Softball Senior Spotlight: Class B Central

The Shore Conference Softball Coaches Association and the Shore Sports Network will recognize senior softball players who have yet to take the field in 2020 because of the lockdown forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each coach who chose to participate listed their respective seniors with comments on each. These senior recognitions will be released by division.

Class A North

Class A Central

Class A South

Class B North

Class B South - coming 4/27

Introduction by Ryan Pringle – Ocean Township Head Coach

We are in the midst of the nicest spring that I can remember. And trust me when I tell you, spring coaches are experts on weather history. But rather than watching our athletes learn, grow, and compete on the field, we are all stuck in quarantine, trying to flatten the curve. It is certainly necessary and important, and by staying home we are doing our part in slowing the spread of this virus. But I cannot help but think about what is being taken away from so many of our kids across the country.

Participating in team sports is one of the most magical and special things our students get to experience during their short window of time in high school. The memories and relationships that are built through sports can last a lifetime, and the lessons learned on the field can often translate to future success off the field. While our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will have an opportunity to compete again next season, our seniors are in danger of never competing in their school colors again, and to me, that is a heartbreaking thought.

There are a lot of great things that come with being a high school coach, but one of my favorites is watching seniors lay it all on the line during their final season. I have been very lucky to coach some incredible kids during my tenure, and this year, I was looking forward to watching a few more seniors lace them up one last time. With these senior athletes in mind, I reached out to our Shore Conference Softball Coaches’ Association, and below is a list of some of our seniors that we are thinking about during this suspension of play. Here is what our coaches have to say about their seniors:

CLASS B CENTRAL

Keansburg - Head coach: George Hoff – 14^th Season

• Christina Dano, 1B/Pitcher - Hard-working; first year on the varsity level and looking forward to competing this year.
• Natavia Elder, OF - Good speed, first year on the varsity level. Should contribute both in the field and on the bases.
• Emily Frizell, 2B - Hard-working, first year on the varsity level and looking forward to competing this year.

• Devarie Holmes, OF - Two-year varsity level player. Has the experience and looking to contribute as a starter in the outfield.

• Hailley Liseno, 3B - One-year varsity level player. Has the experience and looking to contribute as a starting third baseman.
• Aniya Walker, INF - Hard-working, first year on the varsity level and looking forward to competing this year.

Keyport - Head coach: Henry Arlequin – 3^rd Season

• Emily Savicky, Pitcher, 4-year starter
• Chelsey Geyer, Catcher, 4-year starter

Point Pleasant Beach - Head coach: Silvio DeCristofano – 11^th season

• Shayne Gates, SS - A captain and four-year varsity starter, Shayne is coming off her best season as our shortstop and leadoff hitter. She trained hard in the offseason and was looking forward to this year. She hasn't decided which college she will be attending next year but will soon.

• Kate Weber, CF - A captain and a four-year varsity player, Kate was looking to improve on her strong junior season. She will be attending Ramapo College's nursing program in the fall.

• Niki Koutzoulis, RF - Niki is a four-year varsity player who is coming off her best offensive year as a power hitter in the middle of the lineup and defensive season in right field. Niki will be attending Rutgers in the fall.
• Chloe Brenna, INF - Chloe has been with the program for three years. Her first year on varsity, Chloe is a spirited player who is a great bunter and baserunner. Chloe will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in the fall.

Ranney - Head coach Len Maltese – 9^th Season

• Madison Lubin-Captain-Catcher
• Lily Calve-Captain-1B
• Lucy Martin-OF/Util
• Katie Peardon- P/Util

Trinity Hall - Head coach: Bob O’Brien – 3^rd Season

• Jane Banahan, SS - A 4-year starter, as a junior hit .369, led the team in runs scored with 42 and drove in 22 runs out of the three-hole in the lineup. Also played a strong shortstop and was in control of the infield.
• Bailey Powers, P - Was the ace of the staff last year going 12-10 as she pitched for the first time at Trinity Hall. Threw 132.0 innings and hit .300 while driving in 15 runs. A 4-year starter
• Carolyn Litwin - Another 4-year starter, Carolyn moved from third base to second base last year and gave us a very good year with the glove. She also gave us some very timely hitting scoring 12 runs over the course of the season and provides good leadership on and off the field.

I believe I speak for all spring coaches of all spring sports when I say that I hope we get back on the field soon. I love coaching and I love all the things that come with it. The players, the coaches, the umpires and the competitive spirit of the game all combine to create a truly special experience. I miss seeing my players and the opposing coaches and umpires that have become my spring family. Earlier this year, we lost one of the great umpires in our sport, Jimmy Griffin. He was one of the best guys I have met since I started coaching softball and I would be remiss if I did not mention him here. We all miss you, Jimmy. The game will not be the same without you. Rest in peace my friend - Ryan Pringle, Ocean Township head coach.