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Smithtown West has talent, East is young
and Commack looks for success
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April 02, 2009 | 01:48 PM
Both of Smithtown's softball teams and Commack have high expectations for the upcoming season.
The East squad opened up the season with a 6-3 victory over West Islip in front of their hometown fans last week. "We have a very good squad this year," said Smithtown East coach Glenn Roper. "We are very talented and athletic."
Smithtown East senior captain Andrea Eaton, who pitches and plays first base, is entering her second year on the squad. "She's a good leader," Roper said. "The younger girls look up to her."
Emily Cisternino is a captain in her third year on the team. "Emily works exceptional," said Roper.
All-Division sophomore shortstop Francesca Busa is entering her second year on the squad. Roper is also happy to have freshman third baseman Maggie Engellener and eighth grade rightfielder Mackenzie Buckley on his squad.
Second baseman Jamie Ackerman and center fielder Nicole O'Donnell are both very fast. O'Donnell covers a lot of ground in the outfield, while Ackerman provides speed on the bases.
Sophomore second starter Corine Vazac returns to the mound. "I'm counting on her pitching," Roper said.
In the other part of town, a very young West squad, consisting of three eighth- graders, prepare to take the field. "We are going to face some challenges this season," Smithtown West coach Dave Miller said.
Third-year sophomore pitcher Halie Bloom didn't take the mound a lot last year. "She will be counted on to show us a lot of time," said Miller.
Third-year junior Nicole Pellegrino, who can also play catcher and second base, will be the starting center fielder. Third-year starter Lauren Link will move over from third to second.
Sophomore Shannon Forbes is entering her third season. "Last year she played a pretty solid shortstop considering it was her first time there," said Miller. "In her rookie year, she played the outfield."
Senior captain Amanda Lynch, who was a backup last year, will play left field. "She impressed me last year with conversations that she had in team meetings," Miller said. "I respect her because she is wise."
Miller is happy to have reserve catcher Rachel Conley and outfielders Jess Dwyer and Lisa Muller on the squad. They are all juniors in their rookie season.
Second-year sophomore Catherine Heacox and rookie Carley Davidson will both take the mound. Sophomore Natasha Lopez will play the outfield. Freshman Jackie Cohen is slated to be the designated player and pinch hitter. Shelby Tietjen is a lefty outfielder, first baseman and designated player.
Starting first baseman Kayla McCoy, third baseman Emily Horman, and catcher Carissa Kinsella are in eighth grade.
The Commack Cougars are looking forward to a hard-hitting season at the plate. Many of last year's power hitters are returning to action. "Power hitters in softball can be anyone on a given day," said Commack head coach Harold Cooley.
Third-year athletes, including catcher Megan Apper, third baseman Alex Drago, left-handed pitcher Michele Andrews and Nicole Hagenah, who already has two home runs in as many games, all hit for power. Along with Drago and Hagenah, fourth-year veterans shortstop Daniella Pusateri and first baseman Stefanie Rosenberg provide speed on the bases.
The Cougars are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. Every athlete on the squad has a role and they are vitally important to the program. "A successful program is like a machine," said Cooley. "Take away a part and the machine cannot function. Every piece and all the gears have to work together. Each of our athletes has qualities and potential to do great things. That is why they are here. I look to every girl on the team to step up and be a leader today."
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