Brick Township’s softball team opened its season on Monday on the first part of a two-year plan.
With no seniors on the roster but a lot of promising juniors, the Green Dragons are looking to mold this group into a successful unit for this season and next amid a rebuilding mode.
“We feel good about the direction we’re taking,” said coach Mike Fletcher. “We like what we see.”
Actually, his pitchers are even younger – sophomore Ronnie Wilenta and freshman Heather Figula. Both have fastballs with a lot of good movement, said Fletcher.
“They stay ahead of the count and the hitters hit it where those two want it to be hit,” said Fletcher.
The infield, anchored by junior shortstop Joey Afflito, “is going to be a plus. Infield defense will keep us in games,” said Fletcher. “We’re counting on her for a lot of big things.”
Afflito also is looking to surpass the school record for stolen bases in a single season set a few years ago by Nichole Alvarez. Afflito had more than 20 last season.
Sandy Lutz, a junior, is a steady fixture at first base, and second baseman Emma Erbig “is picking up where her sister left off,” said Fletcher, referring to Elizabeth Erbig, who is having a solid freshman season at Brookdale Community College. Junior leadoff hitter Starri Stark, who played at second base last year, goes to center field.
Kelly Garrido and Breanna Woska are alternating playing time at third base and designated hitter.
As for catcher, it’s a position by committee as freshman Nicole Binetti, sophomore Sammy Ellis and junior Brittany Morgan are sharing the time. Binetti and Afflito are the only left-handed hitters.
Along with Stark, the outfield will have another change as junior Brittany Morgan goes from right field to left and sophomore Heather Leone goes to right field. Either one of them will bat cleanup.
“Hitting has been a real plus, a very good surprise,” said Fletcher, whose team was home after Monday’s opener against Southern when it played Lacey yesterday. Next up is Toms River South next Monday.
– Wayne Witkowski