Battery sparks VSC's improvement

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After winning just two games in 2016, this spring proved to be a large step in the right direction for the Valley Stream Central softball team. The club not only put forth a winning record but also found a talented young battery to build around moving forward. 

Pitcher Alexa Woluewich and catcher Arianna Picillo, both freshmen, made strong impressions in their varsity debut seasons. The two players were a big part of the Lady Eagles five-win improvement this year, and have provided their coaches with high hopes for the team’s future.

“Alexa and Arianna are getting better and better every day,” VSC assistant coach Artie Riccio said. “They work hard, and I know next year they’ll be even better. They both hit over .500 this season.”

Riccio has been encouraged by the work ethic and passion for the game he’s seen from the duo. 

“They both came to me and we started working together last winter,” Riccio said. “I do clinics every Wednesday morning, and they kept coming. Alexa has a pitching coach now. Arianna behind the plate is improving, and has been stopping everything. It’s really excellent to see, and I’m very excited.”

After suffering through several key injuries last season, the Lady Eagles had to overcome another difficult loss this spring. Second baseman Eleni Eemas (who was batting .625) sustained a season-ending injury, leaving a gaping hole in Central’s lineup. 

Naomi Thomas was asked to take over for the talented Eemas at second base, and proved to be more than up for the task. She batted over .500 and gave her team a nice power boost at the plate. 

Thomas’ double play partner, Heidi Schmalfuss, also was a key player for the Lady Eagles this season. “She’s played shortstop like a champ,” Riccio said. “She’s also our leadoff batter, and was always putting the ball in play. She really did a great job.”

Riccio was also quite pleased with the production he got from the corners of his infield this spring. First baseman Isabella Gandasdqui was one of Central’s top hitters after missing last season due to injury, and third baseman Danielle Meyers emerged as a reliable bat and glove for the team.

The outfield also impressed, led by center fielder Ayana Bisnar and leftfielder Bryanna Fernandez’s standout play.

The Lady Eagles offense had plenty of big days at the plate, scoring 14 runs or more six different times. But, the game from this season that sticks with Riccio most, was a 7-4 victory over conference foe Freeport on March 30. 

“It was a close all the way, and in the bottom of the seventh Freeport had runners on first and second with their best hitter up,” Riccio said. “She hit a hard-hit ground ball between short and third, and our shortstop backhanded and threw a strike to first base to get her out and end the game. That one game just sticks with me.”