. He pointed to this league as the reason why softball at the high school level in this area has become so competitive. 

Jessye Deane, coach of the Gilmore and Farrell Insurance Junior Team, said it was exciting for the girls of her team to learn the rules and gather as a community to have fun. She explained the team has had several practices prior to the start of the season.

“We are figuring out the strengths and seeing how they mesh as a team,” said Melissa Rotkiewicz, manager of Descavich. Descavich includes a mix of new and returning players that are learning how to work together. She explained the girls in the program learn great skills whether or not they stick with the sport. She said it teaches the girls to be a team member and gives them a chance for exercise. 

“This day allows you to realize how many people are involved in this great program,” Rotkiewicz continued.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com

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