Freeport finishes on high note

Despite being out of playoff contention in late April, the Freeport softball team battled hard until the last pitch in 2018.

The Red Devils (12-3) finished the season with six straight wins to close and first-year coach Rich Genzone hopes the positive momentum carried into next year with most starters returning. While Freeport was unable to claim the one available playoff spot in Conference AA-III, he was proud of how the team blossomed throughout the spring.

“Once we knew we didn’t have a shot at the playoffs the team really came together,” said Genzone, who took over the program after coaching Freeport’s JV team the previous two years. “They were motivated to finish up strong.”

Freeport’s postseason chances faded after a 10-1 loss at unbeaten Herricks on April 23 left it four games back in the league standings. The Red Devils would never lose the remainder of the season starting with a 15-2 blowout win at Hempstead on April 27 and capped by a come-from-behind 11-8 home victory against Roosevelt last Friday.

Senior third baseman Daelyn Ross ended her high school career on a positive note with 10 home runs. Freeport’s lone graduating senior provided leadership in the dugout and in her final game belted a game-winning three-run homer in the Roosevelt victory.

“She pushed herself and pushed the team to achieve a higher level,” Genzone said of Ross, who led Freeport to the playoffs and first conference title in 16 years last year. “It will be sad to see her go.”

The void left by Ross will be filled by a new group of leaders who made big strides in 2018 and were instrumental in the late winning push. Junior ace pitcher Naggalie Cruceta achieved seven wins on the mound and was also a force at the plate with seven home runs. Genzone is also excited about the development this year of Gianny Reynoso, Cheyenna Bardsley, Jen Ramos and Kisaire Cruceta.

“We saw the team really come together late in the season,” Genzone said. “They kept getting better.”

The Freeport offense was red hot for much of the spring scoring 20 more runs in six games. The last season momentum featured a 25-9 romp at Westbury on May 1 that featured three home runs by Ross and four RBIs from Naggalie Cruceta. The duo was also dominant in a 22-10 win at Uniondale last Thursday going as combined 10-for-10 at the plate.

Genzone also put a sharp focus off the diamond this season looking to steer the team on the right track academically. He was proud that some players who entered the season struggling in the classroom were achieving passing grades by the end of the campaign. The progress achieved both on and off the field combined with the close bond that grew throughout the spring should position Freeport for future success.

“This season was a memorable experience for these girls,” he said. “We built a solid foundation.”