The first four games of this season were a learning experience for Mercy coach Tony Calcagni and the Tigers.

Calcagni, a veteran coach in his first year at Mercy, took over a program that lost a slew of seniors to graduation.

The Tigers split those four games, losing twice by one run.

“The kids had a meeting about getting on the same page,” Calcagni said. “They talked about the fundamentals of the game. They talked about putting in a little extra, whether in practice or in a game, and getting more focused.”

Since, Mercy (9-2) has won seven in a row, including victories over Southern Connecticut Conference powers Amity, West Haven and North Haven.

“I thought we would be OK (entering the season),” Calcagni said. “But we lost so many seniors and we have a lot of untested kids. But we’ve exceeded what I thought and what I hoped we could be so far.”

After scoring just 10 runs during its first four games, Mercy is averaging close to nine during its current winning streak.

Senior catcher Tyler Keegan, the team’s No. 3 hitter, leads the team in runs batted in.

“She’s the leader of the young group of kids,” Calcagni said. “She works with the pitchers and she has a real positive attitude.”

Calcagni calls junior shortstop Astin Donovan, who has already orally committed to play at South Florida, the fastest player he has ever coached.

“She’s the table setter at the top,” Calcagni said of his leadoff batter.

Stephanie Mangiameli, a sophomore third baseman, and sister Tiffany, a freshman second baseman, have contributed in the infield, while sophomore Stephanie Dean has excelled in left field.

Sophomore center fielder Madison DeRita bats cleanup and has also been impressive in the field.

“She has all the tools to be a great outfielder,” Calcagni said. “She has a great jump on the ball, she has a great arm. I think she has three or four outfield assists.”

Junior Mary Adametz, who Calcagni calls a “power pitcher”, has done well in the circle.

“She’s a great kid who works hard,” Calcagni said. “We’ve tried to expand what she does as far as pitch selection and placement. She’s responded very well. There’s some areas where she has to grow in, but she’s a pretty strong kid and a pleasure to coach.”

Freshman Brianna Sawicki has also seen time in the circle.

“We think she’s going to be dynamite,” Calcagni added.