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April 01, 2009 | 02:01 PM
Last year's youngest playoff team is one year older, stronger and wiser. Head coach Jeanne La Lima got a lot out of her youthful squad last season, eventually falling to top-seeded West Babylon on the road in the first round of the playoffs.

La Lima only loses two starters in 2009, and returning on the mound is one of the toughest starting pitchers in Suffolk County, Caitlyn Meade, a junior. Meade made All-Conference and All-County last season and is an attractive college prospect, already invited to participate in recruiting showcases. Meade is also a powerful hitter and leader by word and deed. "Caitlyn works hard all year, and will be a captain for us along with senior Trish O'Toole," said La Lima.

O'Toole, a senior, made All-League last season and plays center field. "Trish is such a good athlete, hitting and fielding," said La Lima. "She's huge for us."

Returning at first base is sophomore Courtney Yannace. Second base will be covered by a newcomer, freshman Courtney Caputo. Sophomore Haley Blunt is the shortstop. "Blunt is a terrific young athlete," said La Lima.

The hot corner will be handled again by Jamie Schmahl and she will also pitch when needed. Catching duties will be split between sophomore Dani Shangold and freshman Maygan Procino. Sophomore Jess Schildt in left field and freshman Meaghan Kristol in right field will flank O'Toole.

"You can see we're young," said La Lima. "We don't really start practicing in the afternoon until the kids from Murphy and Gelinas arrive."

Still, those youthful Patriots beat Syosset in an early nonleague game and won their conference opener over Patchogue-Medford in a game that took two days to complete because of a rain delay. In the Patriots' 10th inning, O'Toole finally singled home Yannace with the game-winning run. Meade was masterful on the mound, allowing the Raiders but two base hits and striking out a dozen.

"We're still very young and under the radar this year, not ranked among the preseason top 10," said La Lima. "Actually, we kind of like it that way. Our goal is to take it one step further, to get past the first round of the playoffs this year."

The team will host Miller Place in a nonleague game on April 4. Game time is at 1:30 pm.

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