Mepham adjusting to new norm

High school sports dynasties tend to be cyclical sometimes, with graduation slowly chopping away at successful rosters. The Mepham softball team is unfortunately starting to experience that trend but could still be laying the foundation pieces for another run.

The two-time defending Long Island Class A/Southeast Regional champions and three straight county titlists find themselves in unfamiliar territory in 2023 with a much younger roster that features just three seniors and a combined 10 eighth graders, freshmen and sophomores. The result has been a 2-5 record, but three of the losses have been by one run.

The Pirates have come on lately with two wins in their last three games, including a nail biting 4-3 win at Plainview April 13. Coach Tom Simone cited inexperience and a shaky defense for the slow start but believes those things can improve as the season progresses.

“We have nine girls that never played varsity softball,” Simone said. “I think they’re a little hesitant in showing what they can really do. I think they’re a little nervous, not knowing me as well as the other five girls do. They’re afraid to make mistakes and they make mistakes.”

The biggest hit of the season came from freshman third baseman Deanna Cinquemani, who hit a three-run double to break a scoreless tie and help the Pirates beat Syosset 3-1 on April 4 for their first victory following an 0-4 start.

“All I basically told her was, ‘Just get something in the outfield. I don’t need a home run here. Get something on the grass and let’s just get one run at a time,’” Simone recalled. “And she came through.”

Mepham almost won its next game a week later against Oceanside but allowed a game-tying three-run home run in the top of the seventh inning and the Sailors scored again in the final frame for a stunning 6-5 victory. The Pirates stranded the tying run at second base in the bottom of the seventh.

Mepham faced a similar scenario against Plainview when it carried a 4-0 lead into the seventh. The Hawks scored three times and later loaded the bases in the frame, but star pitcher Giselle DeLutri came on in relief and induced a game-ending popup.

Finding a way out of jams is nothing new for the junior. During last year’s Long Island championship game against East Islip, she escaped a bases-loaded, nobody out conundrum that protected a 1-0 lead and later resulted in a 8-3 win.

“One player on my team that I ride the hardest is Giselle, because I know what she’s capable of,” Simone said. “Putting her in tough spots, that builds character.” 

DeLutri’s heroics April 13 helped eighth-grader Keira Ulmschneider earn her first pitching victory. Ulmschneider has been getting the bulk of the starts so far, and even blasted a home run against Massapequa on March 31.

Freshman outfielder Avery Betancourt has provided the most exciting at-bats on the team with her ability to work the count and foul off pitches.