Softball Preview

7/29/2019 Softball Preview

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A team-by-team look atsoftball teams in the great-er Cumberland Countyarea:

VINELANDCoach: Alex Gomez (5th season, 60-31)Conference: Cape-Atlantic League Ameri-canGroup: South IVLast season: 12-8,lost in sectional quarter-finalReturning starters: 7Key players: Demi Murray (Sr.,P), Kylie Fin-ley (Sr., C), Brigitte Garvey (Sr., 3B), JaleneGarcia (Sr.2B),Lindsey Gaines (So.,SS), Alys-sa Ellis (Sr.,OF), Liz Carpani (So., 1B).Key newcomers: Kayla Rodriguez (Jr., OF),Bryanna Luciano (So., OF).Season outlook: The Fighting Clan appearready to jolt their way to the top of the stand-ings this season. Vinelands battery is super-charged with Murray in the circle and Finleybehind the dish. With a plus-fastball andgood secondary pitches, Murray has posted31wins over the last two seasons and looksto finish her scholastic career on a strongnote.Finley enjoye d a breakout season in 12,hitting .403 and becoming one of the top de-

fensive catchers in the area. Vinelands of-fense has a nice blend of power hitters andspeedsters, but the team will have to find away to score runs on a consistent basis toachieve all of its goals.The Fighting Clan willalso need to play air-tight defense too. Dontbe surprised if Vineland plays a lot of tight,low-scoring games.Prediction: Look for Vineland to challengefor the Cape-Atlantic League American titleand be playing softball into June. A 17-to-20win season is within reach for this ballclub.

MILLVILLECoach: Brooke Ewan-Dixon (10th season,129-81)Conference: CAL AmericanGroup: South IVLast season:13-11,los t in opening round ofplayoffsReturning starters: 7Key players: Corie Collins (Sr.,IF), Casey De-rella (Sr., OF), Rachel Rivera (Sr., C), CassidyGorgo (Jr.,P), Breann Swan (Sr., IF),Katie Vo-lov (Sr., Ut.), Brittany Rivera (So., Ut.),AlexaCalareso (So.,P/Ut); Devona Bates (Sr., Ut.).Key newcomers: Lauren Tobolski (Jr, Ut.),Andrea Layton (Jr.,Ut), Kady Mae Makos (Fr.,IF); Amanda Buckson (Sr.,Ut.).Season outlook: The Thunderbolts appearto be primed to make a lot of noise this sea-son. The team boasts a little bit of everything speed, athleticism, depth and versatility.Millvilles lineup has the potential to be oneof the top scoring threats in the area,led byDerella, who batted .471 last season and isclosing in on 100 career hits. The offense willgain another power source in Tobolski, wholed Sacred Heart in on-base percentage(.537) and was second with a .429 battingaverage. Shell have to sit out the first 30days due to NJSIAA transfer rules. Millvillesbattery is also a major strength with Gorgo,a12-game winner with a 2.00 ERA last season,and Rachel Rivera.The team is still trying tofill a couple of holes at second base and rightfield.Keep an eye on Makos,who has openedsome eyes in the preseason despite battlinga shoulder injury.Prediction: Millville, which could be theteam to beat in the area, has the talent tocrack the 17-win mark this spring and con-tend for conference and sectional titles.

SACRED HEARTCoach: Les Olson (10th season, 196-70)Conference: CAL NationalGroup: South Non-Public BLast season: 27-6,state championReturning starters: 6Key players: Danielle Lugo (Jr.,C), Rosie La-Grotta (Jr.,P),Lindsay Dwyer (Sr., LF),Saman-tha Caterina (Sr.,2B), Kelly Hullihen (So., SS),Gabby Castellini (Jr.OF), Lauren Dwyer (So.,3B/P),Alyssa Fabrizio (So., Ut.).Key newcomers: Kaila Smith (Fr., 1B/C),Alyssa Waddington (Fr., OF/P), Kyrsten Ma-kos (Fr., OF/C),Ciani Carter (So., IF), BriannaLopez (Fr., OF).Season outlook: The Lions climbed themountain to the programs first state titlelast season. Now, theyre facing the toughchallenge of making the return trip. SacredHeart is strong up the middle, starting withbatterymates LaGrotta and Lugo. While sheisnt overpowering, its tough to find a moresuccessful pitcher than LaGrotta especially inclutch situations. The junior right-handerowns a 42-10 record and was almost unhit-table in last years postseason. Lugo is one ofthe best two-way players in South Jersey. Atthe plate, the leadoff hitter has racked up 68career hits,70 runs scored and 45 walks in

