Nazareth’s Cat Klostermann and CJ Mardirosian know each other better than they do any of their teammates.
As the Roadrunners’ ace pitcher and starting catcher, respectively, they’re in constant communication on the field. They also hit fifth and sixth in the order.
And on a rain-soaked Saturday afternoon in LaGrange Park, the Nazareth battery remained in command during a 16-0 rout of Morgan Park in the 3A Nazareth Regional final. Klostermann struck out 12 hitters in five innings and allowed one hit.
Nazareth set the tone early with a 10-run first inning, and Klostermann did the rest. She allowed just three base runners, the other two coming on a walk and a hit by pitch.
“For the most part, she pitched strikes, even with the rain and the wet ball,” said Nazareth coach Kristen Stojetz. “I think she consistently threw a nice game.”
Klostermann has seized the opportunity to shine as Stojetz’s No. 1 starter since she came aboard as a freshman. She has seen significant progression, as has the rest of the young Nazareth roster, which will graduate only three starters from its 2015 lineup.
“I felt overall that this season has been one of growth and maturity throughout the whole program,” Klostermann said. “We only had one varsity team with 20 girls, and so it was really important to work on both our mental and physical approach.”
Her catcher, Mardirosian, has been with her every step of the way, even as a teammate on her travel team, the Mizuno Hawks.
“Mardirosian keeps me calm,” Klostermann said. “She keeps me focused and consistent. Without her, I don’t think I’d be able to do the same.”
Also a sophomore, Mardirosian has made a leap in maturity to become a leader behind the plate.
“It’s been a learning experience, more than anything,” Mardirosian said. “It took a lot of adjustment, and I’m an underclassman still. I love being in charge and helping out my team.”
Though she just reached on a fielder’s choice and an error, while her teammates were launching extra-base hits, she embraced the victory.
“We need to play at our level,” Mardirosian said. “But we also need to stay classy. We don’t get many of these.”
Nazareth remains home for the sectional and is set to host Kennedy on Tuesday 4:30 p.m.
“We’re going to take it, and we’re excited about it,” Stojetz said. “But truthfully, we’re looking for more.”
Modrich is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
