BY: Kyle Moylan Sports Editor
The Florence High School softball team is on such a roll as a program that last year’s Central Jersey Group I title didn’t even match the success of the 2007 season.
Florence won the overall Group I title in 2007. And with all of his starters back from last year’s C.J. Group I champs, Florence could be heading for another title.
One hurdle in the way is the fact Florence is being moved up to the Patriot Division. Fittingly, New Egypt, which has battled Florence in some classic games over the past five years, will be joining them.
Kelly Garganio, a senior, is Florence’s starting pitcher. Lats year she went 15-6 for Florence’s overall 17-7 squad.
Garnagio will be throwing to catcher Chelsea Kehr, a senior. Kehr has earned a scholarship to play at Boston University.
“She’s a great hitter and good defensive catcher,” said Floremce Coach George Chwastyk. “She was All-State, All-Group and All-Conference.”
Carly Maple, a senior, is back to play first base. Jackie Giambrone, also a senior, is back to start at second. According to Chwastyk, both are “very good defensive infielders.”
Dezarae Fillmyer, a sophomore, will be back to start at short and bat second in the lineup. Chwastyk likes the way Fillmyer moves runners along.
Erin Sweeney, a senior, will start at third again.
“She’s a very good hitter and defensive player,” Chwastyk said.
Katie Schreck, a senior, will bat leadoff and play left field. Schreck has a knack for getting on base and creating runs.
Emily Million, a junior, will play center field. She is an outstanding defensive player with a very strong throwing arm.
Nicole Kilian, a sophomore, will play right field. She is also a very good defensive player.
The backups on the team are Shannon Sweeney (a freshman that pitches and fills in as a utility player), Sydney Worek (a freshman that pitches and fills in as a utility player) and Brittany Loga (a sophomore that will serve as the team’s designated hitter).
Knell Kehr is the assistant coach.
Florence will open the season when it hosts Delran on April 2.
“All of these girls have won titles,” Chwastyk said. “Now they’ll have to step it up in a different league.”
Even so, the overall goals remain the same.
“Our goal is to go back and defend the Central Jersey Group I title again,” Chwastyk said.
And if they can add on two more wins and get another state title, that’s even better. Florence has a lot of banners in the school guy for titles, but there’s always room for one more.

