By Brian Sztabnik
While all three losses were decided by three runs or less, last Friday,
against Division, Andrea Feldman finally appeared human. The West Hempstead ace surrendered eight runs, as Ashley Rogalla went 3-for-4, with a two-run double that put Division ahead for good. The Rams just couldn't keep Division (4-8 in Conference I-B) in check, as the Blue Dragons sprayed hits across the field and marched runners across the plate.
Normally, Feldman displays an overwhelming command over her pitches. Prior to the 8-5 loss to Division, she held her last 11 opponents to four runs or less. For once, she was vulnerable.
Regardless of the loss to Division, or the two other last week (Island Trees and Seaford), the Rams have the opportunity to regain the momentum it once when it won three straight and five of seven in the middle of the season.
West Hempstead will play three games this week--against Roslyn on Tuesday, versus North Shore on Wednesday and faces Floral Park Thursday--before it end its regular season against Carey on Monday of next week.
Feldman will regain her composure and dominance on the mound; she's too good not to. What West Hempstead success will most likely depend on over its final four games of the season will be hitting.
"It was not one of our better weeks," said West Hempstead head coach Chris Van Kovics. "We've been up-and-down at the plate. When we've needed to come up with big hits, we haven't."
In its four games last week, West Hempstead was shutout for the first time all season, it scored one run against North Shore and it scraped just two runs against Seaford. The Rams' bats finally came alive against Division, scoring five runs, but it was all for naught, as it opponent capitalized on rallies and succeeded in clutch situations.
"We would like to take two of three this week," said Van Kovics. "We are already guaranteed a playoff position, right now we are fighting with North Shore and Division for third or fourth place."
If Feldman reasserts her dominance on the mound, and hitters like Deanna Maggio, Maria Nuzzi and Laura Copplla swing the bat like they can, West Hempstead can end the season with resounding wins and thrust its confidence for the playoffs. Already strong leaders for West Hempstead, by producing at the plate, those players can evolve past their leadership role and become winners.
"I am very proud of the effort the girls have given," said Van Kovics.
"We've got some good leaders. This week we can show how strong we are as a team."
