By STEVE SINISKI
If anything, the Lady Rams (1-4 overall) can look to recent history-last year-to see how a season can turnaround. After winning just three games during the regular season in 2008, they still ripped off a pair of playoff victories. "We lost the first three games but we are making improvements," coach Krissy DeMott said.
Armed and dangerous in the circle, senior pitcher Molly Karcher enters her second year as the starter. Through three conference games, she allowed a total of just three earned runs while averaging five strikeouts and less than two walks. "She's working on pitch location and corners and getting ahead of batters," DeMott said. "We don't want to let the leadoff hitter get on."
Freshman Blake Wood, Karcher's backup, was slated to throw in a pair of games over the holiday break, while senior Kerri Leonard will see time in relief this season. Senior Halie Mogavero is back behind the plate.
The struggles for Clarke have been on the defensive side, as Karcher's low ERA doesn't show the fact the team has allowed 24 total runs in conference play. But until the defense comes around-the team was working on the mental aspects of the game during a recent seven-day break-the Lady Rams just may have to hit their way to victory.
Freshman center fielder Alyssa Colletti and senior second baseman Sarah Liao set the table with their speed in a traditional fashion. Both are outstanding bunters, specifically the left-handed Colletti, who leads off and is an excellent drag bunter also capable of swinging for the fences. Junior shortstop Angela Carmine, the team's best all-around player, struck out just twice last season and is already hitting .533 with one home run and a team-high six runs batted in. Karcher, batting cleanup, carries a .438 average, while sophomore designated hitter Maria Ruiz is also a source of power.
"Offense is not the problem," DeMott said. "Every girl from one through nine is a strong hitter."
Anchored by Colletti in center and sophomore Nicole Vevante in left, Clarke features a deep collection of players capable of running down fly balls. Junior right fielder Skye Tauber is part of a group that also includes classmates Meghan Aspenleiter, Amanda Kenny and Lindsey Calderone and senior Ashley Polandro. "The outfield is a lot stronger than last year," DeMott said. "Skye [Tauber] was a backup but worked hard for a starting position."
Senior Christy Henderson handles first base, while freshman Danielle Ferrara is in the lineup at the hot corner.
Even three consecutive losses can't damper the playoff aspirations of a Clarke team that gains automatic entry based on playing in Conference ABC-I. And the team is hopeful the break for the holidays will help shake out the defensive cobwebs.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
