Hewlett embracing fresh start

Not much went right for the Hewlett softball team in 2023, but a promising young nucleus and a conference switch could be the remedy for the Bulldogs to get back on track.

Hewlett mustered just one victory in 17 tries last spring while playing in Conference 5 after recording 10 wins the year before. The team was finally moved to Conference 6 during the offseason after being denied the previous year, resulting in more manageable competition on the schedule.

Coach Haley Birnbaum believes the Bulldogs’ new digs will work wonders for her squad, especially the mental aspect.

“I think that it's going to boost their self-esteem and give them that push,” she said. “Last year, losing almost every game with shutouts definitely deters kids. I think having the drop to Conference 6 will boost the morale a little bit and give them the chance to stay in it with some teams.”

The Bulldogs’ new schedule will also feature multiple games against Valley Stream Central and South, Friends Academy, Westbury, Malverne, Uniondale, Hempstead and Roosevelt.

Birnbaum is high on freshman pitcher Liliana Simon, a newcomer who has the makeup to be a future star on the mound.

“She seems to have that combination of accuracy, speed, and also mental toughness, which is rare for a freshman to be bringing to the varsity level,” she said. “Her consistency and mental toughness [are her best attributes], especially in these conferences where you can be throwing a bunch of pitches. I think that definitely helps her stand out from the crowd.”

The pitching depth will be provided by sophomore Kayla Owens, junior Rachel Cafaro, who hurled a complete-game victory against Roslyn last April 21, and junior Hayley Heneggler.

Cafaro is also the team's first baseman, and will combine with Simon to be the main run producers as the 3-4 hitters in the lineup. Junior center fielder Ava Morgan has a good eye at the plate and brings speed on the bases as the leadoff hitter with senior shortstop-left fielder Isabella Betancur batting second. Betancur hit a grand slam in last Friday’s wild 24-20 loss to Valley Stream Central.

Senior right fielder Haiden Norman worked hard in the offseason and has already shown great improvement, according to Birnbaum, and should get plenty of RBI opportunities hitting fifth. Owens, catcher Sarah Oliveros and fellow freshman third baseman Olivia Rubin round out the order.

“I think, this year, we definitely have a stronger lineup,” Birnbaum said. “As well as we do have a freshman pitcher who’s allowing us to put people in different positions to actually strengthen our defense. Our defense is looking pretty good. There are a couple of kinks to work out, but definitely we have a strong foundation to be working with.”

Senior Zoe Sylvester and juniors Paige Lederman and Olivia Krasovitsky should also see plenty of playing time.

Hewlett has had trouble getting their season started as rain wreaked havoc early in the schedule. The Bulldogs could only get in three innings during the ‘opener’ against Friends on March 27 before encountering two rainouts. They beat Westbury last Saturday, scoring 30 runs, with Cafaro starring with three hits.