By Joseph Staszewski
Mary Louis’ motto for this season is “respect all, fear none.” The Hilltoppers have been one of the city’s most talented squads, but have struggled against CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens leaders and rivals Archbishop Molloy and St. Francis Prep.
“We get into that big game with Prep and Molloy, you see the name on the shirt and they are just different,” Hilltoppers softball Coach Ginny Peiser said of her team’s play.
She believes this group has the ability to get over the hump, saying it will need to get the keys hits to go along with strong defense and pitching. Mary Louis will get three cracks at each this year in the new five-team top division with Bishop Kearney and St. Edmund moving down.
Sophomore Nicole Hubert will need to be a big part of that success. She burst onto the scene last season with a lively arm and a clutch bat. Hubert takes over for Rebecca Warne as the team’s ace, has added pitches and worked on her control to limit walks. She went 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs during a win over Christ the King in the Brooklyn/Queens quarterfinals. JV call-up Kristen Freile will be the team’s No. 2 starter.
“She is more mature on the mound,” Peiser said of Hubert. “She is throwing a lot harder and cutting down on the walks. It’s nice to see. She knows going into it that she’s No. 1. Her confidence is really high right now.”
Hubert will also hit fourth in a lineup loaded with quality bats. Senior third baseman and No. 3 batter Shannon Minihane is one of the city’s best line drive hitters and is extremely difficult to strike out. Veteran catcher Stephanie Barbaro brings a strong bat and ability to call a superb game. Deirdre Munday brings her power bat and experience back to center field and Julie Canova, who has impressed at the plate early, returns at first.
“I’m playing with it to see what combination works, but from top to bottom we really don’t have a weak batting order anywhere,” Peiser said. “It’s going to be strong.”
Alyssa Paolicelli is back at second base and could be in the leadoff spot depending on the development of super speedy sophomore Gabby Malave, who will see time in the outfield. Sam Rossi will be in left and JV call-up Kim Myers should see time in right. The speedy Louisa Conway and Brittany Nicoll, a line-drive type hitter, will split time at shortstop depending on who is hitting best.
“They play well together and our defense is awesome,” Peiser said. “We just got to get the hits to go with it. Getting over that hump I think is going to be the key.”
Bobby Suarez is of the belief that you can’t let Christ the King’s youth fool you. The Royals’ roster boasts just three seniors this season.
“I think we are going to surprise a lot of people and I like that feeling right now,” the second-year coach said.
These three seniors have all been some of the league’s best players during their careers. Catcher Erica Eddy has a strong arm behind the plate and a steady bat. Shortstop Kim Velez has good range and is impossible to get out when she gets going. Josephine Phillips will be the team’s No. 2 starter.
“I think she can carry this team a long way,” Suarez said of Velez.
A lot of the Royals success will have to do with lefty windmiller Amanda Gauthier. The hard-throwing junior has been gritty in the circle since coming up as a freshman. The majority of the club is made up of a talented group of sophomores, starting with athletic centerfielder Destiny Marino. Jessica Vietez will see time at catcher and in left field.
Suarez raved about the glove and bat of Megan Allie at second base. Freshman Gabby Russo will be at third in the leadoff spot. Classmate Kaitlyn Finneran will add depth to the rotation.
“I’ve got a very young team, something to build for the next two or three years,” Suarez said.
Fontbonne Hall’s youth and talent is easy to see just by looking in the circle. Sophomore’s Nicolette Tripani and Maria Serrantino were both brilliant at times during their first season on the varsity last season. They will play third base when they are not pitching and will be fixtures in the middle of a quality batting order.
“We’re a year older,” Bonnies Coach Frank Marinello said.
Classmate Christina Calascione will take over for Jackie Mitchell in center field and in the leadoff spot and Natalia Sroga moved from third to left field. JV call up Kristina Schiano takes over at shortstop. Freshman Arianna Dillon replaces the graduated Jenna Nixon behind the plate.
“She gets quality at bats and she’s a great athlete,” Marinello said of Calascione.
Marinello called senior Kristina Mandala at first base his “grizzled veteran.” Senior Melissa Clark will be at second and classmates Karri-Ann Galante and Maria Randazzo will see time in the outfield. Liz Fox should see time at the corners and second base.
