Valley Stream North has playoff potential

Coming into the season, the Valley Stream North softball team had a few questions hanging over it. What would the pitching situation look like was the loudest question by far.

Standing at 3-2 heading into this week’s action, the last two games were a 7-5 win over Manhasset on April 7 and a 15-6 loss to Wheatley on April 10. One thing stays constant: pitching is crucial to keeping the squad steady.

“Didn’t really know who the pitcher was going to be, or the catcher, so right now we have Maddy Poscillico who has done all of the pitching so far,” said VSN coach Daniel Tronolone. “It looks like we figured it out so hopefully that continues.”

Poscillico, a junior, is dominating in the circle right now, while overcoming the fact this is her first season on varsity. As far as the team can see, the hurler is handling the pressure with grace and composure.

“She has definitely worked on her game and she has improved a lot,” Tronolone said. “So far she’s doing well.”

Natalie Barbieri, the starting third baseman, is the only other member of the pitching staff, remains on call for relief, or as a starter if necessary.

The catcher situation is interesting: it’s between sophomore Alexia Vilatoro and junior Kayla Corbin, who are currently dividing time behind the plate. Both strong defensively, keeping the ball in front of them and preventing passed balls, it’s the offense that Tronolone is looking out for. Vilatoro has a strong bat, which is an important part of winning games, he emphasized.

And speaking of that lineup: that’s something that Tronolone is quite happy with. He is pleased with the speed of his top three hitters, saying how much they create havoc on the bases and put pressure on defenses.

Leading off with star power is senior center fielder Tiffany Melendez, who is in her fifth year as a varsity player and committed to play D1 softball at Seton Hall. She earned her way up to her now-captaincy.

“She’s gotten better every single year,” Tronolone said. “She catches everything in the outfield, she started off primarily as a bunter and slap hitter but has developed her game now to the point where she can do whatever she wants at the plate… reads the defense and decides what she wants to do.”

Her cousin, freshman shortstop Jainessa Melendez is similarly strong and quick, and is entering her third year on varsity. Originally put on third, Tronolone put her on shortstop last season and elected to keep her there for her high speed and strength.

“She has a tremendous arm. We were actually kind of worried about who was palying first base and primarily one of the reasons was because [Jainessa Melendez’s] arm was so strong,” Tronolone said.

Round out that “Big Three” is junior left-fielder Daniella Morales.

Now it’s a matter of staying consistent; Tronolone didn’t hide that the goals are to play beyond having a winning season.

“We struggled last year and it looks like this year we might be able to put ourselves in a position to hopefully, potentially, reach the playoffs,” he said.

The Spartans visit South Side this Saturday at 10 a.m.