The reconstituted and rejuvenated J. Taylor Finley Middle School softball team won its biggest game in years, edging host Hauppauge in a slugfest, 14-10 in a full seven inning contest.
Finley has a new coach in physical education teacher Marissa Bergmann, who recruited almost 40 seventh and eighth graders to try out for the team this spring. The final roster is talented and includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers to the sport.
Against Hauppauge, seventh grade pitcher Gemma Bedell fanned seven betters and added several defensive gems, including an “amazing” diving catch, Bergmann said.
The defensive play of the afternoon came when right fielder Charlotte (Charlie) Cassatto caught a fly ball with the bases loaded and two outs to end the game and send Finley home happy.
Catcher Emily Barba was slick behind the plate and she banged out four hits. Logan Miller blasted a pair of two-run homeruns and drove in six runs in the game.
Mia Miller, Keysy Diaz, and Isabella Holland all added hits that also brought runners home.
Leadoff batter Amanda Ganley contributed four hits, including a two singles, a double and a triple.
Mia Miller, Keysy Diaz, Ashley Moreno, Sara Benitez, Gabby LoScalzo, Gabriela Genao, Charlie Cassatto and Leah MacManus patrolled the outfielder with confidence, running down fly balls and quickly returning drives that fell.
Infielders Logan Miller, Isabella Holland, Ruby Baliber, Odalys Salazer, Katie Cocoman and Amanda Ganley played tight defense, turning in a series of memorable plays.
“This was an amazing game from start to finish,” Bergmann said. “I am so proud of the girls; they are really improving and it showed today in all aspects of the game. We were hitting well and making great defensive plays when we needed it most. Hauppauge is a good team. We did all the little things today to win.”