two seasons. Sacred Heart isnt withoutsome question marks. Lindsay Dwyer, the Li-ons big-time run producer for the last threeyears,suffered a serious ankle injury over thewinter, but expects to be fine patrolling leftfield.The Lions will also have two new play-ers on the infield corners with Lauren Dwyerand Kaila Smith at third and first base, re-spectively. Both are talented players whoshould make the transition seamlessly.Prediction:The positives are plenty for Sa-cred Heart.The Lions can hit,pitch and playstrong defense. Twenty wins is well withintheir sights.If the team, which doesnt boasta lot of depth,can stay healthy and get con-tributions from its new players, it could be inposition for conference, sectional and statecrowns.

BUENACoach: Pam Pickett (26th season, 505-150-1)Conference: CAL NationalGroup: South IILast season: 23-4,lost in sectional finalReturning starters: 7Key players: Allie Collins (Sr., P/OF), BeccaCollins (Sr., OF), Natalie Giannascoli (Sr.,1B/

IF),Carly Linus (Sr.,OF), Janessa Rios (Sr., SS/IF), Ashley Surran (Sr., C), Alex Lolli (Sr., 3B),Victoria Battelini (Jr., IF), Jenn Cimino (Jr.,OF), Stephanie Walsh (Jr., Ut/2B),SamanthaFiocchi (So., P/IF).Key newcomers: Samantha Monfredo (Fr.,P/IF).Season outlook: Buena ball will likelyhave a different definition this spring, but itcould produce the same result success.Change will be a part of this ballclub. Insteadof riding the arm of one ace,Picket t could usethree options to handle the pitching dutieswith Allie Collins, Fiocchi and Monfredo allseeing time in the circle.Also,long known forusing the small-ball approach to squeak outruns in low-scoring contests, these Chiefscan swing the bats. Pickett has raved aboutthe way the team hit during its recent trip toFlorida. Surran, Rios, Giannascoli and Linus

were first-team CAL All-Stars last season andprovide the punch in the Chiefs lineup. Theteam also boasts plenty of experience withtwo four-year starters and two more three-year starters.Prediction:Buena has the power to light upthe scoreboard,but it will need solid defenseto back an inexperienced pitching staff.Theteam will challenge the 20-win mark, con-tend for a conference title and be among thefavorites in Group II South.

BRIDGETONCoach: Andrew Bagley (5th season, 15-66)Conference: CAL NationalGroup: South IILast season: 7-16, lost in opening round ofplayoffsReturning starters: 4.Key players: Jenna Montana (So.,P/IF), Na-tash Rivera (Jr., IF), Karisma Pantaleon (Sr.,IF), Adrianna Price (Jr., C/IF), Korshae Butler(So.,OF), Halley Day (Sr.,1B).Key newcomers: Sam Adams (Jr.,OF), Nya-sia Miranda (Jr.,OF), Sharnice Williams (Fr.,OF), Chasady Wilford (Fr., IF/OF), KhyasiaFloyd (Fr., IF), Nicole Winrow (Jr., INF/P).Season outlook: Bridgeton returns a solidnucleus of athletic ballplayers,starting withMontana. The sophomore provided hugecontributions on offense (.377 batting aver-age,24 runs and 7 extra-base hits) and in thecircle (3.76 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 108 in-nings).Pantaleon is the table setter at the topof the order and her speed also delivers divi-dends in the outfield.Rivera will anchor theinfield and will be counted on to drive inruns.Price and Day will take over at catcherand first base, respectively, and both couldbe the power source in the middle of the or-der that the squad desperately needs.Prediction: The Bulldogs took a huge steptoward developing a winning culture in theprogram last season.Look for that progressto continue. The team may not win a champi-onship, but a .500 season would be consid-ered a great success for this program.

