The regular season could not have gone better for Schreiber High School’s girl’s varsity softball team last season. They finished with a perfect record of 14-0 in conference play.
Unfortunately, because of the strength of schedule, they were the No. 12 entering the playoffs and played against a very talented No. 5 ranked Carey. They were defeated by the score of 5-0 with their ace, Alex Caprariello, suffering only her second loss of the season.
The squad will be led by Caprariello, who is entering her fifth year at the varsity level. She has been named to the All-County team the past two seasons.
“She is our number one pitcher and number one hitter,” said Head Coach Eric Sutz. “She is a leader on and off the field and also our most clutch hitter,” he added. Last season she threw three shutouts including two one-hitters. The senior will pose a threat for opposing teams while she’s on the mound and at the plate.
Another key for the team will be the performance of senior shortstop Carrie Rubecky. “She’s really developed offensively and has become a threat at the top of the order,” said Sutz.
Despite the fact that a softball pitching staff does not need the same type of depth that a baseball team requires, the team is equipped to handle the late innings if need be.
Siria Castillo is the number two pitcher. She performed well last season when given the opportunity as a freshman, including winning the final game of the regular season over Valley Stream Central 13-6. The sophomore will see time in the outfield when she is not on the mound.
The number three pitcher will be freshman Emma Lupoli. She was the starting outfielder last season as an eighth grader, and Sutz believes she can contribute on the mound, calling her “very talented.”
The team will be faced with the challenge of not only replacing four of its seniors from last season but also moving up to a more dangerous conference. The new conference will feature Farmingdale, Herricks, Plainview and Valley Stream Central. The reigning champs, Farmingdale, will pose a threat to Port Washington but Sutz believes his team is ready to handle the challenge.
“Last season was a big step forward for the team,” he said. “The program is heading in the right direction. We had three eighth graders starting last year and they have gained experience now,” he concluded.
The team will open up its season in late March, keep an eye on Port Washington this season as they attempt to take down the reigning champs from Farmingdale.
