By: Kyle Moylan Sports Editor
The way the Allentown High School softball team finishes this season will rely largely on the players on the team that are around at the finish.
“A big key for us is to stay healthy,” said Bob Dubina, who is entering his fifth season as coach of the team.
The person Dubina really wants to see stay healthy through the season is Annie Erndl, a pitcher.
The health of Alyssa Ellerson, a senior, also will dictate a lot about the team. A former pitcher for Allentown, Ellerson injured her shoulder and is slated to start at first.
If Ellerson is unable to play first, Kristin Taft will play there. If Ellerson is healthy, the very versatile Taft will shift over and start at second base.
If Taft has to play first, Sam Hantzepetros will play second. Otherwise, Hantzepetros will play third.
“She (Hantzepetros) is a good fielder and a great hitter,” Dubina said.
If Hantzepetros is playing second, Courtney Drennan, a sophomore, will play third.
Considering all the moves he’d be forced to make if someone got hurt, it’s of little wonder why Dubina is so worried about the health of his team.
Rachel Cranston, a senior who started at second base last season, will move to the starting catcher slot this year. Dubina likes the way she receives the ball and her ability to make good decisions.
Dana Sensi, a freshman, is the starting shortstop and is scheduled to bat third.
“We had a scrimmage today (Saturday) and she hit a couple of homers,” Dubina said. “The kid can play. She may have some growing pains because she’s so young, but she’s the whole package.”
While the infield could involve some movement of players, the outfield almost definitely will. Letia Taylor, a senior, is locked in at center and will bat leadoff.
“If she gets on, things will happen,” Dubina said.
The other two outfield spots will be handled by Jackie Lawson (senior), Lauren Richard (senior), Shannon Bailey (senior) and Jamie Kalan (junior).
Lauren Salge offers Dubina a very versatile player that can fill in at most positions on the field. Leanne Romano, a pitcher/
outfielder, completes the varsity roster.
Allentown was scheduled to open the season yesterday (Wednesday) against West Windsor North. It will play at Steinert today (Thursday). On Friday, Allentown is heading to Florida for a week. In games that will count on the record, Allentown will play a doubleheader against a team from Ohio, two games against teams from Wisconsin and a game against JP Stevens of New Jersey.
“We still have work to do, but it’s getting better,” Dubina said of a team that was 13-11 last year and the state champs as recently as 2006.
“If our pitching stays healthy and we hit the ball like we’re capable of doing, we’ll have a really nice season.”
RHS
After guiding Robbinsville High to an 8-12 record in 2008, Christine Cabarle is back for her second year as the school’s softball coach.
Jules Nemeth (second year) and Danielle Juricic (first year) are the assistant coaches for Robbinsville, which was scheduled to open the season yesterday (Wednesday) against Notre Dame. Robbinsville will be at Trenton on Friday and West Windsor South on Monday for 3:45 p.m. starts.
The seniors captains on the team are Dan Demkovitz (SS/outfield), Renee Francisco (catcher) and Fallon Jenner (third base). The other seniors on the team are Alexis Carambot (outfield) and Allison Haftel (first base).
The lone junior is Jenna Lazzaro (second base).
The sophomores on the team are Eryn Gaynor (first base), Claire Haeuptle (pitcher/SS), Gabby Leach (pitcher/CF) and Rachel Stepien (2B/outfield).
The freshmen on the team are Kerry Curran (outfield), Lauren Hunter (catcher), Jaclyn Lazzaro (left field) and Nicole Piet (right field).
Haeuptle had 100 strikeouts while pitching last season for Robbinsville. Leach, having recovered from a broken leg, also figures to get some time on the mound.
“We are looking to have a solid infield and solid pitching,” Cabarle said.
Cabarle also sees the makings of a very good offense.
“We are expecting a lot from the bats of Jenna Lazzaro (.333 batting average last year), Renee Francisco and newcomer Lauren Hunter,” Cabarle said. “Most importantly, we are looking to improve on last year’s season.”
This is a talented group. And with one Robbinsville state champion after another working up its way up from the Little League, the talent will continue to flow and grow at Robbinsville.