CUMBERLANDCoach: Alan Homan (3rd season,28-23)Conference: Tri-County Diamond DivisionGroup: South IIILast season: 16-10, lost in sectional semi-finalReturning starters: 8Key players: Shayla Loud (Sr., P), JackieMartin (So.,C), Lindsey Gaines (Sr., 1B),EmilyPettit (Sr.,2B),Kodi Pollock (Sr.,SS), Katie Mc-Cormick (Sr., 3B), Carlie Fogg (Jr., OF), JodiCook (So., OF), Michaela Hitchner (So., OF),Abbey Pettit (So.,OF).Key newcomers: Allison Saul (Fr., OF).Season outlook: The Colts appear ready tokick up a fuss in the Tri-County and Group IIISouth title races.And why not? The team re-turns a solid roster, including its star pitcherand a talented infield. Cumberland will alsowelcome back its sparkplug behind theplate,Martin.The sophomore led the team inhitting with a .419 average before suffering afractured wrist.Shes regarded as one of thebest in what is the deepest position in thearea.Pollock blends together a slick glove atshortstop with a thunderous bat.She batted.384 last season with a team-best four homeruns. Gaines appears primed for a big seasonat first base. Homan is pumped about thecompetition in the outfield where five play-ers are battling for three spots.Prediction: If Loud is healthy, watch out.This team has the ability to be the areas top-ranked team and could break the 20-winmark.While the division crown might be out

of reach because Gloucester Catholic alsolooms in the Diamond, Cumberland couldhave its eyes on the biggest prize a sec-tional title.

DELSEACoach: Scott Gutelius (6th season;75-49)

Conference: Tri-County Royal DivisionGroup: South IIILast season: 13-11, lost in sectional semi-finalReturning starters: 7Key players: Jayme Lyn Zeilman (Jr., P/OF),Julia Voluntad (So., P/1B), Trista Mokienko(Sr.,C), Jenna Cali (So.,2B), Kayla Rohm (Jr.,SS),Brittany Schwegel (Sr.,C/1B/OF),Sam Pe-terson (Sr., OF).Key newcomers: Jesse Lucas (Sr., 1B/OF/DH),Tori Miller (So.,3B); Brooke Reinert (So.OF/1B).Season outlook: If strong pitching is theroute to success, Delsea could be poised for abig year. The Crusaders boast a tantalizing1-2 punch in the circle with Zeilman and Vol-untad.Both hurlers owned ERAs under 2.70last year.Voluntad was impressive as a fresh-man fireballer,chalking up nine wins and 105strikeouts in just 88 innings. Delseas offensecenters around the big bat of Mokienko. TheBowling Green-bound senior tortured op-posing pitchers with a .568 batting averageand a .784 slugging percentage.Delseas ver-satility comes in handy as there are plenty ofmoving parts depending on that days pitch-er.

Prediction: With Williamstown and King-sway in the Royal Division, Delsea some-times tends to get lost in the shuffle untilplayoff time.A nd with this pitching staff andthe way it plays consistent fundamental soft-ball, Delsea should be on its way to anothersuccessful season. Chalk up 13-15 wins forthe Crusaders.

OUR LADY OFMERCYCoach: Jamie Cook (6th season)Conference: CAL NationalGroup: Non-Public BLast season: 6-8, lost in opening round ofplayoffs.Returning starters: 8.Key players: Giana Vozzi (Sr., P),Giana An-glani (So., 3B), Nicole Sheridan (Sr., 2B/1B),Emily Arezzi (Jr., 2B/SS), Kasey Harmon (Jr.,DH/OF), Sarah Musial (So., OF), Devon Do-naghy (Sr., OF), Sarah Pustizzi (Jr., C).Key newcomers: Amber Raines (Fr., 2B/OF).Season outlook: The Villagers will try tofind a way to reach the elusive .500 mark.The team returns a solid group of letterwin-ners, including its ace Vozzi. The senior teamsup with Pustizzi to give the Villagers a solidbattery. OLMAs offense should be produc-tive. The team was blanked just once in 2012and was able to generate runs against someof the CALs elite pitchers down the stretch ofthe season. While some of their positionshave changed,Angelani, Sherdian and Arezziwill anchor the infield.Prediction:Look for OLMA to challenge the8-win mark and a possible .500 record. Ashas been the case in recent years, the Villag-ers are hurt by two weeks of no games tostart the season.

