2010 Softball Outlook

Fresh off of winning his 700th career game and capturing his 14th Region XIX title, there is much anticipation for head coach Bo Scannapieco and his squad to get the 2010 season underway.  In a poll of Division III National Junior College softball programs, Brookdale was tabbed the fifth-best team heading into the 2010 season.  For good reason, as the Jersey Blues return five key players from last year’s Region XIX Championship team and will be boosted by a batch of talented newcomers.

The 2010 squad is littered with a talented freshmen class, three of which will lead a compelling pitching staff. New Haven transfer Kerilynn Svenson (Keyport, NJ/Raritan) coupled with Carissa VanDyk (Ocean, NJ/Ocean Twp.) and Lauren DeMauro (Toms River, NJ/Manchester) will head the hurlers. Svenson will also double-up action as an infielder.

In a new role this year, former starting left-fielder Christina Masitti (Manalapan, NJ/Freehold Twp.) will now be found calling the shots from behind the plate. Just a year ago, Masitti batted .336 and brought around 32 runs.  Sophomore Katelyn Horn (Red Bank, NJ/Henry Hudson) and freshman Courtney LaCapria (Hazlet,NJ/Raritan) will be backing her up.

In the infield, a pair of freshman will control first and second base, as Tracey Stern (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) will be the starting first baseman and Samantha Dugan (Port Monmouth, NJ/Middletown North) will get the nod at second.

There is some spirited competition on the left side as freshmen Brittany McCullough (Beachwood,NJ/Toms River South) and Alyssa Ceravolo (Freehold Twp., NJ/Freehold Twp.) both should see playing time at the number five and six positions.

Sophomore Kelly Mormino (Howell,NJ/Howell) and slick-fielding Michele Heilman (Middletown, NJ/Middletown North) should both see playing time.  Mormino had an outstanding freshman campaign last year, as the righty hit .444 for a total of 152 bases.

Speedster Kara Kelsey (Middletown, NJ/Middletown North), who stole a team-high 25 bases and scored 43 runs last season will be the veteran in the outfield.  The sophomore will be surrounded by newcomers Amanda Svenson (Middletown, NJ/Middletown North) and Vanessa Flores (Sea Girt, NJ/Wall Twp.).  Fellow freshman Gabby Cuzzolino (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Boro) will be a capable back-up.

Leading a potent offense, hard-hitting sophomore Samantha Deixler (Spring Lake Hgts, NJ/Southern Regional) (.476 BA, 5 HR, 62 RBI) will be the starting designated player, and may also fill in at first base. The sophomore, who hails from Southern Regional, earned All Region XIX and All GSAC honors last season.

Hall of Fame coach Scannapieco sees enormous potential in 2010 as the Jersey Blues will vie for their 15^th Region XIX crown.