Dayton Softball Goes Out With a Bang

The Dayton softball team used guile and the hot bats of their veterans in a 10-6 win over Oak Knoll on "Senior Day."

The Bulldogs [9-10] pulled within a game of .500, something that wasn't thought to be attainable following last season's two-win campaign, and look to close out their season—and the careers of their three seniors—in style.

As recently as last season, Dayton was seen as an unlikely team for a post-season run, let alone winning multiple games. But first-year head coach Wendy Saladino got them organized and by mid-season most Bulldogs honestly believed they were building something special.

"I really thought that [they'd have a good season]," said senior third baseman Allie Policastro. "Last year we had a negative attitude but when you have someone so positive you want to follow in their footsteps. She's very positive and dedicated to the team."

Policastro then turned nostalgic.

"It's unbelievable. I remember being a freshman and it's just amazing how fast time goes," she said. "I'm sad that I'm a senior because I would love more years with her. I envy the freshmen."

Fellow senior Melissa Mansur agreed and was happy to profess her admiration.

"I love our coach," said the ever-bubbly Mansur. "I admire her so much. "It's amazing and I'm just so happy."

Policastro was also happy to have senior captain Casey Friedman on her side.

"Casey is very inspirational for our team and is a natural-born leader," she said. "I admire her and look up to her. She has such control of the team. She's so good."

Friedman was one of the main catalysts in an eight-run fifth inning, as she knocked in two RBI. Friedman, who went 2-for-4, and also scored a run, showed why she's considered the unquestioned leader of the Bulldogs, as she could be seen leading Dayton in a fiery huddle prior to their at-bat.

Dayton was trailing 2-0 and Friedman saw fit to rally her team.

"Every time we ask for something we usually get it," she said. "I asked for two runs. I asked for energy. And they gave it to me."

Dayton got more than two runs that inning and never looked back. Offensively they were led by Breanne Mooney. The freshman hurler had a decent day on the mound but it was at the plate where she really hurt the Royals. Mooney aided her own cause by going 2-for-4, with four RBI, three stolen bases, and a run. She was also joined by Krista Delia [2-for-3, triple, RBI, two runs] and Kendall Bohannon [2-for-4, two RBI, two runs].

Friedman, like many of her teammates, said a lot of credit goes to Saladino. She said she knew almost immediately that Dayton was going to have a special season during the team's initial meeting with the new coach.

"I definitely felt it when we first met coach," said Friedman when asked if she honestly thought they'd have the season they're having. "She had a different attitude than the last coach and we were a young team but I knew we could do it."

So confident is Friedman in her coach and team that she guaranteed a win tomorrow against Kent Place.    

"It's big because in past years we haven't been able to come close to .500," she said. "And now my senior year, we made states, and we're going to be .500. I'm positive about it."

Policastro naturally backed Friedman.

"We're going to win. I guarantee it," she boasted.

Saladino loved the bravado and agreed.

"That's good. There's always pressure on me, so it's about time they take some of the pressure," she quipped. "I know we're going to win. I'm very confident."

If there's one regret, however, Saladino said she wishes she could turn back the clock.

"I wish I could start over again because everything is starting to come together," she said. "I expect them executing at this point. Not everything went our way this season but that's from inexperience. Next year, those same mistakes won't happen."

Saladino was very appreciative and humbled when told how fond the team is of her.

"It feels great. I just do my job. The fact that I love the game and this level makes it easy," said Saladino. "This is a great group of girls. They make it worthwhile. They're sponges and they're positive."      

She then reflected on her maiden meeting and said she had a feeling they'd sneak up on some teams.  

"I remember the first meeting when I told them, 'If you execute and do what I tell you, I can make runs happen,'" she recalled. "At the high school level, a lot of times you just have to put the ball in play and players will make mistakes."

Dayton did just that, yesterday, and now look to close out the season at a very positive note.