SCHALICKCoach: Jamie Musey-Lau (12th season,130-115)Conference: Tri-Co DiamondGroup: South ILast season:14-8,los t in sectional semifinalReturning starters: 7.Key players: Jessica Harrell (Sr.,OF), GiannaRodriguez (Sr., OF), Bridget OBrien (Sr., OF),Janna Gaburo (Jr., P/Ut), Kylee Barton (Jr.,2B),Courtney Miller (Jr.,C/OF), Diedra Turner

(So.,C).Key newcomers: Nicole Madison (Sr.),Brielle Lewis (Jr.), Cassidy Long (So.), Mad-eline Richie (Fr.),Cour tney Buck (Fr.)Season outlook: After finishing 8-2 in theirlast 10 games of 2012, the Cougars look tocarry the momentum over to this spring. Theteam welcomes back seven starters fromthat team including speedster Barton, slug-ger Harrell and ace pitcher Gaburo. Bartonand Gaburo were two of three players whoshared the team lead with 29 hits apiece.Harrell chimed in with 26, including 11for ex-tra bases. Experience will play a role as theteam moves up to the Diamond Division.Prediction: Playing in a stronger divisionmight not make the Cougars record lookbetter, but it will help get the team preparedfor the Group I playoffs.Dont be surprised ifSchalick pulls off an upset or two in the reg-ular season before making some seriousnoise in the postseason.

CUMBERLANDCHRISTIAN

Coach: Ike Jones (3rd season, 20-14)Conference: Tri-State ChristianLast season: 8-8Returning starters: 4Key players: Meredith Jones (Sr., SS/P/C),Courtney Hoffman (Sr., 1B), Kelli McKeown(So.,C), Becky Fuse (Jr.,OF), Lindsay Jackson(Jr.,OF)Key newcomers: Victoria Shuster (Fr., IF);Kelsey Hoffman (So., Ut.),Kristen Miller (So.,Ut.),Samantha Santos (Fr.,P/IF). Adelia Gar-della (So., Ut), Breanna Massey (Jr., Ut.),Amanda Eachus (Fr., Ut.)Season outlook: The Crusaders boast astrong nucleus with Jones, Hoffman andMcKeown, but will rely on a nice group ofnewcomers to round out the team. MeredithJones reached base more than 70 percent ofthe time and also played some stellar de-fense at shortstop last year. Hoffman is thepower source in the lineup while McKeownquickly blossomed into one of the top catch-ers in the league.Prediction:The Crusaders have the talent tobe a contender in the conference, but willhave to chase down Atlantic Cape Christianand Baptist for a shot. Look for 9-11 wins.

