Nassau League ABC-III softball preview

Manhasset's Murphy McGorry gets a two-run hit in a 17-7 win at Carle Place on May 9, 2015. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
WHEATLEY WILDCATS
Coach: Christina Cambria
2015 record: 6-14
Key players
Samantha Palazzolo C/OF Sr.
Samantha Hurtado INF/P Jr.
Morgan Tursi P Sr.
Cara Mattiolo 2B Sr.
Jessica Hastings OF Soph.
Outlook: Palazzolo — who can hit, slap from both sides, and bunt — led the team in every offensive category last season. Hurtado can find the gaps to knock in runs and get into scoring position.
VALLEY STREAM NORTH SPARTANS
Coach: Dave Aguado
2015 record: 10-6
Key players
Samantha Estupinian 3B/SS Jr.
Kelly Kroez SS/P/3B Jr.
Victoria Rossetti P Fr.
Lalia Drosman 1B Soph.
Selina Patti 2B/OF Sr.
Outlook: Estupinian hits for average and holds runners with her strong arm in left field. Kroez, who hit .523 with 28 RBIs and 33 runs scored, was called a five-tool player by her coach.
JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach Kristina LoCastro
2015 record: 5-10
Key players
Rachel Hirschheimer P Sr.
Brianna Carone C Jr.
Emily Wexler SS/3B Jr.
Abby Shapiro 1B Sr.
Outlook: Hirschheimer, also a leadoff hitter with speed, keeps her composure under pressure in the circle and fields her position well. Carone frames pitches and blocks well.
WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Christine Moran
2015 record: 5-11
Key players:
Julia Van O’Linda C Sr.
Haley Monahan P Jr.
Jaclyn Ludwikowski 1B Soph.
Emily Van O’Linda SS 7th grade
Outlook: Great chemistry between the battery of Julia Van O’Linda and Monahan, who keeps hitters offbalance.
VALLEY STREAM SOUTH FALCONS
Coach: Demetri Adrahtas
2015 record: 9-7
Key players
Briana Schippell SS/P Sr.
Katie Shields 3B Sr.
Melanie Morales CF Sr.
Victoria Martucciello 1B Sr.
Isabella Secairo-Cotto P 8th
Outlook: Schippell, headed to Queens College, is one of the best power hitters and all-around talents on Long Island. An outstanding defensive shortstop with a strong arm, she can also hit her spots in the circle.
SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Kristen Aksionoff
2015 record: 7-9
Key players
Hanna Festa SS Sr.
Erin Dooney OF Jr.
Victoria Boldis 1B/C Sr.
Kaitlin Benincase CF Sr.
Stephanie Masotti 3B Sr.
Outlook: A young team that can make contact one through nine in the lineup. Festa sprays the ball to all fields and Dooney is a strong contact hitter.
MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: Lauren Sadeh
2015 record: 10-8
Murphy McGorry SS/P Sr.
Delaney Flynn 2B/UTL Sr.
Marisa Sultana P/SS/CF Soph.
Cat Jones P Soph.
Nadia Sbuttoni 1B Jr.
Outlook: McGorry, with power at the plate and in the circle, is expected to pitch in big spots. Flynn is a solid contact hitter at the top of the lineup. Sultana is athletic and versatile.
CARLE PLACE FROGS
Coach: Chris Verde
2015 record: 7-9
Key players:
Kailee Pagnotta 2B Sr.
Julia Beattie CF Sr.
Nicole Amalfitano SS Sr.
Julianna Barratta 1B Sr.
Katie Hutter P Fr.
Outlook: Flexible lineup that is very strong up the middle. Pagnotta leads off and can get on base in a variety of ways. Beattie patrols the outfield and tracks the ball very well.