Freeport softball eyes growth

The Freeport softball team is seeking growth this spring while tackling some of the toughest programs in Nassau County.

The Red Devils entered the week winless, but with a large chunk of the schedule remaining to get into the win column. The Red Devils are coming off a 1-13 2022 season that saw steppe-up competition in Conference V after moving up a league following a strong 2021 campaign that featured a postseason appearance. 

“One of the big goals is wanting to be competitive and being in the games and we're definitely having some struggles with that, but I think that the struggles actually lead to us getting closer,” said sixth-year coach Rich Genzone. “Our goal is always to improve no matter what the end result is.”

Freeport is led by seniors Christina Wapple (first base) and Sarah Quintanilla (third base), who have been on varsity since 10th grade. Seniors Makayla Matthews (outfield), Genesis Arieta (outfield) and Nia Hall (outfield) are also important veteran leaders.

“They lead by example and the younger girls follow,” Genzone said of his seniors. 

The pitching staff features two underclassmen in sophomore Isabella Ramirez and freshman Gabriella Nurse. Both are adjusting to their first year of varsity softball with Ramirez the ace of the staff while Nurse can also take the mound in addition to her starting shortstop duty. 

“We want to pitch her more but she does such a good job solidifying the infield for us at shortstop,” said Genzone of Nurse. “She also plays the outfield so she is a very versatile player.” 

Junior Roselyn Cabrera also brings versatility to the lineup with an inability to play third base, outfield and catcher. Another junior, Jaelyn Rosales leads the pitching staff as the primary starting catcher. 

After an April 12 game against North Shore, Freeport next takes the field Friday at Carle Place for a 10 a.m. first pitch before heading to Locust Valley Monday at 4:30 p.m. Freeport will then host Garden City Friday at 5 p.m. and travel to New Hyde Park on April 25 for a 4:30 tilt. The Red Devils will host three straight home games on April 27 at 5 p.m. versus Hicksville, April 29 against Wheatley at 10 a.m. and May 2 against Sewanhaka at 4:45 p.m. 

“We're definitely facing some really good competition and we have not had the success quite yet in the win column, which is something we are pushing for,” said Genzone, who guided Freeport to playoff appearances in 2019 and 2021 “We're going to remain positive and every day is another chance whether it's practice or in a game and we're making a strong attempt as often as possible to improve. So even if we're not always getting the full outcome that we want, we're always looking for the bright spots and we're always looking to improve on the things that need to improve.”