While both softball teams saw 2014 as a rebuilding year, it was South’s Pirates who came out swinging in their season-opening game against crosstown rival North on April 1. Behind a one-hitter by senior pitcher Rachel Gagliardo, South shut out North, 5-0.
The Pirates finished last year at 10-9, and under head coach Nicky Arias are off to a winning start this year with their eyes on making county and state tournament runs. Seniors Jessie Bizenov, Caroline Brooks, and Gagliardo could lead the way, though several juniors and sophomores return.
“We have many returning players and each player on the team has a key role,” Arias said.
Short stop Hye-jin Kim and first baseman Anjelica Sitek were two key graduation losses, though Arias said players like Sam Schattin, Kim Solomon, and Gina Demilt will be able to fill the gaps. She is looking for newcomers Maddie Lee, Catie Raeter, Courtney Skolka, Divya Viswanathan, and Kristine Finnie to have an impact.
“We have good team chemistry thus far and that alone can take a team a long way,” Arias said. “We have many players who can play multiple positions and do it well. We have a good offensive hitting team.”
The Knights went 4-13 last year, and head coach Jason Petrone will count on seniors Kerry Shanaberger — whom Petrone calls “relaxed and confident” — and Anahita Padmanabhan — “a tough out” — to lead the team to a stronger finish this year. Other key returning players are junior Madison Bloom and sophomores Shannon Radey and Gillian Adair.
Petrone said he has several spots that need to be filled, but freshman pitcher Emily Bloom, Madison’s sister, and freshman third baseman Natalie Everett are doing their parts. Adair and Paige Dalcourt return as North’s starting pitchers.
