Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Future of Nyack Softball is Bright


Pictured Megan Sneeden (7th Grader, Nyack Varsity Softball - 12U Black)

The Indians have a strong crop of underclassmen that could turn into serious contenders in the coming years in Section 1 softball.
Nyack first-year softball coach and former Suffern standout Stephanie Antonelli is establishing a program ready to rise within a few years.

Antonelli has a nice blend of seniors and talented underclassmen, including three junior-high-school players, as they begin to rebuild Nyack softball.

"The seniors have instilled pride in the younger girls and, by doing this, they want to get girls to come out and play softball for Nyack," said Antonelli of seniors Jessica Gelbman and Becky Leone.

Gelbman and Leone are the leaders and have set a good example for the four youngsters. They have also welcomed the newcomers and helped them make a smooth transition to the varsity level.

Freshman Tiffany Salcito (shortstop) (Hurricanes 14U) headlines the group. She debuted on varsity with a four-hit game in sectionals last year. Eighth-grader Jenna Lane (left field) and seventh-graders Michaela Contreras (pitcher) and Megan Sneeden (catcher) (Hurricanes 12U Black) complete the quartet.

Despite their relative youth, Contreras and Sneeden bring experience to the team. Sneeden plays for the Hudson Valley Hurricanes 12U Black team. Conteras plays for Rockland Thunder. Conteras and Sneeden also played on the Nanuet Little League 11-year-old all-star team that went undefeated in winning the state championship.

Antonelli pointed out that in Contreras' varsity debut, she limited two-time defending Section 1 Class AA champion North Rockland to three runs in a loss. That is a nice performance considering the Red Raiders' lineup is stacked.

"Michaela did a tremendous job," Antonelli said.

While Contreras had a solid varsity debut, so did Sneeden. Antonelli noted that she picked off a runner from first base with a strong throw.

Even though Nyack's record may not indicate it, the Indians are winless, Antonelli said her team has played hard and has been in many games against the tough Rockland schedule.

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