Sports
2011 Spring Preview: West Islip Softball
Balanced lineup has Lions entering 2011 as team to watch.
The Lions softball team will return a number of key players from their lineup last season, when they went 15-6.
They return All-Division pitcher Megan Henry, who's perfect game last year against Smithtown West was the first in West Islip history. Henry, who is a senior captain, headlines a group of six returning starters that will be counted on if the Lions are to contend for a division title in 2011.
Second baseman Annie Grabinsky returns for her junior year and will be looking to build on her two All-Division selections.
Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gabriella Cinquemani will endure a position change this season, moving from first to third base while batting fourth in the West Islip lineup as a sophomore. Marisa Motisi, another power-hitting sophomore, will handle left field and some pitching duties this season. Motisi was selected as the Division III rookie of the year last spring.
Record last year: 15-6
Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Head coach: Michelle Jantzen (sixth year)
Top players:
- Megan Henry, pitcher
- Gabriella Cinquemani, third base
- Annie Grabinsky, second base
- Stevianne Ognibene, center field
- Danielle Cama, first base
- Marisa Motisi, left field/pitcher
Key Losses: The Lions graduated All-Long Island shortstop Jennifer Ranieri. Ranieri now plays at SUNY Cortland.
Expectations: "As a coach I am very excited about this season," said Jantzen. "I have a group of girls that are not afraid to work hard and do what it takes to ready themselves for each game. This should be a very successful season and I can't wait to see where the girls' efforts take them."
Big games:
April 1 - home against East Islip
April 26 - home against West Babylon
May 6 - at Smithtown West
May 11 - at East Islip
