Sunday, November 9, 2025
The North Shore softball team posted a solid 10-4 record in 2024 but didn’t make the playoffs under the strict guidelines.
It came down to the finale but the Vikings were upended by East Rockaway in a one-run game. As such, North Shore failed to qualify because it fell short of winning 80 percent of its games, which is needed as member of Conference 5.
With new mathematics and moving to Conference 6, the Vikings will need just a 62 winning percentage but they may be hard-pressed.
North Shore has a tougher schedule but more importantly lost for the season senior star pitcher, Grace Ryan, to a shoulder issue. Ryan was also big with the bat, hitting .698 with 35 RBI in 2024.
“It’s a very tough (loss),’’ coach Nicki Petrucci said. “She was our starting pitcher the last three years.’’
Ryan’s injury coupled with the graduation of standout shortstop Jolie Waiksnis has put their playoff hopes on edge. The Sea Cliff/Glen Head school is off to a 1-2 start.
“We’re looking to get better,’’ Petrucci said. “We should have a successful season but whether we make the playoffs, it’s a hard get.’’
The pitching will be handled mostly by junior Ava Varasano, who isn’t flashy but has good control. “She’s consistent,’’ Petrucci said. “She does what we want her to do - getting it over the plate because we got good fielders behind her.’’
Sophomore Sophie Leigh and freshman Fiona Brown will also get innings but they are young and weren’t expecting a big role this year.
North Shore will score runs as sophomore Megan Whitcomb will make sure of it. Whitcomb is 11- for-12 on the season with two home runs, 10 RBI and a .917 batting average. Whitcomb’s slugging percentage is through the roof at 1.66. Even the lone Whitcomb made came off a hard-hit ball in which she reached base. However, it was called an error.
“This year she came out swinging and hasn’t stopped yet,’’ Petrucci said.
Junior Elsa Lanne has been strong behind the plate and is the lead-off hitter, notching a .615 average. “She’s just an all-round great, athletic player, Petrucci said. “She’s been great back there. She’s been able to get on base as our place-setter.’’
Seniors Adriana Porcaro (.444 batting average/5RBI) and center fielder Vanessa Jahnke (.455/4 RBI) have been huge part of the lineup and key defensively up the middle.
Porcaro moved from third base to shortstop this season to try to fill the void left by Waiksnis. Porcaro hit over .600 last season.
Because of Jahnke in center, any fly ball in the gaps may not turn out well for the opponent.
“Vanessa has incredible range,’’ said Petrucci, part of the program for seven years, the last two as head coach. “At practice, when we’re hitting flyballs, she’s already in the spot before we finish swinging. She has a great read off the bat.’’
