Softball Slides into Playoffs with Win Against John Jay
The varsity softball team celebrates after their 12-8 win against John Jay on May 11. Photo: Serenity Eaddy
By ANEESA IQBAL and SALOME CHACHKUNASHVILI
With a 12-3 regular season record, the varsity softball team was more than ready to enter the playoffs this year. The girls’ 12-8 win against John Jay on May 11 was particularly huge since the Jaguars had yet to take a loss.
“Beating Sunset Park 22-9 was a pretty strong way to start the season,” said freshman Serenity Eaddy, “but ending the season with a win against John Jay, an undefeated team prior to meeting us, personally made me the happiest.”
“We were down at first,” said team captain Sofia Pensante ‘22, “but at one point in the game the momentum just shifted, and we came back really well and ended up beating them.”
The girls carried that energy to a first round playoff smashing of Manhattan Center for Science and Math, 10-1, at Leif Ericson Park on May 23. But they couldn’t keep the momentum going against Susan Wagner, who knocked the Hornets out of the playoffs the next day.
Jaelyn Martinez ‘24, waiting to pitch. Photo: Serenity Eaddy
Still, this was the first time in years that the softball team has entered the playoffs, and Mr. Michael Giordano, the team's coach, couldn’t be more proud, he said.
He beamed about the overall team as well as several stand-out players, including pitcher Jaelyn Martinez ‘24. “I think she’s one of, if not the best pitcher in PSAL,” he said. “She has great movement on the ball and is also probably the hardest throwing pitcher I’ve seen.” Martinez finished the season with 121 strikeouts in only 56 innings.
Alexandra Olash ‘22 was also a team leader, with an outstanding slugging percentage of .682 and excellent behind-the-plate defense. “The best catcher in PSAL is most likely Alexandra Olash,” said Mr. Giordano. “She’s made so many stops on so many pitches, and she’s so quick out of her stance in getting the ball and throwing runners down.”
The season was full of memorable wins, such as the victory against New Utrecht on April 4 at New Utrecht Field. “That win was huge,” said sophomore Emily Impoco. “We came back and crushed them. We were down by a few runs, but then my teammate AJ (Jaqueline Aguirre ‘23) hit a home run and brought us back to life. We continued to field cleanly and hit well.”
In order to prepare for games like those, lots of practice is needed. “On days when we don’t have games, we usually practice at Marine Park, where we work on our fielding and batting so we get used to game scenarios,” said Pensante.
Mr. Giordano encourages the girls to become familiar with the field before all games. “The pregame ritual typically looks the same every game,” said Mr. Giordano. “It starts with a dynamic warm up, some throwing and catching drills, some ground ball drills. They get some batting warm up and hits in to get a feel for the field. They go around the bases. We try to keep it consistent, so it’s something they're familiar with – no surprises.”
Mr. Giordano has a consistently positive attitude during practice and games, players said, which pushes the girls to give it their all and more.
Emily Impoco ‘24 comes up to bat. Photo: Serenity Eaddy
“Coach Gio makes it clear that he trusts and believes in us,” said junior Zoe Santana ‘23. “Coach never fails to remind us all that mistakes are normal and to believe in ourselves whenever we start to have doubts. He puts in a lot of effort, so in return we try to give the same effort in our games.”
The close bond that the girls have with one another also plays a big role in the passion and drive the team members play with. “One of our strengths is always being there for one another,” said Eaddy. “Especially being a new player, feeling welcomed the way I did on this team took some weight off my shoulders, knowing that even if I slipped up, my teammates had my back.”
Having improved greatly on their last “normal season,” 2018-2019’s 4-8 campaign, the Hornets look set for a solid playoff run next year. Watch the diamond next spring!