SOMERS, N.Y. - Last May, Somers really busted the postseason softball bracket and landed in the finals versus top-seeded Harrison. All good things, though, a 5-0 loss was good for second place. So, obviously the Tuskers are thinking championship, but all the returning players make the goal more than just a rumination.
Only one departing senior from last year’s team, said Coach Theresa Ricci, “The key players are coming back, and that’s how we're going to build.”
Friday begins the season at John Jay, and sophomore Emily Boyle has the date circled. Fastball, curve and the change up, said Ricci, “she has all of it. She’s increased her speed and is working on her movement. So I’m hoping she has even more strikeouts this year.”
Next up from JV is Mia DiChiaro. “Her strength is getting the pitch straight down the middle,” said the coach.
Still developing the bends, the sophomore is slated to be number two in her first year. “We just want Mia to be there to support and back up Emily,” said Ricci.
On receipt, Katherine Papa doesn’t miss a beat. “She is always ready to play,” boasted Ricci. “Never gives up, she's the one who’s always leading the team, playing her hardest and eager to go every single moment of every single game.”
Of course, her number one priority is front and center. “Her and Emily have an unbelievable bond,” said Ricci.
At third, Somers won’t break either with Kiera Griggs. “She’s improved her fielding skills. So I’m really excited to see how she moves, and at the plate, she hits for power,” asserted the coach.
So does Katie Cole, and the same goes for the shortstop’s ability to hit to all fields. “She has so many different coaches and is always training,” said Ricci.
The junior was also there when her team lost in the finals. “She wants to win it all - everything,” assured the coach.
On the turn, Alyssa Pirraglia has the coach ready to pivot. “It’s looking beautiful,” said Ricci of the double play combo, “I am so excited.”
Finally, Caitlin Fitts blows the horn at first and ain’t bad with the bat. “She hit a grand slam to get us into the finals,” said Ricci.
In center, Kaleigh Conti takes nothing for granted. “Every single practice and game we’ve had the last two years, she has increased her range, her communication and her speed,” clarified Ricci
That leaves Victoria Morel in right and Julia Peanamanda in left. “I’m excited to see how our outfield locks it down,” she said.
As for the offense, the order is not set yet, but in terms of locomotion, the lineup doesn’t matter. “Every single player is so fast,” said Ricci. “We are going to create a lot of mistakes.”
The goal then should come a lot easier.
“We want to continue to grow every single day, stay one as a team and do better than we did last year,” Ricci concluded.
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