Long Beach Softball Off to Steady Start

With a lineup that includes a bevy of underclassmen, it would be understandable for Long Beach to look at the 2011 softball season as a rebuilding year. But when you’ve won seven Nassau County titles, more than any other school in the large-school classification, you don’t rebuild, you reload.

The Lady Marines lost a pair of All-State performers, Sydney Folk (Ithaca College) and Haley Birnbaum (Marist College) from a team that finished 14-5 in 2010, but a young, talented roster is off to a solid start this spring. After an 8-1 win over Carey, Long Beach stands at a very respectable 4-4 on the season.

“I’m very happy with the way we’re playing,” said head coach Carmine Verde. “There’s a learning curve. There’s a big adjustment to playing at this level. We’re looking to get better each week.”

The Lady Marines have a good one in the circle. Sophomore Ashley Martin, who was 3-2 as a freshman in a part time role, is a rising star. Martin throws five pitches and has a fastball that she can blow by people. Martin gave up just two hits and struck out 12 in the victory over Carey. She has also done a nice job from the fifth spot in the order for Long Beach.

Junior Annie Winerip takes over for Folk behind the plate. Winerip, a first-year catcher, has thrown out five would-be base stealers over the team’s first eight games. She does a terrific job blocking the ball, and has taken on a leadership role. At the plate, Winerip is tough to strike out.

Offensively, Long Beach has a balanced attack. Setting the table are eighth-grader Kelsey Larson and freshman Heather Weinstein. Larson, who is the everyday centerfielder, will also see time in the circle. Weinstein is a terrific bunter and solid base runner. Both Larson and Weinstein, who will play left field, are doing an excellent job in the field.

Senior second baseman Mallorie Larson bats in the two-hole for the Lady Marines. Verde looks for Larson to put the ball in play with slaps and bunts, and to serve as a catalyst for the big bats in the middle of the order.

Junior shortstop Kelsey McLaughlin, an All-County honoree in 2010, is the main cog in the Long Beach lineup.

McLaughlin, who left the yard for a second inning grand slam in the Carey game, hit .339 as a sophomore. Sophomore Kristy Fox has been swinging the bat well from the clean-up slot.

Senior first baseman Krystal Carrasquillo has a terrific glove and a decent bat. Across the diamond, freshman third baseman Brianna Rivera has done a terrific manning the hot corner. Verde believes Rivera has the potential to be a very dangerous hitter. Rivera showed that potential with a two-run single in a 4-2 victory over MacArthur. Junior Caitlin O’Connell and sophomore Tara Shouldis are both seeing time in the outfield for Long Beach.

Verde hopes his team will peak at the right time. “I’m playing for today, but I’m also looking ahead the playoffs,” Verde said. “It’s important to have your best team on the field when the post season comes around. You just never know when a team is going to get hot." 

Long Beach hopes to continue its winning ways when it takes on Mepham on Friday, April 15 at 4:15 pm at Long Beach High School. Mepham won 6-1 when the teams met in late March.