Softballin': Players of the Week

Francesca Casalino, Half Hollow Hills West – Suffolk Player of the Week:  The returning second-team All-Long Island pitcher (pictured) went 5-for-5 with three RBIs, while striking out  15 in a three-hitter during the Colts’ 11-1 win over Newfield. She then tied a career-high with 17 strikeouts, while allowing one run in a two-hitter in a 9-1 win over North Babylon.

Carina Zupa, Glen Cove: Nassau Player of the Week: Was an error shy of a perfect game as she threw a no-hitter with nine strikeouts and drove in two runs in a 5-0 win over Bethpage. When you flirt with perfection in Conference I of Nassau County, it’s a big deal.

Casey Waleko, East Hampton: In her fourth varsity season, the junior pitcher earned her first no-hitter in a 7-0 win over Bellport, striking out 15 and walking none, while going 5-for-5 with two RBIs and a run. She also pitched a two-hitter in five innings with eight strikeouts in a 14-0 win over Comsewogue.

Alex Gaudelli, Hicksville: Her day against Plainview JFK: 4-for-4, three-run home run, three runs scored, career-high six RBIs, hit for the cycle.  

Sarah Cornell, Clarke:  Already with a 20-strikeout game on her resume this year, Cornell tossed her first no-no of the season, with three walks and seven strikeouts in a 7-1 win over Glen Cove.

Caitlin O’Mara, East Rockaway: Fueled her team to a 10-3 win over West Hempstead, hitting a game tying home run in the seventh inning and the go-ahead, two-run single in the eighth.

Cara Bevilacqua, St. John the Baptist: After delivering a three-run triple to tie the score in the fifth, she hit a walk-off single in the ninth for an 8-7 win over St. Anthony’s.

Erin Massmann and Lizzie Frayler, Connetquot: ...and all of the other Connetquot girls who took part in the rally of the week during a 9-8 win over Sachem East. Massmann delivered a two-out, two-run single to tie the score and Frayler sent everyone home with a walk-off single to cap a five-run seventh inning.

Dani Warnken, Bayport-Blue Point: Had a 4-for-4 performance with seven RBIs in a 12-0 win over Stony Brook.

Danielle Vollono, Long Island Lutheran: Tossed a five-inning no hitter with three walks and nine strikeouts in a 12-0 win over Knox.

Chelsea Hawks, Shoreham-Wading River: Not only threw her second no-hitter of the season in a 12-0 win over Southold/Greenport but also fanned nine batter to join the 600 career strikeout club.

Danielle Zurek, Syosset: Tossed  a one-hit, one-walk outing with 11 strikeouts in a 3-0 win over Farmingdale to improve her record to 9-1 on the season.

Savanna Juengerkes, Islip: Went 3-for-4 with a grand slam and career-high seven RBIs in an impressive 11-3 win over Sayville, the defending state champs.

Jessica Cerasoli, East Rockaway: As if her five-hit day wasn’t enough (5-for-5, three runs scored) she helped turn a game-ending double play with the tying run at the plate in a 13-10 win over Valley Stream South.

Amanda Finn, St. Dominic: Tossed a three-hit shutout, walking one and striking out six, in a 1-0 upset over St. Anthony’s.

Samantha DiGiovanni, Floyd: Tossed a six-inning perfect game with 14 strikeouts in a 15-0 win over Central Islip.

Coaches, if you'd like to nominate a Player fo the Week, you can reach us at michael.gavin@newsday.com (or on Twitter at @mgavinjr) and jason.stormberg@newsday.com