Local squads ready
for a competitive softball season

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The time has come for the ladies of Northeast Philadelphia to take to the diamond once again. And they’re doing it with style.
There are many new faces on the field this season — both coaches and players. And while some squads are confident with experienced players returning, others are struggling with a new roster.
Will Nazareth be able to defend its Catholic Academy League championship title? Will St. Hubert make it all the way to the title game again this year?
Here is a look at the five local teams: Raiders, Cardinals, Sentinels, Bambies and Pandas.

CATHOLIC LEAGUE

ARCHBISHOP RYAN

The Archbishop Ryan High School softball squad is fully equipped this year with plenty of experience, talent and determination.
But one thing is missing.
Longtime coach Andy Hafele.
Over 15 years, Hafele has led the Ragdolls to 14 Catholic League playoff appearances and a title triumph in 1995. But having been diagnosed with lymphoma last year, the Ragdolls’ boss has taken a temporary leave to undergo treatment.
In the meantime, assistant coaches John Kidwell and Maria Miller will fill in as the Ragdoll leaders this season.
"Things are coming along well," said Kidwell. "The girls are dealing with it. We’re playing as if he were still here watching every game."
Senior Jill Johnstone will cover first-base duties, with junior Kaitlin McKeon playing second and Gina Donnelly at third. Kelli Jerdan will round out the Ragdolls’ infield at shortstop.
Senior Kasey Barnes will play rightfield, with Marissa Perez in center and seniors Amanda Fulton and Samantha Boyle sharing playing time in left.
Outfielder Amanda Shaw and infielder Anna Saklad will also see some playing time this season, with freshman pitcher Sarah Chilluti contributing on the mound and senior Danielle Sweeney behind home plate.
"We have a lot of girls back from last year," said Kidwell. "I think we’re really strong defensively, and we’re working hard to make a run at the playoffs."

CARDINAL DOUGHERTY

The Cardinals are aiming high this season. With a handful of returning players and plenty of determination, the Cardinal Dougherty softball squad is expecting a great year on the diamond.
"The other teams should be aware," said coach Michelle Matara, an assistant last year who took over as head coach this season. "This team can hold their own."
The Cardinals’ outfield will consist of seniors Lennette Cabrera and Sarah Coughlin, along with Cristyn Robinson, Alyssa Ramos and Mo Hawkins — who will also see some playing time on the mound.
Andrea Dutch will also contribute some pitching for Cardinal Dougherty, along with Rachael Meyers, who also plays infield.
Senior Brittany Casler will lead the infield beside Heather Cosgrove, Sam Kidd, Colleen Smith and Brenna Coll.
Carolyn Hopkins and Kate McMahon will share time guarding home plate.
"We’re looking all right," said Matara. "Our defense is strong. We play hard, and our team has a lot of chemistry."

LITTLE FLOWER

The Little Flower Sentinels are planning to do a lot of rebuilding this year.
"We’re still deciding the final lineup, so nothing is in stone yet," said coach Harvey Maddock. "But the girls are looking all right so far."
Junior pitcher Jamie Shackles will pair up with catcher Guilia Sambuca. The Sentinels’ infield will include senior Jessica Lopez at first, Amber Kelly at second and junior Melissa Benson at third, wile Maggie Sipps rounds out the infield at shortstop.
Senior Alyssa Benson (Melissa’s cousin) will play left field alongside Nicole Foley in center. Junior Colleen Newton and Alex Stermel will share rightfield responsibilities.
Sophomores Megan Karpovich, Tori Reuscher and Merisa Rudy will also see some playing time with the Sentinels this season.
"We’re hitting the ball well and the girls seem to be playing well together," said Maddock.

ST. HUBERT

Last season, the Bambies’ softball squad made its first Catholic League title appearance in 13 years, but they weren’t crowned champions.
The team hopes things will be different this season.
Pitcher and first baseman Heather Brabazon and shortstop Carly Sippel — both All-Catholic selections last year — will lead this season’s squad as co-captains.
Sophomore pitcher and third baseman Melissa Robinson — also a returning All-Catholic player — will contribute to the Bambies’ infield, alongside freshman second baseman Brittany Meehan. Sophomore Sam Coyle will share first-base duties with Brabazon.
Senior Leigh Costanzo can be found in centerfield, with Gina Sciarrone in left and Tara Robinson in right.
Robinson will also see some pitching time on the mound, with senior Brianna Stefanko catching.
"We’re looking very good so far," said coach Dave Schafer. "We have a lot of experience from last year. Our goal is to get back to the championship this year. I think now we’re a quicker team and more solid with one-through-nine hitting. We’re a deep team with a lot of speed."

CATHOLIC ACADEMIES LEAGUE

NAZARETH ACADEMY

After winning the Catholic Academy League championship last season, the Nazareth Academy Pandas are more than prepared to defend their title.
Leading the Pandas will be senior shortstop Giannina Cipolloni — a four-year varsity starter who stole 62 bases last season without being thrown out. She will be joined in the middle infield by her sister Erica, who was named an All-Academy player last season and also led the league with 14 home runs.
"They are both exceptional ballplayers," said coach Bob Keating, who has led the Pandas for 12 years. "We’re expecting to see a lot of good things from them this year."
Third baseman Amanda Fernandez and first baseman Meghan Cadagone — both juniors — will round out the Pandas’ infield.
Senior Emily Gryzwna and sophomore Alex Sawicki will share leftfield responsibilities, with Brandi Dianno in center. A rightfielder has not yet been determined.
Fernandez and Gryzwna will share time on the mound. Senior Lauren Schellinger will be the Pandas’ catcher, with some backup from freshman Allison Silvester.
Juniors Megan Fields and Jenna Bozzi will also see some playing time this season as designated hitters.
"This league is very competitive, but we’re ready to defend the Academy League title," said Keating. "We have a lot of strength in our leadership, and a lot of confidence." ••