Lady Mules turn the corner

There haven’t been a ton of bright moments over the past few seasons for the Malverne softball team. The success the Lady Mules have had on the basketball court hasn’t found its way to the softball diamond.

However, despite being overmatched in a few recent contests, the Mules have turned things around in 2010. Coach Jennifer Gibbons is pleased with the team’s resurgence. “We’re playing well,” Gibbons said. “We have a bunch of seniors who have played a lot of ball together. We’ve jelled. With all of the seniors setting the tone, things have fallen into place for us.”

Malverne, which is 4-7 in Conference VI, has lost a couple of nail biters, including a 6-5 heartbreaker to first place Cold Spring Harbor, and a 4-3 defeat at the hands of undefeated Lynbrook. Earlier in the season, the Mules were beaten 13-11 by a tough Great Neck North team. Malverne trailed 13-5 entering the final inning, but nearly came back to win. 

Gibbons, who is assisted by Pat Ward and Joe Takacs, likes her team’s resilience. “The girls refuse to give up,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what the score is, or what inning we’re in. They play hard all game long.”

The Mules have received solid pitching from senior Nicole Puma, who has been in the circle for three of the team’s four victories. Puma, who is also the team’s cleanup batter, has been a tough out for opposing pitchers. Her 3-for-5, five-RBI effort was the key to a 16-12 victory over Lawrence.

Senior Ashley Simos has been a force in the middle of the order for Malverne as well. Simos hit a home run and knocked in five runs in a 14-4 win over Elmont. Gibbons also cited the excellent defense Simos has displayed at first base.

Malverne is getting tremendous production from No. 3 hitter Vittoria Sforza. The senior shortstop and pitcher has been solid in the field and at the plate. Sforza had a season-high four hits in a 23-1 rout of Westbury. Puma yielded just a pair of singles in the game. Sforza also pitched the Lady Mules to a 14-2 win over Roosevelt. 

Second baseman Dana Manza has been a nice surprise. Manza has been excellent on defense, and has a knack for hitting well against strong pitchers. She hit a three-run homer while going 2-for-4 with four RBI against Roosevelt.

Sophomore catcher Karen Ulysses has been solid at the top of the order. Ulysses gets on base and makes things happen once aboard. Her first career homer helped Malverne keep it close in the loss to Great Neck North. Briggitte Villegas and Rachel Wakeford have made substantial contributions.

Gibbons is pleased with the team’s progress. “We have a real good shot at finishing strong,” she said. “These girls have excellent attitudes and are easy to coach. I’ll miss them next year.”