Youthful South Side building success

Without the benefit of elevating players from the JV program, which hasn’t existed in South Side for five years, and with only two seniors on the varsity roster this spring, softball coach Nicole Tufano had no idea what would be in store for the Cyclones.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she said. “We were coming off a lost season because of Covid and have a bunch of sophomores as well as two freshmen pitchers. I’m happy to say I’ve been impressed. It’s a very coachable group and they love to compete.”

With the Nassau Class A playoffs about to begin, South Side was sitting in contention for the Conference 4 title with a record of 10-2 through a dozen games. Both of its defeats were by one run in walk-off fashion.

“I think all the teams took a little time to get all the rust off,” Tufano said. “We’ve worked on defense a lot and moved a few things around. We’re a young team but also a versatile team.”

One of the Cyclones mainstays is behind the plate with senior catcher Elinor Quigley, a returning starter who leads them in RBIs with 20. “She’s strong behind the plate and working great with our young pitchers, but we also rely on her a lot in the lineup,” Tufano said. “She always finds a way to get on base and drive in runs.”

Tufano credits Quigley with a portion of freshmen pitchers’ Emily Koluch (six wins) and Lily McGrath (four) smooth transition to the varsity field. ‘Emily and Lily both have bright futures,” Tufano said. “I had no idea they’d be on the team and they’ve handled varsity as if they’ve been with us for three years. They’ve never had a deer-in-the-headlights moment. They’re composed and work very hard.”

McGrath also sees some time at first base when sophomore Alice Araneo moves to the outfield. Araneo has started every game and has been delivering clutch offense resulting in 19 RBIs. The offense took a hit recently when junior standout Paige Shrimpton went down with a wrist injury. Tufano said Shrimpton is one of the best all-around players she’s coached. “Even when Paige has been out of the lineup, her presence in the dugout is unmatched,” the coach said. Senior Ava Onorato and freshman Bianca Onorato are handling third base, with sophomore Jacquelyn Bee at shortstop and junior Madeline Scalere at second base.

Sophomore Charlotte Schmidt anchors the outfield in center and has been heating up at the plate. Araneo, junior Mary Kelleher and sophomore Olivia Scalere also contribute in the outfield. Sophomore designated hitter Ashley Sewell has belted three home runs.

The Cyclones avenged a wild 16-15 loss May 5 to Baldwin with a 12-5 victory in the rematch two weeks later. Schmidt hit a grand slam to back McGrath, who struck out 12.