Local teams should
dominate Catholic League

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor
It looks to be a competitive season for the Catholic League softball teams. The four local squads — Archbishop Ryan, Nazareth Academy, St. Hubert and Little Flower — have talent and determination and are prepared for an intense season.
The various pitching staffs look strong. However, the teams also are equipped with power hitters, which should make for an interesting and unpredictable season.
Here is a glance at Northeast schools taking part in the Catholic League season.

ARCHBISHOP RYAN
With five seniors and six juniors in Ragdoll uniforms this season, Archbishop Ryan will have plenty of experienced athletes on the diamond.
The all-upperclassmen infield is composed of Jill Johnstone at first base, senior Sue Miller at second, shortstop Shannon Lafferty and third baseman Gina Donnelly.
"I think we have a good team this year," said coach Andy Hafele, who has been coaching the Ragdolls for 14 years. "Every team in the league is tough. If we can play good defense and keep up the good pitching, I think we’ll go far."
Senior Sara Michalowski will be pitching the majority of the games for the Ragdolls, with Miller as their number two on the mound.
Brittany Wojciehowski will start in leftfield, with Kasey Barnes in right. Marissa Perez, a sophomore, will round out the Ragdolls’ outfield in center.
"Right now we’re playing really good defense," said Hafele. "We have a great team, but our defense is definitely our greatest strength."

NAZARETH ACADEMY
The Pandas have come out strong this year, starting the season with three consecutive victories.
"We have a great team," said coach Bob Keating. "You can expect to see some great things from Nazareth this season."
Junior Emily Gryzwha will spend most of her time on the pitching mound, with senior Kate Staffieri behind the plate.
Senior Nicole Diano will play first base. Erica Cipolloni will be covering second base, while her sister Giania plays at shortstop. Amanda Fernandez will round out the Pandas’ infield at third, and also spend some time on the mound.
Rightfielder Brandi Diano and centerfielder Megan Dadogone will cover the outfield, with Gryzwha and Nicole Diano sharing leftfield duties.
"I think we will be very successful this season," said Keating. "We have a lot of talent this year."

ST. HUBERT
With seven seniors, six pitchers and plenty of determination, the St. Hubert High School softball team is looking like one of the stronger contenders in the Catholic League this season.
"Last year we made the playoffs, but I want to go further," said coach Dave Schafer. "The team is focused on winning. We’re going to take it one game at a time and do our best."
Seniors Julia Keenan and Mary Hoch will be sharing first base and pitching duties for the Bambies. Junior Heather Brabazon will also spend some time on the mound; senior Mariellen Medernach is the catcher.
Senior Kim McDonnell and Brabazon will share second-base duties, with junior Carly Sippel at shortstop. Third baseman Melissa Robinson, a freshman, will be the only underclassman in the Bambie infield.
"The seniors will help us a lot," said Schafer. "We also have two juniors who played a lot last year, and some good younger players as well. The mixture of experience and non-experience is good, and I think the team meshes well together."
Gina Sciarrone will be in leftfield, with Megan Layburn in center. Taylor Wallace and Tara Robinson will share rightfield duties.
"We have a strong team," said Schafer. "I believe if we stay focused, we’ll go far this season."

LITTLE FLOWER
After going 10-2 last season, the Sentinels have a lot to live up to this year. But with stars Maggie Reifsnyder on the mound and Gert Mascino behind the plate, the Little Flower High School softball team looks to be in good shape.
"They are two of the best players in the city," said coach Harvey Maddock, who has been heading the Sentinels for 13 years. "We have a lot of really talented players this year."
Jamie Shackels will cover first base duties, with Brittany Racek at shortstop. Senior Michelle Donnelly will alternate between second and third base.
Melissa Denson is in leftfield and Amber Kelley will play in right. Senior Karay Cooper will round out the Sentinel outfield in center.
"Cooper is one of the fastest kids I’ve ever seen," said Maddock. "She’s an excellent athlete. I think the entire team is playing solid defense."
Maddock has led the Sentinels to the playoffs the past eight years. They have made it to the final four for the past three years. Last season, they finished second in the Catholic League Southern Division.
And now, Maddock thinks the time has come to go even further.
"This is the strongest year," he said. "I think we’re more recognized. I think we have the talent. And I think we’re going to go far." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com