2011 Preview: Sachem North Softball

Losing Felicia Mannino and Lindsey Brown will leave two holes in Sachem North’s lineup, but a majority of the top players from Sachem North’s 2010 campaign are back.

“They left big shoes to fill,” said head coach Ken Sasso, who is in his second season with the Arrows.

Losing Mannino a second baseman, and Brown, a catcher, makes Sachem North a little weaker up the middle, but Sasso feels he found a replacement at second base in sophomore Kaitlyn Young, who has impressed the coaches thus far.

“Young and [Chelsea] Palma give us a strong middle infield,” Sasso said. “We just need some time to figure out some of the other positions.”

“Most of the positions are set, but it might take us a few games to perfect it,” said assistant coach Jackie Savarese, who is also in her second season.

North’s roster is made up mostly of juniors and seniors, but two sophomores’ have cracked the starting lineup.

The Arrows opened the season with a 14-0 win over Central Islip on Friday.

Last Year: 8-11 overall and 5-7 in League II

Head Coach: Ken Sasso, second season

Position Breakdown

-Pitchers: Jr. Jen Daniello: Has pitched on varsity since ninth grade. Sr. Mackenzie Margolis

-Catchers: Jr. Deanna Pomilla and Sr. Amber Thorbjornsen

-1^St Base: Sr. Krisitine Gay and Jr. Niki Nevola: Has played on varsity since ninth grade.

-2^nd Base: So. Kaitlyn Young: Has played on varsity since ninth grade.

-3^rd Base: Jr. Niki Nevola, Jr. Haele Dixon, Jr. Kerrin Manning

-Short Stop: So. Chelsea Palma: Has played varsity since Eight Grade

-Outfielders: Sr. Jess Sweeney, Jr. Rebecca Teta, Jr. Brianna Micheli, Jr. Angela Grippo

Key Losses

• Felicia Mannino, second base: Attending East Stroudsburg University
• Lindsey Brown, catcher: Attending SUNY Suffolk

Key Games

• March 31: Connetquot @ Sachem North
• April 4: Sachem North @ Bay Shore
• April 5: Whitman @ Sachem North
• May 9: Central Islip @ Sachem North
• May 17: Lindenhurst @ Sachem North