Elmont softball tastes success

After a winless season in 2009, there was only one place for the Elmont softball team to go.

Jack Squillace took over an extremely young program a season ago, his first as head coach, and saw the inexperienced team go 0-14. This season has marked a nice turnaround for the Lady Spartans, who stand at 4-7 overall, 3-7 in Conference VI.

“We’re a much improved team,” Squillace said. “We weren’t even close in most games last season. The games weren’t competitive. This year, we’re more than holding our own in league games and playing better against the tougher teams in the crossovers. I’m very happy with the way we’re competing.”

Like most softball programs, success begins in the pitching circle. Junior pitcher Khamillia Maynard has been a big part of the turnaround for the Lady Spartans. Maynard has yielded four or fewer runs in three of the four Elmont victories. At the plate, Maynard is hitting a solid .325, but a tremendous eye has her on-base percentage at an even more impressive .500.

Squillace knows how important his pitcher has been. “Khamillia has terrific control,” he said. “She’s throws strikes. A year ago, we were giving up 15-17 runs a game. To hold teams to fewer than five runs in games didn’t seem possible. She also fields her position very well.” 

Behind the plate is junior captain Raven Brewington. After a rough season at bat, Brewington is hitting .400 for the Lady Spartans. Brewington, who attended the Nike softball camp over the summer, has developed a reputation for being one of the catchers that would-be base stealers should reconsider running against. 

Track star Ashley McCarthy has done an outstanding job at the top of the order. The junior speedster, playing softball for the first time, has become an excellent bunter from the left side of the plate. McCarthy has been successful on all 18 of her stolen base attempts.

Defensive specialist Jasmine Moore patrols center field. Moore has terrific speed and gets a great jump on the ball. In left, Jasmine Cobbs, an All-County basketball player, has been tremendous. With McCarthy in right, Elmont has one of the finest defensive outfield units in the conference.

Senior Cecilia Cox, who plays both first base and shortstop, has been ripping the ball all season long. Cox, who led the team in homers as a junior, improved her overall game at the Nike camp this summer. She’s hitting .460.

Squillace, who is assisted by Kim Servat, is optimistic about finishing strong. “We’re past the real difficult part of the schedule,” Squillace said. “If we play well, we can win three or four more games, and close out the season on a good note. I’m very happy with everything that has happened.”

Elmont hosts Great Neck North on Saturday at 10 a.m.