Softball Senior Spotlight: Class B South

The Shore Conference Softball Coaches Association and the Shore Sports Network has recognized 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 were released by division.

Class A North

Class A Central

Class A South

Class B North

Class B Central

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 SOUTH

Barnegat - Head coach: Mike Palmieri – 6^th season

• Alaina DeSanti - CF - Alaina is a four-year varsity starter who has not only patrolled the outfield but made her presence known at the plate and on the bases.
• Christina Golaszewski - RF - Christina is a four-year varsity player who started in right field the last two seasons. She is a committed, hard-working team player.  Christina plans to attend Montclair State University and study nursing.
• Priscilla Pitiak - 2B - Pricilla is a four-year varsity player and is the starting second baseman. Pitiak is a fine defender but it's her raw speed and dedication to offense that separates her from her peers. Priscilla plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in pre-med with the intent of entering medical school thereafter.

Jackson Liberty - Head coach Laura Borelli – 14^th season

• Emily Sanbeg - 1B/2B/OF - Emily has been an incredible asset to the Lions for her entire career. She is a true utility player who has the amazing capability to do well in both the infield and outfield. She is so consistent and someone we all rely on for so much, including her hitting.

• Vanessa Marzzullo - 2B/OF - Vanessa has been on varsity for a few years, but this year was going to be her best one yet. She has stepped up to lead and found many ways to contribute. She is another athlete who is skilled enough to offer great versatility, making diving plays in the outfield or coming in to turn a double play at second.

• Ashleah Myers - IF - Ashleah has practiced with varsity before but this was her year to find her way onto the field. She is a solid player with a great attitude who is an outstanding teammate. She also has a nice swing that I was looking forward to having her show off this season.

Lacey - Head coach: Christina Pollino – 1^st season

• Kailee Howard - C - Kailee is a four-year varsity starter and a Rutgers University commit. She holds multiple batting records in just three seasons of play and is a force at the plate. Her strong bat earned her a .718 batting average, 97 career RBI and 30 career home runs. Kailee has a strong arm behind the plate and the ability to make great plays.
• Lauren Nachman - 1B - Lauren is a versatile player who can play any position she is needed at. She is strong at the plate whether she swings for hit or slaps. She will attend Rowan University in the fall.
• Desray Schneider - 2B - Desray is a team player and will play where she is needed. She is athletic and has a passion for the game. Desray has the will to continually grow as a player. She will attend Stockton University in the fall.

Manchester - Head coach: Mike Colombo – 14^th season

• Amanda Pati - 1B/P - A four-year player who has been amongst our team leaders in home runs and RBI every year. She will be attending Rowan at Burlington County College in the fall.

• Marissa Campana - 3B - Good utility player who would be the starting third baseman in this her senior year.

• Alexis Anderson - SS - Versatile player with great range in the field and a threat to get on base each time at bat. She is looking forward to continuing her career at Ocean County College in the fall.

Point Pleasant Boro - Head coach Liz Russo – 2^nd season

• Emma Melito - OF - Emma’s consistency both in the field and at bat has been a staple that the team depends on - and she delivers. A team player in every sense, what she brings to the game and this program as a leader and teammate is precious.

• Colette Flagg - IF/OF - Colette’s versatility, speed and determination are what make her stand out. She leads by example with her work ethic and tenacity.
• Taylor Chirichello - IF - Taylor’s perseverance and commitment to the game are what make her an asset to the team.

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.