By J.C. Baumuller
Managing Editor
Published: March 26, 2008

Sophomore Jen Capazzi takes over the reins from All-League pitcher Adrianna Durso, who graduated and is now at Drew University.

"She was the back up pitcher," Old Tappan coach Melissa Landeck says of Capazzi. "She worked hard over the summer and is improving every day. She mixes speeds to keep the batters off balance."

Even though Durso has departed, the Golden Knights return several varsity starters to the lineup.

"Last year we had three freshmen, three sophomores and a seasoned pitcher," said Landeck. "But we had trouble scoring runs.

"Now we have a nice core of position players with varsity experience returning."

The lone senior, first baseman Alexis Kral, says they are a young team but "the one year of experience should improve us to help us make it to the counties and the states."

"They look good. I am proud of them. We are here to work hard."

Sophomore Mia Assante is expected to provide some power while juniors Cally Young (left field), Jaime Giacomelli (catcher) and Caroline Mann (second base) will be the "table setters," according to Landeck.

"We have been getting timely hits in the scrimmages," said Kral.

That is something that has helped the team – the weather has cooperated and the team has been able to practice outside and play in scrimmages.

"We have been inside only one day," said Landeck. "This has allowed us to make progress earlier."

No matter what happens during the season the team chemistry should remain high.

"We are all friends and we are having fun," said Kral. "It is a better atmosphere. Winning will make it more fun."

Last year’s record: 12-13

Key Players: Seven returning varsity players – 1B Alexis Kral, senior; C Jaime Giacomelli, 2B Caroline Mann, OF Cally Young, juniors; 3B Mia Assante, P Jen Capazzi, SS Kirsten Savage, sophomores

Outlook: Nice core of experienced players back. Capazzi takes over for All-League pitcher Adriana Durso.