By ROBERT LINNEHAN
The 2010 Cherokee varsity softball went 15–7 last year with a 6–2 conference record, leading the squad to an Olympic Conference American Division Co-Championship. This year, the end goal is no different, said Head Coach Nicole Lum. With seven returning starters from the 2010 team, Lum said there is no reason the girls can’t make another deep run into the NJSIAA tournament for the 2011 season.
Describing her team as a “spoiler,” Lum said the varsity team’s senior leadership will make up for the five lost lettermen from last year.
“Our team’s strong point is our senior leadership. We have a great group of four seniors that really pull the team together,” she said. “We have great leaders who are very vocal on the field, which pulls the team together to play as a team and to work hard and play each and every pitch.”
It will take some time in the start of the 2011 season to find the best starting nine girls for the team, she said, but the team knows what they are capable of doing well this year.
The goal is to improve upon the team’s 15–7 record and to win the conference, Lum said. Last year the team only lost two conference games, against Lenape High School and Eastern Regional High School.
“This year is no different. We have a lot of legacy in this program, and we set high goals for ourselves to obtain. We feel that any team can win on any given day, and we play with that attitude as well,” Lum said. “If we have everything working for us, playing good ball, we should be able to challenge for states.”
Gina McCool, Gina Carassai, Carolyn Griffin, Krystine Rice, Gina Gryniuk, Bianca Iamurri and Jamie Nehila are the seven returning starters for the season. Lum said sophomore Ciara Catling will start at catcher this year and the coaching squad is looking forward to see such players as Katie Oligino, Shelby Rohrer, Samantha Clark, Georgie Streb, Lauren Tarabocchia, and Samantha Albertson contribute to the team.
“Our keys is this year is playing solid defense. We will be able to scrape out a run or two each game, which is usually all that is scored in a good varsity game,” she said. “But we need to keep the other team from scoring.”
The girls will open up their season on Friday, April 1 against Bishop Eustace Prep High School. The game is at home and will begin at 3:45 p.m.
