CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last season, John Jay went 11-8 and won a round at the sectional tournament. Unfortunately, the Wolves were unable to match up with second-seeded Pearl River. But a new season has Riley Foote confident, and she starts by identifying who will be the big bats that Section One must fear.
“All of us,” she assured.
Even so, the season will start at home in the circle, and if Foote gets the nod over Maria DeGataeno on Friday 28 versus Somers, she’s not going in cold.
"I’ve been working over the winter, getting all my pitching in and working on my spins,” said the sophomore.
Her catcher has noticed the difference already. “She’s really throwing well,” said Carys Cooper.
But Foote isn’t the only one who’s put in extra reps this winter. Working with the Nighthawks, said Carys Cooper of Maria DeGataeno, “It’s given her time to develop her pitching skills and increase focus.”
A difference the catcher feels in the palm of her hands. “She’s definitely throwing harder this year,” revealed the signal caller
DeGataeno simply intends to go about her business, though. “I’m going to try to stay the same as last year,” said the sophomore.
Confident in her defense, strong up the middle starts with Laney Daly at short. “That’s her spot,” said Erin Samuelson. “She gets to the balls up the middle and can make the backhand plays by laying out.”
On the turn at second, Foote will be quick on the double up. “She’s really fast,” said Samuelson
Velocity also on the agenda at third, Cooper has the hot handle.
“She’s really quick with her hands,” said Samuelson
On the receiving end, Samuelson is hoping to leave a mark at first. “Erin loves her picks and getting low,” said Daley
Clare Doherty will get a share at first too and also give the infield room for error.
“I love her stretch," said the shortstop, “she can go into a little split.”
The same goes for the catching duties as Cooper enters year three.
“I like to be in every play and have control of the game,” said the sophomore.
That leaves Templeton behind the plate when she’s not spelling Foote at second. “She’s really good at framing and blocking balls, has a quick snap and is solid back there,” said Samuelson.
Finally, Bella Barry will lock it down again in centerfield. “You have to be aggressive, always be aware of where the ball is and track it,” said the junior.
As for the team’s long view, Cooper offers the vision. “All around, we’re looking to go pretty far in section one,” concluded the catcher.
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