Malverne riding winning streak

Malverne softball coach Jen Gibbons isn’t surprised the Lady Mules have turned things around with five wins in their last six games, including four straight, after a sluggish 0-6 start.  

“We’re not a cold-weather team,” Gibbons said. “Nobody really likes to play in the conditions we played in early in the season. It was tough out there.

“Lately, things are going well,” she added. “It took some time for the girls to get used to working together. I moved some players around a few weeks ago and things are clicking a lot better.”

Proof of just how much Malverne (5-7 in Conference ABC-V) has improved came April 24 when it went on the road and defeated Roslyn, 18-4, to avenge a five-run loss in the season opener in frigid conditions a month earlier. Junior pitcher Sydney Witowski helped her own cause by cracking a pair of homers and driving in three runs. Junior Michelle Abiola went 3-for-3 and scored four times. “It was a game we were looking forward to after losing to Roslyn the first time,” Gibbons said. “The girls came out swinging again and we beat them by the mercy rule.”

For Malverne, the offensive fireworks were a continuation of the previous day when the Lady Mules produced a season-high 24 runs and doubled up Westbury in a football-like score. The bottom of the second inning was the highlight of the season so far. Malverne sent 23 batters to the plate and 19 scored to help erase an early 8-4 deficit.

“We hit the ball hard and took advantage of some walks,” Gibbons said. “It was a crazy game.”

Junior Michelle Kretz went 4-for-4, including a triple, scored four runs and drove in three to lead the explosion. Witowski went 3-for-3 with four runs and three RBIs, senior Qwasia Young scored three times, and freshman Olivia Quaranto reached base safely in all three plate appearances and scored twice.

Kretz’s versatility has come in handy, Gibbons said. She’s played in the infield, outfield, and even filled in for young seventh-grade catcher Alex Delliphatti in a 10-5 win over Lawrence on April 14. “Michelle usually plays third base and has a strong arm,” Gibbons said. “We needed a catcher for that one game and she was a natural fit. She came to school an hour beforehand and Sydney threw to her.”

Freshman Christina Sangenitti, who made the jump from the middle school level to varsity, hit a two-run homer and scored three runs in the victory over Lawrence that kicked off the current win streak. Quaranto also homered. Witowski then starred in a 13-1 triumph over Roosevelt on April 21, going 3-for-5 and pitching a one-hitter with 10 strikeouts.

The Lady Mules have four games remaining: Hewlett, West Hempstead, Manhasset, and Locust Valley. “All four beat us the first time, but we’re hoping to do better the second time around like we did with Roslyn,” Gibbons said.