Gabby Binder, Julianna Plunkett lead Mineola past Clarke in softball
Julianna Plunkett of Mineola connects for a single against Clarke during a Nassau Conference II softball game at Mineola on Monday. Credit: David Meisenholder
Mineola felt like an underdog story when it won last year’s Class A county title. This year, even with a roster of just 11 players, the Mustangs aren’t catching anyone by surprise.
Julianna Plunkett and Gabby Binder each drove in two runs as Mineola defeated visiting Clarke 10-2 in Conference II softball at Mineola Middle School on Monday.
“We’re a small team, but we work hard,” Plunkett said. “We accomplished something last year that hadn’t been done for a long time, but we still have something to prove.”
Kaylee Ng opened the scoring for Clarke (6-6) with a two-run single in the second inning. Binder and Daniella Porcelli hit back-to-back two-out RBI singles to tie it at 2 for Mineola in the bottom half.
Ava Lopez and Binder each singled home a run in the third and two more runs scored on an error, giving the Mustangs a 6-2 lead.
“We do very well at communicating with each other what we’re seeing from a pitcher,” Binder said. “They told me to make sure I sit deep and when I saw runners on, I just thought about going to right field.”
Plunkett’s single in the fourth drove in two runs. Autumn Malone had an RBI and an error on the play brought in another run, stretching Mineola’s lead to 10-2.
Sage Rowan and Malone each allowed two hits and a run for Mineola (7-3). The two subbed in to pitch throughout the game as Malone tossed 4 1/3 innings and Rowan pitched 2 2/3.
“They’re both tremendous. We have so much confidence in them,” Mineola coach Monique Wink said. “Today was the first day we really tried this, but I know they can both be really effective.”
Mineola flashed strong defense throughout the game. Amanda Baker fielded a grounder and tossed it to Cassidy Fitzgerald, who fired to first to complete a double play in the third.
Fitzgerald sprinted out from shortstop to foul territory in left field and made a tough catch in the fourth. Plunkett fired a throw to first to back pick a runner to end the inning. Ava Lopez caught a sinking liner at third and fired to first for a double play in the seventh.
“It’s all about the connection we have on the field,” Plunkett said. “I trust everyone out there and when I see an opportunity, I go for it.”
“Our own expectations haven’t really changed at all. We asked them to be prepared and go out and compete to the best of their ability each game.” Wink said. “People on the outside may have other expectations, but ours are the same.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
