2010 Harrison Softball Season In Review

The Harrison Huskies didn't want to end their season watching someone else celebrate.

In fact, with a plethora of returning starters from the previous year, some had even expected the Huskies to challenge for a state championship this year. But it wasn't meant to be, as Harrison's season ended with a 1 - 0 loss to Hendrick Hudson in the Section 1 playoffs.

Harrison finished the regular season 19-1, winning games every way imaginable, including a tremendous extra-inning win against rival Pearl River. Before the season, every member of the team said they had the Pearl River game circled on the schedule. Both teams are always atop the section and in the past Pearl River has gotten the better of the Huskies in the rivalry.

Harrison won the game 4-1 in the 10th inning on the strength of a Samantha Lagana seeing-eye single and a brilliantly pitched game by Ashley Marino.

"The Pearl River game was definitely the high point of the season," GiGi LoDolce, Harrison's catcher said. "That game showed us everything that we were capable of as a team. We got great pitching from Ashley and we fielded the ball well behind her and, even though we didn't hit well early in the game, a lot of the girls had clutch at-bats late."

The first loss of the Harrison season came against Roy C. Ketchum High School. After starting 19 -0, the Huskies lost 1-0 and Ketchum's only run came on a ball misplayed in the outfield.

Harrison was good enough during the regular season to get the first overall seed in the playoffs, giving the Huskies home field advantage throughout the tournament. This set the team up for a quest toward the section championship.

Harrison defeated Nyack 11-1 in the first round, Marino pitched beautifully in the game and with the win she tied the school record for wins in a single season with 15.

Harrison got multiple hits from Marino, LoDolce and a pair of sophomores Allyson Brabant and Jenna Webb. Julia Brefere and Johnna Valentzas had multiple RBIs in the game.

Harrison's second round game pitted the Huskies against the Sailors from Hendrick Hudson High School. The team's met once during the regular season and Harrison won that game 1-0.

Harrison had a very shaky first inning and the only run of the game scored with two outs in the top of the first inning when Ashley Marino hit the Sailor batter.

"The low point of the year was the unexpected loss in the playoffs," said Ashley Marino. "We were all devastated and upset, I took it pretty hard because I am a senior and it was a sad way to end my high school career that way."

The Huskies had opportunities to score but the team was never able to capitalize with runners in scoring position. The game ended the Harrison careers of Ashley Marino, GiGi LoDolce, Johnna Valentzas, Julia Brefere and Breanne Arlotta

Breanne Arlotta pitched well for the Huskies in her senior season and broke the record for most career saves at Harrison High School.

"Bre is a fantastic pitcher," said Ashley Marino. "I have great confidence in her to win or save a game when she needs to."

Julia Brefere was used primarily as the team's designated hitter but at times during the season she stepped in and played well at third base.

"Julia did everything for us this year," said Jenna Webb, Harrison's centerfielder. "She had great at-bats all season long and when she stepped in and played in the field she always gave it her all."

Johnna Valentzas was Harrison's starting right fielder all season and provided the team with a high on-base percentage from the bottom of the order.

"Johnna is a natural talent both in the field and at the plate," said Ashley Marino. "When she puts her mind to it and she is focused she can accomplish anything in softball."

LoDolce was a leader on the team, she hit in the middle of the lineup for the majority of the season and on several occasions coach Dean Marino allowed LoDolce to call the entire game from behind the plate. 

"GiGi has caught me since we were eight years old and she knows me inside and out," Ashley Marino said. "She has played a major role in every pitching record this year, and she is a huge part in all of the team's accomplishments."

Harrison ended the season with four players named to the league's all-section team, LoDolce and Marino received the honor in their senior year and they were joined by a two sophomores, Allyson Brabant and Jenna Webb.

"Jenna Webb really stepped it up this year both on the field and off," Ashley Marino said. "Ally Brabant did an incredible job leading off and fielding, at second base she had some amazing catches and saved me a few times."

Alijah Webb and Jessica Magnotta were also named all-section honorable mention.

Ashley Marino had a record setting year inside the circle for Harrison. She broke the school's career records for wins and strikeouts, broke the season strikeout record set by Amanda Gambacorta in 2005 and tied the season wins record.

"Pitching is a huge commitment, and accomplishing a goal such as breaking the strikeout record, makes all the practice worth while," said Gambacorta. "Ashley has worked years becoming the pitcher she is and all that hard work paid off. I just want to say congratulations to her and good luck in the future."