Spring Sports Preview: John Jay Softball

John Jay might not have a strong roster in terms of numbers, but ninth-year coach Joe Mammoser is not concerned.

"It's not always about quantity. It's quality," Mammoser said.

The Indians enter the 2010 season with only 11 varsity players, but Mammoser likes the athleticism and versatility of his team. John Jay is looking to prove that the 2009 season was an aberration as the Indians had a sub-.500 record and failed to qualify to sectionals--both firsts during Mammoser's tenure.

"It wasn't from a lack of trying or wanting," Mammoser said.

Prior to the first day of practice, Mammoser met with his prospective team to discuss last season and the 2010 season.

"I know the girls were not happy with the results last year," Mammoser said. "They are looking to get much better."

The team showed it has filed last season away already.

"There is a different vibe to this team," Mammoser said. "I like the leadership I see; the girls work hard and lead by example. This team is more together."

First baseman Natalie Antenucci and pitcher Chelsea Merritt are the only seniors in the team. Antenucci is John Jay's leader. The senior was also instrumental in guiding the the school's field hockey team to a successful 2009 fall season.

Junior Paige Garafalo returns for her third varsity season and second year starting as does Laura Eidam. Garafalo is the shortstop and Eidam is an outfielder, after starting at catcher and third base her freshman and sophomore years, respectively.

Sophomores Victoria Gullen and Ashleigh Rutherford, who both started as freshmen, are in the first nine once again. Gullen is behind the plate and Rutherford will be an infielder.

Mammoser is excited about his six newcomers from the Junior Varsity, which is coached by his wife, Kim.

"This is one of the more athletic groups I've had coming up," Mammoser said. "They can do a lot of different things."

The six girls are juniors Elise Symer, Jesse Masello and Rachel Cantanese, and sophomores Sara Masterson, Maddy Silverstein and Ali Matschke. Symer, Silverstein, Masello and Matschke are outfielders. Matschke, a lefthander, will be Mammoser's No. 2 pitcher.

Symer reminds Mammoser of former all-section outfielder Caroline Dewar, an excellent lead-off hitter and defensive outfielder.

"Elise is one of the fastest girls on the team and has as much potential as Caroline Dewar," Mammoser said. "Sara is one of the top athletes on the team, is fast and understands the game.

"Maddy has a great set up on fly balls and has a great arm. Ali was the starting pitcher for Kim and she is fast. Rachel was the starting catcher on JV and she did a good job, and Jesse is very versatile."

Mammoser likes what he has seen from the entire team as they strive to restore John Jay to the Section 1 elite.

"The have shown a tremendous willingness to be coached," he said. "They listen and they absorb. We tell them to do something or show them and they are quick to pick it up and apply it to the game. The girls want to learn everything about the game."