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Softball

Front row, from left: Meghan Quinlan (St. John the Baptist), Jean Chiang (Syosset). Middle row, from left: Danielle Stallone (Holy Tri nity), Michelle Schroeder (Lindenhurst), Jessica Brodis (Mattituck), Ashley Lane (Clarke). Back row, from left: Suffolk Coach of the Year Mike Massa (Half Hollow Hills West), Rachael McKenney (Babylon), Chrissy DeMott (Island Trees), Jen Cully (Valley Stream South), Jasmery Polanco (Bay Shore), Shannon Logan (Baldwin), Stephanie Vanek (Smithtown). Inset, Nassau Coach of the Year Arty Riccio (Valley Stream Central). (Photo by Ken Kreitzman)

A look at the softball players who stood out on Long Island high school varsity squads in the spring of 2001-02. This is the second year of the team.

JESSICA BRODIS
Mattituck, Shortstop, Junior

Mattituck was not only the surprise of the season, it was Long Islands last unbeaten team. The Suffolk Class C finalist can credit the success to an ensemble cast led by Brodis, a defensive whiz at shortstop. The three-year starter has great range and a quick bat. Brodis hit .419 with 30 runs, 25 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. She was the League VIII rookie of the year in 2000. "She listens, coach Jim Tuffy said. "She doesnt talk much, but she carries a big stick.

JEAN CHIANG
Syosset, Catcher, Senior

Chiang was the anchor for Syosset this season. The four-year starter did it defensively, throwing out all 10 attempted base-stealers this season and 90 percent throughout her career. And Chiang was a hit on offense, batting .386 with 16 RBIs, 15 runs and 5 steals. Chiang, who will attend Buffalo, was a career .390 hitter with 28 stolen bases. "She is probably the best defensive catcher in Nassau, coach Richard Powell said. "As a leadoff hitter, she always sets the tone. And she always makes pitchers feel comfortable with her behind the plate.

JEN CULLY
Valley Stream South, First Base, Senior

Cully was a four-year player and two-time All-Nassau pick. She has taken Valley Stream South to the Nassau Class B semifinals three times and made back-to-back appearances in the championship series. This season Cully batted .419 from the cleanup spot with 3 home runs, 15 RBIs and 12 runs. She was a .399 career hitter with 29 extra-base hits, 70 runs, 57 RBIs and 57 walks. "Shes a presence, coach Dom Fontana said. "Shes intimidating. She can turn the game around with one swing.

CHRISSY DeMOTT
Island Trees, Pitcher, Senior

DeMott, a three-time All-Nassau selection, played first base her first two seasons before moving to the pitchers circle as a junior. This season DeMott was named Nassau pitcher of the year after leading Island Trees to a 17-5 mark and the Nassau Class B semifinals. She registered a 1.23 ERA and struck out 244 in 154 innings. She also batted .369 with 21 RBIs. DeMott, who will play at Sacred Heart, was named MVP of the Class B tournament after delivering a county title to the Bulldogs in 2001. She finished her career with 31 wins, 460 strikeouts and four no-hitters. "I love her total dedication to getting better, coach Laurie Logan said. "Shes a team player and leader -- every coachs dream.

ASHLEY LANE
Clarke, Catcher, Junior

Lane is a two-time All-Long Island selection, and the three-time All-Nassau player is one of the most feared hitters around. The four-year starter is a slugger, but batted in the top two spots in the order out of necessity this season. Lane hit .453 with 2 home runs, 21 runs, 15 RBIs and 15 stolen bases as Clarke reached the Nassau Class B quarterfinals. She threw out 10 of 14 basestealers. Lanes career numbers .513 average, 9 homers, 64 runs, 58 RBIs and 44 steals are sterling.

SHANNON LOGAN
Baldwin, Catcher, Senior

Logan was a five-year starter and four-time All-Nassau catcher. She won three Nassau Class A championships early, but this season was no less outstanding. She was named Nassau player of the year after batting .611 with 27 runs, 26 RBIs, 9 doubles and 6 home runs from the No. 3 hole. Logan led Baldwin to the county semifinals. Logan, a .550 career hitter, will play at Fairfield. "No one steals against her, coach Allyson Wolper said. "Shes your old-school athlete. She knows the game and loves the game.

RACHAEL McKENNEY