Suffolk Softball Sensations: Dominique Soto, Miller Place

Dominique Soto didn't have much of a choice but to go behind the plate for the Miller Place softball team prior to its League VI game against Eastport-South Manor on May 1.

Soto, who is the Panthers’ regular third baseman, was tapped to play catcher by coach Danielle Hazen not only because she was capable, but because there was no one else to help fill the void.

“We knew she could do it, but we were more concerned with losing something at third base,” said Hazen, a four-year varsity starter at second base for Miller Place upon graduating in 2004. “It turned out to be great. She’s been nothing but awesome behind the plate.”

The same can be said regarding the play of junior Emily Guiseppone, who filled in for Soto at third. The two have been key cogs for Miller Place (17-3 overall, 17-2 League VI) as it clinched the league title Wednesday with a 3-2 home win over East Hampton.

“She kind of controls everything on the field from where she is,” Hazen said of Soto, a junior co-captain, who was batting .367, with nine RBIs, 24 runs and an on-base percentage of .529 in her third season heading into the East Hampton game. “She’s been way better than I expected. She’s throwing runners out, blocking wild pitches and passed balls, and calling a great game for our pitchers. She’s controlling and keeping everyone together on the field.”

During the weekly Suffolk Softball Sensations Q&A segment, Soto discussed the significance of the aforementioned Eastport-South Manor contest, a 2-1 win for the Panthers, that became a superstitious routine for both player and coach moving forward this season, as well as naming an inspirational figure that made her cringe when saying her name, before having a laugh about it.