The Post’s PSAL softball beat writer Marc Raimondi takes a look at the Class A playoffs, which get into full swing Friday.
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 20 – First round @ home sites
Tuesday, May 24 – Second round @ home sites
Friday, May 28 – Quarterfinals @ home sites
Wednesday, June 2 – Semifinals @ neutral sites
Sunday, June 6 – Championship @ St. John’s University
Over the next two-plus weeks, the PSAL works to crown its 2010 Class A softball champion. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered this postseason. Will Tottenville be able to win a seventh straight title despite graduating five stars? Can James Madison get over the hump and win its first city title? Could another team emerge from the back and threaten the Big Two? All these will be answered by June 6.
FAVORITES
No. 1 Tottenville
At the beginning of the season all signs pointed toward Tottenville not being quite the powerhouse it has been over the last six years. Well, that hasn’t happened. The new core of pitcher Nicole Palase, second baseman Lisa Cutrona and centerfielder Victoria McFarland have been absolutely superb as the Pirates have dominated the PSAL once again. They are the overwhelming favorites to take it all for a seventh straight year, especially after beating Madison, 9-5, in the regular season.
No. 2 James Madison
If there is a team that can come close to Tottenville’s talent and experience, it is Madison. The Knights were a young team in the finals last year, but not any longer. They are experienced this year with eight seniors and have an incredible luxury with dueling aces Kayla Hill and Marie Oneto. Even though the team is filled with veterans, sophomores Gina Gerone, a shortstop, and catcher Samantha Rodriguez are two of Madison’s best hitters. Senior Brittany O’Brien is one of the best leadoff hitters and defensive centerfielders in the city.
SLEEPERS
No. 3 Susan Wagner
Here’s the thing about Wagner: the Falcons are peaking at the right time. They gave Tottenville all they could handle last week. Though the Pirates won 8-2, it was a scoreless game for five innings and Wagner ace Taylor Sarcone deserved a better fate. It wouldn’t be shocking to see this team in the final with players like Sarcone, centerfielder Danielle Locke and shortstop Dayna Williams leading the way. The best part is that trio will be back next year.
No. 4 Cardozo
Speaking of red-hot teams, there might not be a squad in the city that’s on as much of a role as Cardozo is. Since getting back ace Amanda Annicaro from illness last month, the Judges have not lost a game and they’ve beaten rival Bayside twice. Catcher Sam Mersten has also returned from a foot injury since then and shortstop Sandy Tomasik is one of the most underrated players in the PSAL. She hits everything hard. Cardozo will be a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.
No. 5 Construction
Has a team coming up from Class B ever had this much success this quickly? Construction has emerged as one of the elite teams in the PSAL after winning the ‘B’ title just one year ago. Coach Marco Migliaccio is doing some incredible things in Ozone Park, Queens. The Red Hawks are rich in pitching, led by ace Sheila San Andres, and have a versatile lineup that can do a lot of different things. Construction is a program that will be in the top 10 for a long time.
No. 6 Bayside
If there’s one thing about Bayside it’s that the Commodores can flat-out hit. But hitting can go into a slump and is susceptible to good pitching, which is why Bayside wasn’t able to beat Cardozo this season with Judges ace Amanda Annicaro in the circle. When the Commodores order gets hot, though, look out. They can mash with any team in the PSAL. Cheska Mauban, Julie Wagner and Rebecca Arce provide most of the firepower. The key will be the pitching duo of Kaitlyn Klein and Keren Baruch.
DARKHORSES
No. 7 Riverdale/Kingsbridge
Shortstop Nelyssa Rosario doesn’t play in Staten Island or Queens – she calls The Bronx home – but she must be considered among the best at her position in New York City. Same goes for catcher Jane Witkowski. With those two in the middle of the order and the emergence of ace Zanovia Pierce, the Tigers are going to be a tough out in these playoffs.
No. 11 Port Richmond
The Red Raiders played Tottenville, Susan Wagner and James Madison a combined five times this season. Will there be any team more battle-tested in this playoff draw? Port Richmond has the ability to make a deep run in the playoffs, provided ace Caitlin Shields can continue her strong pitching and excellent hitting. Moore Catholic transfer Ashley Wentworth is also a key at the plate.
No. 12 Francis Lewis
The young Patriots haven’t won a game against an elite team all season, but what better time than now? Lewis has been in every single game it has played – and coach Bryan Brown’s team has played one of the toughest schedules in the league: Bayside and Cardozo twice and Construction and Susan Wagner once apiece. Sophomore ace Priscilla Lallave could grow up before our eyes in the playoffs.