WWW .T HED AILYJ OUR NAL .CO M Thursday, March 28, 2013 C3

VINELANDApril

2 Egg Harbor Twp. 4pm4 Absegami 4pm

9 at Hammonton 4pm

11at St. Joseph 4pm

13Red Devil Elite Tourney TBD

14Red Devil Elite Tourney TBD

15at Middle Township 4pm

16Millville 4pm

18at Oakcrest 4pm

20HammontonInvitational

TBD

21HammontonInvitational

TBD

23Atlantic City 4pm

29 at Cumberland 3:45pm

30at Absegami 4pm

May

4 Buena 4pm

7 Hammonton 4pm

9 at Millville 4pm11 Sacred Heart 4pm

14 Mainland 4pm

16 Oakcrest 4pm

23 at Holy Spirit 4pm

MILLVILLEApril

2 Holy Spirit 4pm

4 Hammonton 4pm

6 Vinick Tournament TBD

8 Buena 4pm

11 at Atlantic City 4pm

13Overbrook Tournament TBD

14Overbrook Tournament TBD

16 at Vineland 4pm

18 at Absegami 4pm

19 ACIT: 4pm

23 St. Joseph 4pm

25 Oakcrest 4pm

30 at Hammonton 4pm

May

2 at Mainland 4pm

6 at Sacred Heart 4pm

9 Vineland 4pm

13 at ACIT 4pm

16 Absegami 4pm

17at Northern Burlington 7pm

21 at Oakcrest 4pm

23 at Egg Harbor Twp. 4pm

24 Lower Cape May 4pm

BUENAApril

4 at Middle Township 4pm

6 at St. Joseph 11am

8 at Millville 4pm

9 Lower Cape May 4pm12Egg Harbor Township 4pm

13 Rancocas ValleyTournament

TBD

14 Rancocas ValleyTournament

TBD

16 Sacred Heart 4pm

18at Wildwood Catholic 4pm

19Winslow Township 4pm

20 HammontonInvitational

8:30am


TBA

23 Cedar Creek 4pm

25 at Ocean City 4pm

29 at OLMA 4pm

30 Middle Township 4pm

May

2 at Pleasantville 4pm

4 at Vineland 4pm

6 Absegami 4pm

7 at Lower Cape May 4pm

8 at Sacred Heart 4pm

14 Bridgeton 4pm

17 Ocean City 4pm

23 at ACIT 4pm

SACRED HEARTApril

2 Bridgeton 11am

6 at Overbrook 11am

9 Ocean City 4pm

10 at Woodstown 4pm


12 at WildwoodCatholic

4pm

16 at Buena 4pm



10:30am


TBD

22 Absegami 4pm

30Wildwood Catholic 4pm

May


2 at ACIT 4pm

3 Cape May Tech 4pm

4 Triton Tournament 9am

5 Triton Tournament TBD

6 Millville 4pm

7 at Ocean City 4pm

8 Buena 4pm

11 at Vineland 4pm

14 Cedar Creek 4pm


17 Gloucester Catholic 7pm

18 M iddle Township 7pm23 at OLMA 4pm

BRIDGETONApril

2 at Sacred Heart 11am

5 LEAP Academy 11am

8 Oakcrest 4pm

9 ACIT 4pm

11 Middle Township 4pm

16 a t Cape May Tech 4pm

18 Cedar Creek 4pm

19 Lindenwold 4pm

22 at Winslow Twp. 4pm



26 Camden Charter 4pm

30 OLMA 4pm

May

2 Ocean City 4pm

3 at Woodrow Wilson 4pm6 LEAP Academy 4pm

7 at ACIT 4pm

9 Cape May Tech 4pm

14 at Buena 4pm

16 at Cedar Creek 4pm

17 at Lindenwold 4pm

20 at OLMA 4pm

21 Pleasantville 4pm

23 Wildwood Catholic 4pm

CUMBERLANDApril

3 Deptford 4pm

8 at Schalick 4pm


12at Glassboro 4pm

13at Pennville Tournament 11am

15at Pitman 4pm

17 at Williamstown 4pm

19Woodstown 4pm

20at HammontonInvitational

TBD

21at HammontonInvitational

TBD

24Wildwood 4pm

26at Triton 4pm

29Vineland 4pm

May

1 Holy Spirit 4pm

2 Glassboro 4pm

6 at Clearview 4pm

7 at Woodstown 4pm

9 at Deptford 4pm

13 Schalick 4pm

14 Penns Grove 4pm

15at Gloucester Catholic 4pm

DELSEAApril2 Highland 4pm

3 at Williamstown 4pm

5 Clearview 4pm

8 at GCIT 4pm

10 at Burlington Twp. 4pm

12 Salem 4pm

17 Schalick 4pm

19 Triton 4pm

20Hammonton Invitational TBD

21Hammonton Invitational TBD

22 at Kingsway 4pm

24 at Highland 4pm

29 at Pitman 4pm

May

1 Williamstown 4pm

3 at Clearview 4pm

6 Glassboro, 4pm

8 at Triton 4pm

10 GCIT 4pm

14 Kingsway 4pm

17 at Gloucester 4pm

20 at Woodstown 4pm

OUR LADYOF MERCYApril

15 Cape May Tech 4pm

16 at ACIT 4pm


23 at Ocean City 4pm

25 Cedar Creek, 4pm

26at Wildwood Catholic 4pm

29 Buena 4pm

30 at Bridgeton 4pm

May


3 Cape Christian 4pm

7 Pleasantville 4pm

9 ACIT 4pm


16 a t Cape May Tech 4pm

17 Atlantic City 4pm

20 Bridgeton 4pm

21 at Cedar Creek 4pm

23 Sacred Heart 4pm

SCHALICKApril

3 at Woodstown 4pm

