Sophs and seniors seek strong season

By Jonathan Cheung
Staff Writer
Published March 19, 2008

Usually the thought of four new players patrolling the infield would worry a coach, but Cresskill softball coach Michael Doto isn't sweating a bit.

"During the preseason we're mainly focusing on our defensive situations, trying to strengthen our fundamentals of the game," said Doto. "It's going well. The girls are young, athletic, enthusiastic and willing to learn."

Four freshman from last year's squad return to fill the Cougar infield left vacant by graduating seniors. With a strong sophomore core, the Cougars make up for lack of varsity experience with athleticism, drive and determination.

"Everyone's excited and we should have a good team," sophomore Patricia Clark said. "We're having solid practices and we're working together really well."

Last year sophomore Jaime Conrad had to grow up fast, as she pitched 19 of
22 games for the Cougars. Pitching looks to be a key piece to the playoff
picture, but this year with the addition of freshman hurler Elizabeth
Pascetta, it will give Conrad a chance to get some needed rest.

"To have another pitcher is relieving," said Conrad. "It was a bit stressful
last year and it's good to know she'll be splitting games with me."

Another sophomore who's expected to have a stellar season is Clark, not only
because she is making the move to second base, but the hope is she will
continue her hot hitting from last season when she stroked a .466 batting
average.

Doto also said that the lineup is full of "singles and doubles batters with
sophomore Floriana Borova supplying the power."

The Cresskill coach credits the maturity and talent of the youth to coach
Mike Hamlett, who coaches players from grades three to eight and prepares
them with sound fundamentals.

"We're very young and we don't have a lot of varsity experience, but we're
not inexperienced in the sport of softball," said senior Patricia Callahan.
"Our senior leadership should help and encourage the new players."   

Cresskill has battle-tested veterans in the right positions with two senior
captains, catcher Amber McAndrews and center fielder Callahan, and the two
look to guide this young team to an even more successful season.

"We hope to make it to semis in the playoffs," said McAndrews. "We want to
remain positive no matter if we're playing big teams or not."

The catcher noted that last year the girls had a hard time staying mentally
strong against intimidating teams. This attitude was seen throughout the
team.

"Last year, we easily broke down mentally," said Callahan. "We let our
mistakes affect us, but that should change this year since everyone pretty
much has varsity experience."  

The change is beginning to take root, as compliments, which build up the
team's psyche, are consistently vocalized at practice sessions. Praises from
"nice catch" to "great play" are heard all over the field.

"People from last year are really welcoming new players," said Conrad.
"Everyone's getting along and it's like a family. We all can't wait for the
season to start and make new memories with the new people."    

Last season's record: 10-12
Key players: CF Patricia Callahan and C Amber McAndrews, seniors; SS
Floriana Borova, 2B Patricia Clark, P Jaime Conrad, sophomores. 
Outlook: The Cougars look to improve on last year's record, remain
competitive in pursuit of a league title and make a push in the county and
state tournaments.
E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709