St. Francis Prep has dreams of a city title
Ann Marie Rich knows how unforgiving the Catholic league can be. She does not want her players thinking about last year’s Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan title or their run to the city championship game, when they fell to Moore Catholic. She prefers to take it day by day.
“My main concern is that we play well together, show great teamwork, show great spirit,” she said. “We are looking for that championship ring, so to speak, but I want to get more productivity on a daily basis.”
There are plenty of reasons a title is a distinct possibility. The Terriers return their two pitchers from last year - Krystil Hofmann and Lynn Schiano. Sophomore bopper Carla Pennolino will fill departed catcher Justin Clifford’s role in the middle of the order and Susan Garrett, who played third base last spring, will take over behind the plate. Shortstop Nicole BiFulco, who missed the title game because of a car accident, is back at shortstop, Bonnie DeFina is in centerfield, and Lauren Ferenc will man the hot corner.
Christ the King hoping experience will pay off
Last season, Christ the King finished just a game short of the playoffs. They lost five times by two runs or less to the league’s top teams - Mary Louis, Molloy, and St. Francis Prep. Royals Manager Frank Florio expects that luck to change with a solid core of juniors and seniors.
“There were games we were close to being victorious but just couldn’t get it done,” he said. “Hopefully with that experience, we can do it this year.”
Again, pitching will be the key. Senior Samantha Stallone struggled with her command last spring, and will see some time in the circle, but senior Danielle Amato and junior Lauren Russell will also try their hand at pitching, along with Kim Bermuda. The Queens College-bound Stallone, a force in the middle of the CK lineup, is expected to see more time at shortstop and outfield this year.
“Their cautiously optimistic,” Florio said of his players. “My expectations are to make the playoffs and win the league championship. I’m very confident in my team. We have a great bunch, probably one of the best groups of players since I’ve been here.”
There is also a solid group of hitters up from the jayvee, particularly third baseman Jennifer Conlin and first baseman/outfielder Katherine Illuzzi.
Expectations rise for Mary Louis
Vicky Capece does not blow away the competition. She relies on control and finesse. That’s fine with Mary Louis Manager Ginny Peiser, who is expecting quite a lot from her senior ace. “Vicky kept us in every game last year,” she said. “I expect that again this year. She’s not the fastest in the league, but she doesn’t walk people, and that’s key.”
Just as important will be the performance of fellow seniors, shortstop Vanessa Melendez and third baseman Maureen Gorman. Offensively, first baseman Megan White (she led the Hilltoppers in RBIs) and catcher/second baseman Laura Guzman, both of whom performed well as sophomores, will be looked upon to carry the load.
“I feel this is the group that will probably go the furthest of the team’s I’ve had,” Peiser said. “They are very close to each other and they are very team oriented.”
Senior leadership leads Molloy
Maureen Rosenbaum was not sure what to expect when she took her team down to Chesterfield, Virginia for a high school tournament. Because of the inclement weather, the Stanners had rarely gotten outside for practice and many of their scrimmages were cancelled. However, they finished 2-2. “I was pleasantly surprised we did well,” she said.
Pitching is the primary concern. Senior right-hander Kayley Ferran returns, but Kristen Torres transferred to St. Anthony’s when her family moved to Long Island. Sophomore Janelle Boyd will see some action behind Ferran.
Rosenbaum hopes the four other seniors will anchor the team. Justine Chirichella will be at second base, Katie Massowd at first, Jackie Rafferty behind the plate and Jess Ulmer in the outfield. Adding to that mix is first-year varsity player Stephanie Peralta, a basketball player for three years who will see time at third base.
“Last year we had a strong team, we just fell apart when it counted,” Rosenbaum said, alluding to their semifinal loss to Stella Maris. “I’m hoping with the senior leadership to do well.”
