North Softball Defeats Yorktown Huskers, 5-2

Clarkstown North softball had an important win against the Yorktown Huskers on Friday, bringing their season to 15-5.

This was a major win for the #8 ranked team against the #9 ranked Huskers.  Due to their close standings, both teams knew they had a tough game ahead of them.  Danielle DeStaso pitched another great game, allowing only two runs and hitting a deep triple to put them in the lead with an RBI in the bottom of the fifth.

In the end, it was the excellent hitting and pitching from the Rams that won the game for them.  Though the Huskers played a great and competitive game, the Rams connected when it mattered and protected their lead with excellent pitching.  Aiding DeStaso's pitching was the solid attention to fundamentals evident in the fielding displayed by the Rams, who let up only one error as opposed to the Huskers four.

The Rams pulled ahead early in the game with Vicky Atzel leading it off with an RBI double in the bottom of the first.  Lauren Navaro continued the effort in the bottom of the second with an RBI single to bring the score to 2-0.  The Huskers tied it up in the top of the third with an RBI double by Christina Leader and an RBI single by Erica Wenzel.

Great pitching and fielding on both sides quelled any more offensive action until the bottom of the fifth, when the Rams went on a run.  Erica Ronda hit a shot and hustled to beat the throw to first.  This brought up Danielle DeStaso, who hit her triple to bring home Ronda and put the Rams in the lead.  Ruby Silverstein hit a fly ball to center field, but the fielder missed the catch, which brought home DeStaso with Silverstein safe at first.  With the bases loaded and two outs, the Rams were able to bring home one more run off a single from Marlee Kiel to bring the score to 5-2.  Husker starting pitcher Carolyn Farmer was able to get out of trouble at that point by striking out Lauren Navaro.

DeStaso kept the Huskers from gaining on them in the top of the sixth, allowing only one single while getting one fly out at first and striking out two.  Husker pitcher Nicole Wilson replaced Farmer in the bottom of the inning.  She had a little trouble, but got out of a dangerous bases loaded situation with some excellent fielding from her teammates.  DeStaso closed out the game in excellent form, striking out three with only a single allowed off an error.

The Rams performance on Friday was an example of their great job overall this season.  They displayed excellent teamwork, focus, and determination which has allowed them to achieve their well-earned 15-5 record.

The Rams continue their post-season on Tuesday against R.C. Ketcham.