Challenges await Lawrence softball

Lawrence is faced with its share of challenges on the softball diamond this spring, with only three starters back from last year’s 16-win, conference championship team and a tougher schedule to navigate.

“Everyone’s working hard at practice every day,” coach Joe Supple said. “We have some players learning on the fly. Varsity is played at a different speed than JV, so it might take a little while for things to come together. So far, we’ve made some defensive mistakes that need to be corrected.”

The Lady Golden Tornadoes opened with a 13-8 defeat at East Rockaway in the Conference ABC-V opener on March 25. Senior center fielder Kalene Wetherell was a bright spot, going 2-for-4 with three RBI. “It was nice to see Kalene get off to a good start,” Supple said. “She’s a three-year starter with a powerful bat. We’re counting on her to keep producing.”

As the team’s cleanup hitter, Wetherell has big shoes to fill and also the talent to do it. Last year’s offensive star, Katie Molinski, was MVP of the conference and the school’s first-ever All-Long Island softball player.

Like Wetherell, senior Catherine Kenny enters her third varsity campaign and takes over for Molinski at shortstop after starting at second base. Kenny will follow Wetherell in the lineup. “Catherine’s our best all-around fielder,” Supple said. “She’s an aggressive player who makes things happen when she’s on base.”

An offensive catalyst might be senior outfielder Dana Kamens, whose speed makes her a strong candidate to fill the leadoff position. “She’s a sure-handed fielder and someone I want to hit the ball on the ground and use her legs,” Supple said.

The probable No. 2 batter, senior Lilliana Guidice, missed 2009 with a shoulder injury after hitting above .300 as the team’s starting catcher the previous year. She’ll split catching duties with junior Farrah Desvarieux and also be used as the designated hitter. The versatile Desvarieux will play in the outfield when Guidice works behind the plate. “We’re excited to have her back,” Supple said of Guidice.

Another player returning to action following a yearlong absence is senior Cindy Garcia, who projects as the starter at second base and No. 5 hitter. “Cindy will have lots of opportunities to drive in runs,” Supple said. “We should get runners on base in front of her.”

At third base, sophomore Jordyn Portenoy brings some experience at the varsity level along with a tremendous glove and arm. Junior Jen Rudolph and freshman Nicole Robinson can play a solid first base and provide an offensive spark.

Rudolph and Robinson may also see a dash of work in the circle behind junior Chrissa Castillo, who the coach said he expects to handle 90 percent of the pitching responsibilities. Castillo won all seven of her varsity decisions last spring. “Chrissa throws strikes, and we need to play better defense behind her,” Supple said.

Lawrence’s home games are being held at the No. 2 School. Westbury, one of six Conference VI teams on the schedule, visits on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.