by Jonathan Bloom
The Freeport Varsity Softball team finished their 2009 as Conference AA-4 Champions. Seeded number one in their conference, Freeport was able to clinch the conference title by defeating Uniondale, who were tied for first place, in the final game of the season, 7-6.
The Varsity Softball Team had a winning league record of 10 wins and seven losses. We opened our season with a three-game winning streak by outscoring our opponents 64-16. The midseason was fairly even but the ladies put together another four-game win streak and won the last five out of six games to win our conference.
The team was composed of four seniors, six sophomores, five freshmen, and one seventh grader. Hard work and dedication by all players contributed to the success of our team.
Team highlights include a no-hitter pitched by Kassandra DeLaRosa, a 5-2 pitching record by Jaritza Jimenez who also pitched consecutive one- and two- hitters and seventh grader Yalitza Rodriguez, who hit a grand slam in her second game of the season.
Postseason Awards were received by several team members.
The Coach’s Award was presented to Annie Seridge, Sportsmanship Award went to Emily Fiore and Kassandra DeLaRosa, Team Most Improved Player Award was earned by Jaritza Jimenez, and Lindsay Riso received the Most Valuable Player Award.
The Nassau County Softball Coaches Association Awards were presented to the following players:
• Cristina Gomez: All-Division
• Emily Fiore: All-Conference and $500 Scholarship
• Lindsay Riso: All-Couonty and $500 Scholarship, All-Star Team Selection
Coach Christina Bivona received the Coach of the Year Award for Conference AA-4.
The team members are Kassandra DeLaRosa, Carina Duran, Emily Fiore, Cristina Gomez, Jaritza Jimenez, Katherine Marte, Maxiel Merced, Angelica Millan, Anna Pichardo, Mariela Plasencia, Lindsay Riso, Jessica Rodriguez, Yalitza Rodriguez, Karla Saravia, Annie Seridge, Stephanie Stein, Manager Alex Berignette Nunez, Coach Christina Bivona and Assistant Coach Renee Borriello.