By: Sean Richards
It’s understandable why there’s a lot of enthusiasm and optimism heading into the year for the Monroe Township High School softball team.
Although the Falcons play in a very difficult league, a solid returning nucleus and an injection of some promising new talent leaves Monroe well equipped to handle it.
A year ago, Monroe went 14-12, made states and played a lot of quality teams tough in coach Keith Hudak’s fourth year at the helm.
Look for even better things this time around, although the always-strong Greater Middlesex Conference’s White Division has become even more formidable now that last year’s Red Division champion Sayreville has moved down.
"We’re looking forward to the season," said Hudak. "It won’t be easy because it seems like everyone (in the White Division) has their pitching back, but our goal is to improve on last year’s 7-7 (league) record)."
Monroe is certainly in good shape at three key positions. Returning behind the plate is senior catcher Mai’Lee Paselio (see accompanying story).
Back in the circle is junior righty Carly Keane, who had a 10-9 record last year and an ERA of 1.88 with 109 strikeouts in 119 innings.
Another player Monroe can rely on is junior shortstop Lindsay Curran. She makes all the plays in the field and hit .405 last year with a team-high 31 runs scored and six triples.
"We’re looking for big things from Carly," said Hudak. "She was hurt at the beginning of last year and it took almost a month for her to get it together. But once she did, she pitched great. And Lindsay is just a very talented player."
Monroe will be solid defensively up the middle with sophomore Andrea Carinni making the switch from third to second.
Two other returning starters include sophomore first baseman Katie Guidi and sophomore outfielder Sarah Gibbons.
Also back in the varsity fold are junior outfielders Allison Arnold and Kelsey Shobert, and junior infielder Michelle Magliaro.
"Shobert started as a freshman for us, but missed last year with a knee injury," said Hudak. "Getting her back is a plus. She looks good in left field.
"Arnold worked very hard during the off season and really improved herself, especially defensively."
One of the top additions is first baseman Theresa Paradise. A transfer from North Carolina, Paradise can play and will also serve as a back-up pitcher along with Carinni.
Freshman Courtney Baron has impressed as well during the pre-season and could very well start at third base. Freshman catcher/outfielder Megan Widner and freshman infielder Megan Mascali are other new varsity players.
"We’ve got a lot back and a lot of new talent," said Hudak. "We’ve also got a hard-working group."
Hudak also has an excellent coaching staff consisting of Donnie Fadden, Sandy Mascali and volunteer Jackie Scarpari.
Fadden was Hudak’s basketball coach at South River High, while Scarpari was a fine pitcher in her scholastic days at Monroe.
Throw it all together and it adds up to a very exciting season at Monroe.

