McInaw takes over in circle
By: Rudy Brandl
A new era of Hillsborough High softball begins this week, but veteran head coach Cheryl Iaione still believes she’ll be fielding a solid unit.
The three-time defending Somerset County champs have lost three key components to graduation. It’s never easy to replace a first-class pitcher like Chrissy Yard, a durable and dependable catcher like Christine Rash, or a speedy and powerful shortstop like Candy Palumbo. Like any high school team, the Raiders will move on.
"Last year was a thrill, it was wonderful and really special, but we can’t think about that," Iaione said. "After four years, kids move on. We still have a strong nucleus, but we’re young. I’m not going in with any expectations, but I always have high hopes for my team."
Iaione is confident that sophomore pitcher Megan McInaw will grow into the ace role and become successful. McInaw saw spot duty last spring and impressed her coach with a solid outing against state power St. John Vianney. This year, she’ll have to do it on a regular basis.
"She’s very young and doesn’t have as much experience, but she’ll get stronger as the year goes on," Iaione said. "She’s going to learn and she’ll get her chance."
Sophomore Katelyn Derewecki and senior Christine Murphy will provide depth in the circle. Both players also will see more regular action in the outfield.
Senior Marissa Conard takes over behind the plate. Conard batted .298 as the team’s full-time starter at first base last spring but has a different chore in 2006.
"It’s her first full year behind the plate and I want her to learn how to call a game," Iaione said. "She’ll make some mistakes, but she’ll be fine back there."
The HHS infield is almost completely new, despite the fact that three projected starters are seniors. Nicole Derkacz takes over at first base, Val Buccino will be at second and Vanessa Tumminia moves in to play shortstop.
Tumminia, who delivered the game-winning hit in last year’s miraculous county championship victory, started in the outfield last year. She’ll return to her No. 2 spot in the batting order but takes on a more critical spot on defense.
"She played shortstop her whole life before she got to high school and she accomplished the challenge of moving to the outfield and became my best outfielder," Iaione said. "She attacks the ball and she makes the plays. She’s steady and she gets the job done."
Junior Katie Yard returns to third base. Yard belted a home run in a scrimmage and will be expected to provide pop in the middle of the lineup. Junior Maria Pacifico and sophomore Tara Van Doren are backup infielders.
The Raider outfield features a bunch of seniors who have been in the program throughout their careers. Murphy will start in center and bat leadoff. Senior Kristen Derewecki returns in left field and classmate Celia Maccini takes over in right.
Senior Kim Arbonies has a good bat and could see action as an outfielder or DH. Junior Lauren Singer and sophomore Katelyn Derewecki will also see action.
Despite the youth and inexperience, Iaione still wants her team to face the best possible competition. Hillsborough will face a challenging schedule again this spring including trips to the Mount St. Dominic and Montclair Kimberley tournaments.
"Our schedule is rough," Iaione said. "We have to relax and play within ourselves. We want to be in every ball game."
Hillsborough was scheduled to open the 2006 campaign at Phillipsburg Tuesday. The team plays its home opener Thursday vs. North Hunterdon.
The Raiders have enjoyed quite a memorable run, especially in the Somerset County Tournament. Many of this year’s key players will be different, but the goal remains the same.
"Our goal is to win it again," Iaione said. "I don’t think we’re the favorite, but hopefully we’ll gel by that time."

