With two of her best friends on board, Sophia Pacecca is pleased to be running the basepaths for the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) fastpitch softball team this season.

Pacecca has known fellow seniors Annabel Little and Joey Lurie since their T-ball days and the trio of Islanders are now stationed as tri-captains as they close out their high school journey on the diamond.

Positioned at first base for the second consecutive season, Pacecca hammered out a .455 batting average at press time during her fourth year on varsity.

“We have a really strong group of girls this year. It’s our senior year. We’re trying to go out with a big one,” said Pacecca, 18, who also plays club ball for Giants Fastpitch 18U. At press time, the Islanders hadn’t placed a notch in the victory column.

Next school year, the University of Redlands in California will welcome Pacecca, who is set to major in business administration with an emphasis on marketing along with trying out for the Bulldogs’ D3 fastpitch squad.

While she has a drive for the sport and enjoys slamming hits and snagging balls during games, Pacecca is especially drawn to the human side of the softball sphere.

“Playing with such an amazing group of girls all four years. All throughout has just been super fun. You meet new people. Some of my best friends and best connections have been through playing softball,” said Pacecca, whose mom played softball and dad spent time in the baseball world.

Standing 5-foot-2, Pacecca said with a laugh that she’s on the short side for a first baseman. However, her height doesn’t get in the way of her love for the position.

“You’re in on all the action. Everyone jokes that the shortest person is playing first base, but you know, gotta love it, that’s the fun of high school ball,” said Pacecca, who was a first-team all-3A KingCo selection following her sophomore season.

Pacecca said she unleashes positive energy during each game and is quite the cheerleader when supporting her teammates.

“Kind of just the loudness. I’m Italian, so I’m always gonna be loud, but that just benefits my sport,” she said with exuberance.

The Reporter asked Pacecca a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

This is easy. The forks on plates, like when they scratch. No, no, no — I can’t do that. It’s like nails on a chalkboard for me. So whenever I hear that, I have to leave the room.

What’s something that you’re afraid of that you’d like to conquer?

The fear of failure.

What’s a hidden talent that you have?

Probably the singing and dancing (with Island Sound in past years). I don’t really tell people that.

What type of music do you listen to?

Country music all the way. My parents grew up on country music and pushed it on me ever since I was little and that was the only thing I listened to.

Who’s your favorite artist?

Luke Combs.

What’s your dream vacation spot?

Greece.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’d give an incoming freshman?

Definitely my biggest thing is everything happens for a reason. A test might not go your way — bounce back and learn from it. Maybe study a bit harder for the next one.

What’s the best way to maintain lifelong friendships (with Little and Lurie)?

We just have a bond that couldn’t be broken. We all bring different things to the friendship, so I think that definitely helps. We all have different personalities that just match really well together. Definitely being a reliable friend, like being there for someone if they’re going through a tough time and just stuff like that.

What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done?

The polar plunge when it’s like freezing out. Jumping in cold Lake Washington, I don’t recommend it.