10U Huskers Travel Softball Team Wins Championship

The 10U Huskers Travel Softball Team participated in the Rebels Rumble from July 30 to 31 in Saugherties, NY.

Having gone undefeated in the three games, the Huskers took the first seed for the elimination round last Sunday. They defeated East Fishkill to move on the the championship where they defeated the home team the Mid-Hudson Rebels.

The team, coached by Louis Salveggi, consists of 13 girls, ages 9 to 11. The travel season started in June and ended this Friday, with the team being currently ranked in 2nd place with 11 wins and 2 losses. 

"The challenges started in the off season wondering who was going to make this team and how we could make them better from last season," head coach Salveggi said. 

Once the team was picked, everyone got right to work and set goals for the preseason practices.

"The biggest challenge was making them all believe they could be a great team and each week they proved that to Rich [Gray] and I," Salveggi said. 

The coach said the highlights of the season were "endless" but winning the tournament in Saugerties was memorable. The team had entered the same tournament last year, but did not do so well, and the coach said the girls realized they had to take it to the next level. Going into this year's tournament, the team had an opportunity to prove what they were capable of doing. 

"The girls really stepped it up to win a first place trophy," he said. "It was amazing to see that every Husker on the team contributed in our victorious weekend."

Brianna Buck pitched the first game, holding the other team to only three runs. Elizabeth Lucey battled the second team and Erica Salveggi completed the sweep with a no-hitter. 

The defense was near perfect with solid infield performances from Amanda Rolle, Isabella Cicinelli, Juliana Piehler and Christina Ruvo. The outfielders made all the plays Liz Sirett, Isabella Vano, Alyssa Albano and Samantha Baccari. 

"My two catchers, Erin Gray and Grace Meara were so efficient back there not allowing any balls to get by them," Salveggi said. "The offense was there for us everytime we needed to score runs whether it was laying down a bunt or getting hard hits to the outfield knocking in the runners in scoring position."

It has been a collaborative effort this season as team parents, the coach said have been supportive of the team on and off the field. 

"My coach staff and I really appreciate all that they have done for us," he said. 

The girls on the team are all from Yorktown Heights and play for the Yorktown Athletic Club. This is Salveggi's second full season as the 10u travel coach. Rich Gray, Tommy Vano and Rich Baccari are the assistant coaches.

The team consists of Erica Salveggi, Amanda Rolle, Brianna Buck, Elizabeth Lucey, Erin Gray, Samantha Baccari, Grace Meara, Liz Sirett, Juliana Piehler, Isabella Cicinelli, Christina Ruvo, Isabella Vano and Alyssa Albano.

"Keep moving forward and accomplishing small goals that build towards bigger goals," is what Salveggi said of the team's goals for next season.