By Bob Nuse, The Packet Group
The Allentown High softball team has a new head coach and some outstanding senior leadership in place as it looks to continue its winning tradition.
The Redbirds finished 25-6 a year ago, advancing to the semifinals of the Central Jersey Group III tournament. Kim Mauer, an assistant soccer coach for the Redbirds in the fall, takes over as the head softball coach for Bob Dubina. She’ll lean heavily on a core group of four seniors who will provide leadership for the team.
”The girls have come in very positive and are thinking they have chance to be just as good as they have been in the past,” said Mauer, who is in her first season with the softball program. “Right now we’re flying under the radar a little which is where I want to be.”
Allentown, which opened the season with a 15-1 win over Hamilton on Tuesday, is led by its four senior captains — pitcher Hayley Peterson, shortstop Erica Nugent, catcher Chelsea Turner and outfielder Dominique Galipo.
”I have four great seniors that are a huge help to me,” Mauer said. “They are good kids. I tell them they are my captains and my assistant coaches. They definitely have been a huge help.”
Mauer is a first-year head coach without any assistant coaches, so she is relying heavily on her seniors. The Redbirds also return several other players this season who have varsity experience. Kayla Peterson, Carly Bailey, Haley Storey, Danielle Tegano and Abigail Stroud are infielders, Brianna McGowen is a catcher, and Alyssa Ariano and Jane Minar play the outfield.
The newcomers include sophomore Veronica Parker as well as freshmen Shae Dominici, Sarina Campanella, Natalie Nazario and Damiana DelBagno.
”I watched some games last year when I taught at the high school,” said Mauer, who is teaching at middle school this year. “I know I have big shoes to fill. We want to keep the winning tradition going. We graduated five seniors and we have a brand new outfield.
”We have moved some players around. Our first baseman from last year is now catching (Turner). Erica is at short. Kayla Peterson is at third.”
Mauer, who coached soccer at the college level before coming to Allentown, is looking forward to the season.
”We have great athletes and that helps to go along way,” she said. “We had six scrimmages and the team has been hitting the ball very well. We had two weeks to prepare and a lot of the girls got some playing time.
”I am exciting for the season. I think we will do well.”

