Suffolk softball: Commack is team to beat

Even though Commack has moved up to League I from League II, the Cougars look like the team to beat in Suffolk this season, but they will be challenged by defending state champion Brentwood. In League II, Bay Shore is bidding for its 20th consecutive 20-win season. East Islip could get the nod in League III, and Deer Park and Half Hollow Hills West have experienced lineups in League IV. Kings Park and Hauppauge look good in League V, and Kaitlin O'Connor leads Miller Place in League VI. In League VII, Babylon bids to return to the Class B final, and in League VIII, Port Jefferson is out to defend its Class C title.

LEAGUE I

Second baseman Nicole Hagenah will help key Commack's bid. Despite being hit hard by graduation, Brentwood still has many bright spots, including Lauren Buscemi, an energetic catcher who batted .375 and had the winning hit in the Long Island Class AA championship. Ward Melville's Caitlin Meade should be a dominant pitcher.

LEAGUE II

Bay Shore, an annual playoff participant since 1983, is led by pitchers Liz Weber and Taylor McGowan. Cat Franzone should headline the offense. Bianca Kranz (7-4, 0.79) stands out for Connetquot, which could make noise in the playoffs.

LEAGUE III

Rachel Dell'Orto will share the circle with Courtney Blake, and how well the two new pitchers throw could determine East Islip's season. Dana White (.470, 31 RBIs), Colleen Smith and Michelle McKinnon (.460, 12 stolen bases) are big-time bats. If Lauren Jacaruso (eight wins, 104 strikeouts) can take the next step for West Islip, this race could be a dogfight. After making the playoffs for the first time in 10 years in 2009, all-league shortstop Jackie Binstock (.369 average) and all-league hurler Cassie Martinez (1.71 ERA) look to take Centereach to the next level.

LEAGUE IV

Deer Park returns its entire lineup, which finished 12th in the county in average and 10th in runs. Marie Racano (.360, 17 RBIs) and Melissa McGibney (.420, 12 RBIs) headline. Half Hollow Hills West also has a deep lineup, led by pitcher Alyssa Bitsimis (.423, 12 RBIs). Taylor Webb takes over in the circle for West Babylon. Smithtown West has made the playoffs 22 straight years, but has a younger team. Riverhead pitcher Julia Morrow will make things tough for opponents.

LEAGUE V

Ace pitcher Lindsay Taylor, Megan McGinley (.392, 28 RBIs) and Jessica Julich (.519, 25 RBIs) are keys for Kings Park. Nicole Ehlinger (18-6, 1.14 ERA) and Sandy Hawthorne make Hauppauge dangerous, and Catherine Havens (12-3, 1.23 ERA) and Brianna Clarke (.456) are standouts at Eastport-South Manor, back in Class A after making the AA playoffs in 2009.

LEAGUE VI

O'Connor hit .495, slugged .600 and was 17-for-18 in stolen bases for Miller Place last season and is off to a fast start so far this spring. East Hampton and Westhampton are also in the mix.

LEAGUE VII

Senior Amanda McKay (.413, 34 RBIs) returns in the circle for Babylon, which lost in the Class B final. If pitcher Tiana Giuliano is healthy, this team could dominate. Danielle Parente hit .450 for Mount Sinai, which will try to defend its league title with a younger squad. Hampton Bays, Class B champ in 2009, has a new pitcher in Emily Cortese.

LEAGUE VIII

Class C defending champion Port Jefferson is led by sophomore pitcher Michiko McGivney.