Sunday, November 9, 2025
The New York Yankees didn’t have much on Lawrence High School’s softball team when it came to offense March 29.
Sure, the Yankees belted nine homers, including a franchise record four in the first inning of a 20-9 victory over Milwaukee, but the Golden Tornadoes created their own fireworks with a nine-run first in a 23-11 victory over Malverne at Lawrence Middle School.
“I’m a Mets fan so it was nice for us to outscore the Yankees,” joked Lawrence second-year coach Craigh Mannhart. “We had a big start and just kept going from there. We played up a conference last year and had only three wins. I think this year’s conference is a much better fit and we’re looking to be more competitive and win our share.”
With junior Addison Watson serving as Lawrence’s lone experienced pitcher, it’ll be up to her to be a workhorse in the circle after competing at the JV level last spring. So far, so good according to her coach. “She worked really hard during the offseason and attended pitching clinics,” Mannhart said. “the difference between last year and this year is night and day. She’s been getting some strikeouts and the key is for her to just throw strikes. We want to limit walks and make opponents earn everything.”
When Watson does bounce a pitch in the dirt, Mannhart is confident senior catcher Heather McHale will smother it. “She’s an excellent blocker with a good grasp of the game,” he said. “She’s talented defensively and also a patient hitter who will bat cleanup, fifth or sixth and drive in runs.”
The left side of Lawrence’s infield features two key returning starters. Senior Kristelene Cribbs is the shortstop and top of the order hitter who runs well, is a good contact hitter and wields a sure glove and strong arm. “You always need someone like her on your team,” Mannhart said.
At third base, senior Gina Pasquarello has a reliable glove and a quality bat. She blasted a homer in the win over Malverne and has the ability to rack up extra-base hits.
Junior Hailey Broncaccio also went deep against Malverne and returns at first base. “She’s a nice contact hitter who’s working hard on defense,” Mannhart said. At second base, junior Kelly Orellan is athletic with speed.
The coach’s message to the Golden Tornadoes’ outfielders is to “keep the ball in front of you.” The addition of junior speedster Elana Perez Reyes in center allowed the coach to move Madelyn Ramos to left. Perez Reyes got a small taste of varsity a year ago and not only covers a lot of real estate in the field but also is a candidate to hit leadoff. Ramos is one of the team’s best defensive players. Junior lefty slap-hitter Roselyn Monzon Cifuentes starts in right, and senior Melanie Flores will contribute at DH.
Rounding out Lawrence’s depth are seniors Josselyn Mazariegos Reyes and Vernnice Pena Abarca.
In addition to Malverne, Lawrence’s conference rivals this spring include neighboring Hewlett, West Hempstead, Friends Academy, Hempstead, Roosevelt, Valley Stream Central and Westbury.
