The CSI/McCown varsity softball season has officially ended and just like the bases, the girls were loaded with excitement.
Despite the 14-1 losing streak during the ‘08 softball season, the girls worked hard this season to show what they are really made of.
“I feel we have a strong young team, and we play more experienced teams, but we came together and became closer than friends, which helps make a stronger team,” said freshmen outfielder Jamie Lepard.
With impeccable comradery, the girls have made an enormous comeback this year. Heading into the playoffs, the Dragons were tied for 4th place, out of eight Staten Island public schools, with nine wins and eight losses .
On April 27th, the Dragons put up a fight against the Tottenville Pirates.
Although the Pirates scored two runs in the first inning, the Dragons didn’t give up. Antoinette Galbo ripped an RBI triple in the third inning to get the girls on the move for an 8-2 trail after Tottenville. Although Galbo’s hit got the girls going, they lost 18-2.
With a loss on their shoulders the Dragons still gave it their all in their next game against MSIT.
Third basemen, junior Briana Kohm hit a blast over the left field fence for a three run homer. Unfortunately, the girls still walked away with a loss. But the girls didn’t stop there.
The Dragons gave Tottenville another run for their money. However, this plan back fired when the girls h a experineced a tragic loss with a score of 9-0 in their second game against Tottenville.
“Not that the team is lacking in either, but defense is always the struggle because I believe defense is the most important part of the game. Defense wins games. When your opponent can’t score, you can’t lose. We will face a variety of good pitchers, and I believe our offense will score runs, but the challenge, I believe, is always making the right plays and shutting down the other Staten Island teams,” stated coach Rosario Miano.
After hitting a little speed bump in their defense, the girls put on their game faces in their game against Petrides on May 5th. The Dragons exhaled fire for an outstanding victory over the Panthers, 20-0.
“This entire year has been such huge improvement, and our team spirit is so strong, especially since we’re looking at a spot in the playoffs.
The 20-0 victory over Petrides is just one game, but it shows how powerful we can be in the field and on the bench supporting each other and working towards our goals,” explained Captain Kristina Sanzone.
After several rainy days, the girls were back in action on May 8th against New Dorp. New Dorp scored three runs in the first inning. Although there were still 6 innings left, that’s all New Dorp Needed. The Dragons lost 3-1.
Picking themselves up from another downfall, the girls walked away with stunning victories their next two games against Petrides 18-6 and New Utrecht 20-16.
Next, two more losses against Port Richmond, and it was time for the biggest game of the season, the game that would determine the future of the team.
After all the anticipation, it seemed that Captain Sazone knew what her team was capable of doing.
Scoring an amazing nine runs, the girls went on to defeat Curtis 12-11 and advance into the playoffs, their first ever.
“I believe the difference in any game, especially when we play these tough Staten Island teams is making plays. The teams that win this time of the year are the teams that believe they can make plays, and then get on the field and get it done. I believe that we’ll make those plays,” continued Mr. Miano.
On May 28th, the Dragons versed Stuyvesant High School in their first ‘09 playoff game.
The girls started off with a fantastic lead in the first inning, scoring 2 runs against Stuyvesant. The mood in the air was intense, as the girls didn’t allow Stuyvesant to score a run until the third inning.
Putting the ball to the barrel, short stop Antoinette Galbo, captain and pitcher Corinne Fairlie and third baseman Briana Kohm all hit triples, giving the Dragons an astonishing victory with a score of 10-5.
In the second round of playoffs, the Dragons made their way to Brooklyn to play James Madison High School.
Holding the second seeded team until the fifth inning 0-0, the game ended with a 11-0 win for Madison.
Although the girls lost, they made hitory by being the first CSI/McCown team to make it to playoffs
Hopefully next season, the team will take the title as New York City Champions.
The Dragons continue to put their best claw forward in climbing the ladder to being one of the best teams on Staten Island.
