She will always remember the many pitching victories, the ton of strikeouts, even the cool nicknames.
But Oak Forest senior Melanie Andrysiak had an experience Thursday that will likely top the list of greatest memories from her four-year varsity career.
The Wisconsin-Parkside recruit led off the bottom of the third inning with a hit. She then watched as her freshman sister, Nadia, drove in pinch-runner Molly King with an RBI single.
It was a family first in that regard.
“I was screaming at the top of my lungs,” Melanie said. “Nadia driving in runs gets me so excited. I lost my voice the other week screaming so much for her.”
Both had plenty to smile about following the Bengals’ 4-1 South Suburban Conference crossover victory against visiting Evergreen Park.
Melanie struck out 12 and added a pair of hits for Oak Forest (10-7, 6-4 SSC Blue). Nadia came up with a hit, a walk and scored a run, while Hailee Morin contributed a two-run homer.
Maggie Troglia hit a home run and reached base twice for Evergreen Park (9-9, 5-5 SSC Red).
Melanie Andrysiak’s history at Oak Forest has been, in a word, colorful. She emerged as a freshman pitcher with flaming red and pink hair, earning the nickname “Melmo” in reference to the Sesame Street character.
But the hair color had a serious source. She was honoring her mother, Ninette, who has twice overcome battles with cancer. As a junior, the “Melmo” hair was gone, replaced by her natural color. She had a stellar season, leading the Bengals to 27 wins and a Class 3A regional title.
Cut to her senior year, and “Melmo” now has another nickname. This one was given to her by Oak Forest coach Nick Fuentes, and it’s catching on with the kids.
Just call her “Mel-mom.”
“She’s not only a phenomenal leader, but she looks after all of our underclassmen,” Fuentes said. “With her sister and Hailee (both pitchers), she’s always working with them. She goes to their travel teams and works with them.
“Seeing her growth as a person, let alone the softball stuff, I can’t even put into words how proud of her I am.”
No one can speak about “Mel-mom” better than Nadia.
Melanie is the oldest of the four children in their family. When Ninette became ill, responsibilities came rushing upon her like a tidal wave.
“Mel was very strong,” Nadia said. “She was a big help to my dad (Thaddeus). She kept her composure in front of us. She didn’t really show how much it was affecting her because she wanted to keep our little brothers happy and positive.”
Composure has been a key factor to Andrysiak’s success as Oak Forest’s ace. Thursday was typical as she ended five innings with strikeouts. In the last inning, she struck out the final two batters with two runners on base.
This season, she passed the 500 mark in career strikeouts — and 600 is within reach. On offense, she’s batting .436 with three doubles and 10 RBIs.
Nadia, meanwhile, is hitting .300 with 10 runs and seven RBIs. She’s mainly a hitter for now, but will likely share Oak Forest’s pitching duties next season with Morin.
“Mel-mom” is helping pave the way.
“I take that role pretty seriously,” Melanie said. “Honestly, I try to make sure everybody is having a good day, even if I’m not. I try to make sure everybody has their uniforms for the week. If anybody needs any equipment, I make sure they get it.
“I just want to help everyone be ready for every day.”
It starts with the team group chat.
“Oh, if we have a tough game, there will be a message from Mel,” Fuentes said. “It says, ‘We’re going to be better tomorrow.’”
A winner’s way of life continues.
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
