Season Wrap-Up: Mountaineers Took Another Step Forward in 2011

When West Orange High School softball coach Jamie Galioto reflects on the 2011 season, he remembers a group of talented players mentored by strong leaders.

The Mountaineers had outstanding players and senior anchors in right fielder Nora Crann, shortstop Kim Reitmeyer and pitcher Jill Dolinko.

"They were phenomenal," said Galioto.

Reitmeyer finished her four-year career atop virtually all of the Mountaineer offensive categories. Crann was also a four-year starter who had a great glove, arm and hit well in the clutch. Dolinko, the No. 2 pitcher behind sophomore Greer Manton, threw two no hitters and beat Fair Lawn 4-1 in a North Jersey, Section 1 Group IV first-round playoff game.

"Nora anchored down our outfield for four years, she protected Kim (in the lineup) and was a vocal leader," Galioto said. "Kim was more of a silent leader. Jill was cold as ice and blocked everything out when she was on the field, but such a great kid and leader to have around. I'm really going to miss her. This group was a very tight knit group, they all got a long. We had great leaders who took care of any problems."

The club finished 17-8, setting a record for fewest losses in one season.

Reitmeyer, who'll attend The County College of Morris in Randolph, hit .450 with a team-leading 36 hits, 33 RBI, 25 runs scored, 11 doubles and five homers.

Crann, who'll attend Southern Connecticut University in New Haven, had a .900 fielding percentage with 25 putouts, two assists in 165 innings. She batted .351 with 14 RBI, a double and a triple.

Dolinko, set to attend Ithaca College in New York, was 6-0 with a 1.32 earned run average, striking out 36 in 42 1/3 innings. Dolinko, who pitched two no hitters, had a .955 fielding percentage.

Junior first baseman Molly Rich drove in 18 runs. Manton was 10-8 with a 2.64 earned run average, striking out 92 in 108 2/3 innings.

"Early on, Greer suffered from soreness to her forearm; she had a phenomenal freshman year," Galioto said. "She has so much potential there to not only be the top pitcher in the conference, but the county and possibly the state. She threw well and will only get better."

Galioto had special praise for junior left fielder Ariel Stanziale, who hit .368 with four doubles, five sacrifice flies and 13 RBI. Sophomore second baseman Gabby Badurek was one of three players — Reitmeyer and junior third baseman Lindsay Flores were the others — to hit .400. She hit .410.

"Stanziale had a big breakout season and I thought Badurek had a monster year," said Galioto, who called the team's victory over North Bergen a highlight.

Junior Alissa Catanzarite, who batted .348 with four doubles, was the team's designated hitter. She usually batted for freshman catcher Kaitlin Machuca, who took over for the graduated Emily Rich, Molly's sister.

Freshman Jahnaya Howard became the regular center fielder when junior Allison Mejia decided not to play softball and focus on soccer. Junior Meaghan McCormick played in 21 games and subbed for Rich at first.

When Flores broke her ankle in the 16th game of the season against Columbia in Maplewood, sophomore Kerry Bolen was one of those who filled in. Reitmeyer, Howard and Rich also played third. Bolen had a home run in 14 at bats. Flores led the team with a .473 batting average and was dearly missed.

"The whole team realized how important Lindsay was," said Galioto.

Flores, who is also a volleyball player, is expected to be back at 100 percent in the spring of 2012. By then, the team is hopeful they'll take a Super Essex Conference Liberty Division title.

"I think we're right there," Galioto said.