Mamaroneck Softball Pumped to Begin New Season

On the first day of varsity softball practice it became apparent to Mamaroneck coach Diane Campbell that something was different.

The fifth-year coach welcomed back a nucleus of 10 veterans players who were primed to begin.

"The attitude is different in that the girls are so psyched," said Campbell, whose team went 9-12 and lost a first-round sectional game to Clarkstown South last year. "The seniors are bringing everybody up."

The five returning seniors, who are all in key positions, are led by captains, Emily Silver and Julie Klaber. Silver will be starting for a third consecutive year at third base. Klaber will be an infielder.

Jillian Richards, a key part of Mamaroneck's 2009 sectional-winning and state finalist field hockey team, is alongside Silver, at shortstop, for a third straight year. Mara Lewis is a starting outfielder and Caitlin Plaut returns to the circle.

The junior class of Morgan MacDonald (catcher), Danielle De'Andrea (center field), Jessica Damiano (outfield) and Hayley Reid (first base) are all returning starters. Sophomore Dominique Serrano is back and will see action at second base, as well as provide Mamaroneck with pitching depth along with varsity newcomer and classmate Sammi Gitlin.

Gitlin is one of five players making the step up to varsity. Junior Carolyn Suna and sophomores Megan Gerspach, Rayna Wachs and Brittany Jackson round out this group. Suna and Gerspach are infielders, Jackson will play in the infield or outfield and Wachs will back up MacDonald and could see time in the outfield.

In MacDonald, De'Andrea, Richards and Serrano, Mamaroneck is solid up the middle defensively. Plaut is a veteran wind miller who will always keep the Tigers in games.

"The girls worked hard during the offseason, and are working hard in practice," Campbell said. "Whatever practice plans we put in for the day, we get them done.

"The older girls are good role models for the younger players and are always willing to help them out. My pitchers and catchers have been throwing since November. The girls are excited about playing, and I'm excited about the team."

Campbell will get a first look at her team next week in Orlando, Florida as the Tigers play at the Wide World of Sports. This will be Mamaroneck's third trip to Florida during Campbell's tenure.

"We try to go every other year and it is a great bonding trip," Campbell said. "It's really nice to see the girls outside of softball, also. When we don't have games, we go to the parks and have fun."

The Florida has been beneficial in 2006 and 2008 as Campbell said the early pre-season games have helped Mamaroneck play better from the beginning of the season on.

Mamaroneck will remain in the same league with White Plains, New Rochelle, Ursuline and Scarsdale, which means eight difficult league games.

Campbell and her team welcome the challenge and are optimistic about what the season will bring.

"I feel we will be extremely competitive in our league," Campbell said.