BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer
Entering her second spring as coach of the Spotswood High School softball team, Stefanie Bromberg is optimistic that her Chargers will improve on last year’s 8-11 mark.
"We’re returning seven starting seniors, along with four new players," said Bromberg. "Our pitching is solid, and right now our defense is our greatest strength."
Spotswood, which opens April 1 against Metuchen, has a senior on the mound, Katie Salkowski, who is much improved, according to her coach.
"She has five different pitches," Bromberg said. "Katie recently developed a change-up, and she’s great at switching speeds. She’s also always around the plate."
Catching her tosses will be senior Christine Bartlett, last year’s backup, while senior Kelly Fecskovics, a third-year starter, holds down first base. At second is a new face, sophomore Dana Abbott.
"My strongest player has to be my shortstop, senior Jamie Kohn," said Bromberg. "She’s a leadoff hitter, with lots of speed."
Senior Kelly Bosworth is at third, with another of the team’s stars, senior Amy Huston, out in left field.
"She’s good both offensively and defensively," Bromberg said.
In center is senior Amanda Sofield, who transferred last year but saw scant playing time, while in right field, junior Kaitlin Becker is playing the position for the first time. Off the bench are junior Kristin Bonczek and a sophomore, Tara Mundorff.
Bromberg is assisted by jayvee coach Wendy Perelka and Dan Silva, who runs the freshman squad.
"I’m hoping we can finish near the top in the Blue Division," she said.