4 at Deptford 4pm

8 Cumberland 4pm

11at Gloucester Catholic 4pmn

13Pennsville Tournament TBD

17 at Delsea 4pm

19 Glassboro 4pm

20 Penns Grove 4pm

22 at Salem 4pm

23 at Gloucester 4pm

26 at Highland 4pm

May

1 at Glassboro 4pm


6 at Clayton 4pm

7 Deptford 4pm

9 Woodstown(at Elmer L.L.)

6:15pm

13 at Cumberland 4pm

16 Pitman 4pm

17 Gateway 4pm

20 GCIT 4pm

CUMBERLANDCHRISTIANApril

5 at Calvary Academy 4pm

15at Pilgrim 4pm

16Kings 4pm

18at Gloucester Co.Christian

4pm

20Calvary Academy(double header)

11am/2pm

26Pilgrim 4pm

29Gloucester Co.Christian

4pm

30at Baptist 4pm

May

2 Atlantic Cape Christian 4pm

6 at ACIT, 4pm

7 Christian Academy 4pm

9 at Kings Christian 4pm

13 at Christian Academy 4pm

14at Atlantic Cape Christian 4pm

21Baptist 4pm

SCHEDULESPLAYERS

TO WATCH

KYLIEFINLEYVinelandYear: SeniorPos: C Booming

bat, rocket arm, strongleader the completepackage.

CASEYDERELLAMillvilleYear: SeniorPos: OF Led team

with a .529 slugging per-centage in 12; closing in on100 career hits.

JANESSARIOSBuenaYear: SeniorPos: SS Along with a

great glove, posting bignumbers at the plate in thepreseason.

LINDSAYDWYERSacred HeartYear: SeniorPos: OF The Lions

biggest run producer (31RBIs in 2012) owns 84 careerhits and 72 career RBIs.

TRISTAMOKIENKODelseaYear: SeniorPos: C This sweet-

swinging slugger hit anarea-best .568 last spring.

KODIPOLLOCKCumberlandYear: SeniorPos: SS The spark-

plug for the Colts at theplate and in the field.

PLAYOFF

INFORMATION

The cutoff date toqualify for the state

tournament is May 11.Teams must have a .500record through theirfirst 15 games or by thedate of the cutoff.Sub-.500 teams may beinvited to fill out eachsectional bracket. Eachteam will be seeded byits power-point rank-ing, which includesquality points, grouppoints and residualpoints for its first 15games. First-roundaction will be played onor before May 21. Sec-tional finals for publicschools will be playedon May 31; non-public

schools on June 4. Statefinals are slated forJune 8.

mBuena at Mill-ville, April 8, 4 p.m. The Thunderboltsshould be anxious toget another shot afterthey suffered a 10-0drubbing at the handsof the Chiefs last season.mMillville at

Vineland, April 16, 4p.m. Look for theintensity of this rivalryto be kicked up a coupleof notches this spring.The two teams split apair of one-run, homevictories last year, in-cluding a thrilling 9-8,10-inning triumph byVineland in the firstmeeting. Rematch willbe May 9 at Millville.mSacred Heart at

Buena, April 16, 4p.m. As magical asthe Lions 2012 seasonwas, the team couldntfigure out a way to beattheir conference rivals.The Chiefs swept theseason series, includingby a perfect game rout.This has become one ofthe best rivalries in theCAL, if not South Jersey.The second meeting will

be May 8 at Cunning-ham Park.mHammonton

Invitational, April20-21. One of themost prestigious tourna-ments in South Jerseywill have a distinct areaflavor as five local teams Buena, Sacred Heart,Cumberland, Vinelandand Delsea fill outthe 16-team bracket.Cumberland is the onlyarea team to win a title,earning three straightfrom 1983-85.mMillville at Sa-

cred Heart, May 6, 4p.m. Cunningham

Park should be jumpingfor this game, whichwas a late addition tothe schedule. NewMillville first basemanLauren Tobolski, whotransferred from SacredHeart, will be in thelineup.mSacred Heart at

Vineland, May 11, 4p.m. Should beanother interestingchapter in City Serieslore. The Lions won a7-4 decision in last yearsmeeting.

GAMESTO WATCH

Buenas Ashley Surran scores a run in a game last season. STAFF PHOTO/CRAIG MATTHEWS

Six teams could bein hunt for No. 1 spot

By Tom [email protected]

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