Seaford Softball Again Aims High

The more things change, the more they stay the same. At least for the softball team, that is.

According to head coach Rob Perpall, as preseason rolls along, the Lady Vikings are doing what they always do -- looking to add another chapter to their amazing run of softball dominance.

 “This squad has won seven conference titles in a row, two county titles, and a Long Island title,” said Perpall this week. “This year we’re much younger, and more inexperienced in certain positions than in previous years. But with some key veterans returning, we’ll be championship caliber by the time of the playoffs.”

The Lady Vikings are led by co-captains Victoria Wink and Nicole Nulty. Nulty will be patrolling the grass in centerfield.

“Nicole’s very fast, and a good competitor,” said Perpall. "At the plate, she makes contact, shows a good bunt, and overall, is an excellent leader for the squad."

Wink, a shortstop, sports a .400 batting average and is a standout in the field. “Victoria’s probably the best shortstop in Nassau County,” said Perpall. “She’s got a cannon for an arm and terrific range. She’s been first team all county the past two years, and she knows what to do. She can bat anywhere in the lineup, and play anywhere.”

Courtney Carbone, an athletic tenth grader, has got a lock on right field, though she can play most positions. According to her coach, she’s got plenty of pop in her bat, hit’s a lot for doubles. Caitlin Hewitt, another 10th grader, is at first base. “She is a terrific athlete, very good defensively, and is getting used to faster pitching this year,” said Perpall.

Sophomore Caitlin Hewitt will patrol first base. “She is a terrific athlete, very good defensively, and is getting used to faster pitching this year,” said Perpall.

Then there’s Lindsay Montemarano, ‘probably the most dangerous hitter in the county,’ according to her coach. Montemarano led the county in home runs in eighth grade. An all county third baseman last year, she’s likely to be pitching for the Lady Vikings come playoff time, after recovering from an injury in track and field.

In the meantime, taking the ball at the mound will be the job of juniors Hannah Spinola and Lauren Pfaff, who Perpall said is “a big leftie with a natural curve.’ Against Jericho last Friday in non-league action, Spinola pitched a shut out en route to a 13-0 win.

Behind the plate for the Lady Vikings is Alex Palazzolo, who is stepping up to the task after serving as backup catcher last year. “Alex paid her dues by watching a great role model last year,” noted Perpall. “She’s worked hard during the offseason, and is going to be a very good defensive catcher. Her bat’s starting to come around, too.”

Other players expected to contribute according to Perpall are Sera Kolat, Kim Smith, Christine Perrone, Aly Vernet, Val Insardi, Toni Ann Medaglia and  Brianna Marzo .

“I prefer to talk about them as a team,” said Perpall this week as the Lady Vikings geared up for a series of non-league games prior to their league opener at Sewanhaka on March 29 starting at 4:45 p.m.. “These kids have put together an elite program -- not me. They’re a pleasure to watch.”