Suffolk II-AA softball preview
Bay Shore's Sarah Edwards drives in two runs on her single in the bottom of the fifth during the Suffolk Class AA semifinal between Bay Shore and Hauppauge on May 24, 2013. Credit: Alan J Schaefer
HILLS EAST THUNDERBIRDS
Coach: Megan Pfaeffle
2013 record: 6-13
Key players
Taylor Russo, 1B, Sr.
Danielle Bruno, CF, Sr.
Rachel Warren, SS, Sr.
Alexa Califano, LF, So.
Maya Chinquee, P, Fr.
Outlook: A young team with a group of key, defensive players.
CENTRAL ISLIP MUSKETEERS
Coach: Tom Sherwood
2013 record: 5-16
Key players
Brianna Weiss, P/SS, Fr.
Desiree Pacheco, 1B, Jr.
Maria Gonzalez, P/SS, Sr.
Kariyma Benjamin, OF, Jr.
Natalie Fernandez, 3B, Sr.
Outlook: Six returning starters, including freshman pitcher Weiss, with a good fastball and a impressive change-up.
WHITMAN WILDCATS
Coach: Melyssa Cilmi
2013 record: 5-13
Key players
Nicole Civello, SS, Sr.
Gina Cipriano, 1B, Sr.
Aleysha Midgett, CF, Jr.
Laura Galligan, C, Jr.
Jenna Piromalli, P, Jr.
Outlook: Experienced pitchers and powerhouse hitters in hopes of a playoff run.
BAY SHORE MARAUDERS
Coach: Jackie Pasquerella
2013 record: 18-1
Key players
Sarah Edwards, C/1B, Sr.
Kim Goldsmith, P, Jr.
Kaly Alzate, 3B, So.
Elise Ambos, 2B, Sr.
Taylor Barbour, P/UTL, Fr.
Outlook: Led by Edwards, who has three league and one county title under her belt.
SMITHTOWN WEST BULLS
Coach: Dave Miller
2013 record: 13-7
Key players
Gianna Gatto, C, Sr.
Teresa Staiano, CF, Sr.
Samantha Morganelli, 2B, Sr.
Kim Plaspohl, P, Jr.
Kassie Furr, IF, Jr.
Outlook: Dowling-bound Gatto possesses incredible arm strength and is a line-drive gap hitter.
SMITHTOWN EAST BULLS
Coach: Glenn Roper
2013 record: 10-9
Key players
Stefanie Aplin, C, Sr.
Alexa Carnemolla, 2B, Sr.
Angela Pagano, 3B/SS, Sr.
Kristina Hussey, OF/IF, Sr.
Samantha Giannetti, CF, Sr.
Outlook: Good defense, clutch hitting.
WEST ISLIP LIONS
Coach: Michelle Jantzen
2013 record: 14-6
Key players
Alyssa Monteverde, P, Sr.
Shannon Cronin, OF, Sr.
Stephanie Neglia, 3B, Fr.
Rachel Wandzilak, P, So.
Amanda Arena, 1B, Fr.
Outlook: Strong pitching behind Monteverde and sophomore Wandzilak.
CENTEREACH COUGARS
Coach: Sal Santoro
2013 record: 11-10
Key players
Tia LaPuma, 1B, Sr.
Karissa Menzinger, P/2B, So.
Lindsay Ness, C, Fr.
Amanda Catapano, SS, Jr.
Karly Sauve, OF, So.
Outlook: Seven returning starters; overall team speed is a huge plus.
COPIAGUE EAGLES
Coach: Jean Ann Kohn
2013 record: 0-19
Key players
Priscilla Nunez, OF, Jr.
Emely Olivo, OF/3B, So.
Heather Voisey, P, Fr.
Yanarys Lopez, 2B, Fr.
Leidy Nunez, 2B/SS, So.
Outlook: Developing team honored for its sportsmanship last season.
NEWFIELD WOLVERINES
Coach: Bill King
2013 record: 4-16
Key players:
Val Scura, Sr., CF
Sam Wood, Sr., 3B
Tabitha Butler, Jr., P
Jessica Clark, 8th, SS
Marissa Siegel, Sr., 2B
Outlook: Centerfielder Scura is a switch power hitter with great range.
NORTH BABYLON BULLDOGS
Coach: John Egan
2013 Record: 5-14
Key Players
Theresa Cardello, P, Sr.
Gina Napoli, P, Jr.
Alexis Rutha, SS, Jr.
Elizabeth Brunner, 1B, Jr.
Brianna Klaus, 3B, Jr.
Outlook: Looking to improve behind Rutha's bat and Cardello's arm.
Accused cop killer in court ... Teacher's alleged victims to testify ... Popular brewery to close ... Visiting Christmasland in Deer Park
Accused cop killer in court ... Teacher's alleged victims to testify ... Popular brewery to close ... Visiting Christmasland in Deer Park
