Sean Moylan Sports Writer
Last spring the Florence Township Memorial High softball team finally got over the hump and won a Group I sectional title in their seventh try and then it went on the win a state title.
Unfortunately, Florence graduated Melissa Mehrer, one of the finest pitchers ever to suit up for the Flashes, and Kristin Garganio, one of the most powerful hitters ever to play for the Flashes, from that team.
Mehrer, who went 20-0 last season, is now hurling her flaming fastballs for Monmouth University. Garganio is smacking her hits for Lafayette.
Katelyn Antolic and Ashley Onori, two very dependable starters from last year’s club, also graduated.
On the surface that information may seem to add up to a recipe for disaster, but the truth is the Flashes should be a terrific softball team once again this season.
First of all, Florence varsity coach George Chwastyk was wise enough to pitch Kelly Garganio in some big games last season. She even shut out a Group II playoff Bordentown squad, 2-0, and posted a 2-1 overall record. This year Garganio, a junior, should have no trouble pitching full time for Florence. And when she needs a day off from pitching she can play first base.
“Kelly, she’s got really good movement on the ball this year. I think she’s going to do a nice job,” said Chwastyk, whose young star hurler played a lot of travel ball this past year.
Junior Chelsea “Mrs. Clutch” Kehr has an unbelievable combination great offensive (.630, 9 homers, 39 RBI) and defensive skills.
“She’s the whole package,” added Chwastyk of Kehr, who like Garganio, is a humble star.
This season junior Erin “Nails” Sweeney will shift over from short to third to fill the huge hole left by Kristin Garganio. Luckily, Sweeney has played nearly every position on the field during her great softball career and there should be no drop-off in the field. Furthermore, Sweeney is an excellent hitter who batted around .340 last season.
Katie Schreck, a speedy junior, hit .320 last season with an on base percentage of .410, which is just what Florence wants out of its leadoff hitter. She’ll start somewhere in the outfield.
Sophomore Emily Million is a solid hitter and a terrific center fielder, who can save a lot of runs from scoring with her glove and arm.
At first base Florence will feature sophomore Carlie Maple, who batted .340 with five doubles last season. While those are the main returning players for the Flashes, junior Jackie Giambrone did get a cup of coffee with the varsity team last year and she impressed people with her blazing speed and her sharp defensive skills. This year she’ll be Florence’s starting second baseman.
Talented freshman Dezarae Fillmyer is the front-runner to start at shortstop for the Flashes while freshman Brittany Logan will play in the outfield. Junior Desiree Pernice and sophomore Shannon Abutabo are skilled players who can play multiple positions. And Chwastyk, who is in his 9th year as the Flashes head coach and has an unbelievable 138-38 career record, may or may not add a player or two to the varsity roster before the season starts. This season, he’ll be assisted by Lisa Kokotajlo, a former Steinert player.
This year the Flashes may not go 23-1 like last season. But Florence doesn’t have to be nearly perfect again to reach its main goals.
“We want to make the playoffs and get back to the Central Jersey Group I championship game,” said Chwastyk.
History is on Florence’s side to reach and perhaps surpass those goals.
