Nassau Conference AA-II softball preview

LONG BEACH MARINES

Coach: Carmine Verde

2013 record: 8-12

Key players

Kelsey Larson, SS, Jr.

Brianna Rivera, 1B, Sr. H

Heather Weinstein, 2B, Sr.

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Julianna Zaharias, CF, Sr.

Outlook: Larson is a gap hitter with power. She'll set the table for run producers like Rivera, who returns from a thumb injury, and Weinstein, a clutch hitter.

SYOSSET BRAVES

Coach: Rich Powell

2013 record: 15-6

Key players

Danielle Zurek, P, Sr.

Valerie Moran, CF, Sr.

Jessica Hom, SS, Fr.

Sam Molloy, 3B, So.

Kylie Marlow, LF, So.

Outlook: Zurek locates her pitches very well and changes pace to keep hitters off balance. Moran has a very strong arm in center. Hom, a slap hitter with speed, is an up-and-coming shortstop.

HICKSVILLE COMETS

Coach: Rich Hinnerschietz

2013 record: 14-5

Key players

Kaitlyn Delaney, SS, Sr.

Amanda Mascia, 2B, Sr.

Alexandra Gaudelli , 3B, Jr.

Emily Henderson, C, So.

Danielle Anzalone, P, Jr.

Outlook: Strong up the middle with Delaney at short and Mascia at second. Gaudelli is a vacuum at third and a power bat in the four spot.

CALHOUN COLTS

Coach: Jason Boland

2013 record: 7-9

Key players

Nicole Imhof, P/1B, So.

Joanna Marmo, C, Jr.

Allie Abbene, 2B, Jr.

Lauren Trimarco, P, Jr.

Sam Sanky, OF, Sr.

Outlook: Coming off their first playoff spot in nearly 20 years, the Colts feature a strong defense up the middle and a lefty power pitcher with an arsenal of pitches in Imhof.

BALDWIN BRUINS

Coach: Thomas Llewellyn

2013 record: 9-10

Key players

Jessica Pulis, P/CF, Sr.

Jade Aponte, SS, Jr.

Sophia Nicolas, 3B, Jr.

Taylor Krucher, OF, So.

Montia Moon, OF, Fr.

Outlook: Plenty of slap hitters and base stealing threats throughout the lineup. Pulis has great command of her pitches in the circle and is also a run producer.