By Mike White
Staff Writer
LAKEWOOD — While the Lakewood High School softball team may not be ready to challenge for the Shore Conference B South title, the Lady Piners return a solid core of players eager to prove they are capable of surpassing last year’s 3-14 record.
"We have a lot of players coming back who are a year more experienced," second-year Lakewood coach Vinnie Currao said. "Even though we had a tough year record-wise last season, the kids played hard all year and improvements were shown. So far this year we’ve looked good at times in scrimmages. We haven’t won any of them, but they have all been close."
The Lady Piners lost just two seniors to graduation. Gone are center fielder Mary Stallworth and infielder Sarah Maron. Both players provided Lakewood with the ability to drive in runs.
"They’re going to be missed offensively," Currao said. "Either one of them could deliver a key hit when we needed it, but I feel we have players this year capable of stepping up and filling their shoes."
Senior Lauren Kelly and junior Michelle Henderson are the team’s co-captains.
Kelly, a standout shortstop, batted .310 and led the team in RBI last year with 24. Kelly’s two home runs proved she was capable of providing the long ball.
"She is one of the top hitters on the team," Currao said. "We need her to have a big year for us. She leads us both on and off the field. She is such an outstanding athlete. She is a fine shortstop and she swings a big bat. We’re expecting her to be one of the players who sets an example for the underclassmen."
Henderson, another solid hitter, will split time between center field and first base. An accomplished defensive player, Henderson’s flexibility allows Currao the luxury of auditioning players at different positions.
Sophomore Ally Tworkoski will handle most the pitching duties for the Lady Piners. She was positioned to be on the hill when Lakewood opened its season April 1 at the Ranney School. Tworkoski registered all three of Lakewood’s victories last season.
"She is much improved from last year," Currao said. "As a freshman, she came in here and was put in a tough position. She has worked really hard on her mechanics and her pitches have definitely picked up speed. I think going through a season like last year is only going to help her. She got plenty of experience and now knows what to expect."
Two other returnees who will be counted on to make significant contributions are senior Cieria Morales, an outfielder, and sophomore Leslie Figueroa, a second baseman who hit just under .300 in 2002.
Newcomers juniors Heyling Mayorga, a catcher, and Deirdre Duym, third base, round out the starting infield. Sophomore Krystal Sanchez, outfield, freshman Valerie Bermudez, infield/designated hitter, and outfielder Nicole Sansone are battling to secure starting positions.
Junior Angie Lester and freshman Jennifer Smoke provide Lakewood with depth in the outfield.
"If we limit our mistakes and continue to work hard, I think that we’ll be competitive in most games," Currao said. "We’re still trying to get a program established here. It is going to take time and patience, but I feel we are a better team than we were last year."