Blue Devil JV Softball Displays Great Work Ethic

The Huntington junior varsity softball team was inspirational. Frequently outmanned by more experienced opponents, the Blue Devils nevertheless played hard every time they stepped on the field and they endured.

Coached by Jim Byrnes, the 12 player team was captained by Charlotte Wesnofske, Renee Tetrault, Charlotte Cassatto and Mia Miller.

“I saw this team stay together and help push each other to get better,” Byrnes said. “Especially Renee Tetrault, who is not a pitcher by trade, but she stepped up and pitched for us. Without her, our season would have been in jeopardy.”

There were many highlights and positive happenings to point to. “Charlie Cassatto and Mia Miller only missed one day during the entire season,” Byrnes said. “Spectacular playing in the field by Anne Tyrrell at third base. Yuliana Hernandez-Perla stepping up bigtime and playing great at shortstop. Kathleen Cocoman grew as a catcher. Mia Miller was solid in leftfield all year and even better as the year went on. Charlie Cassatto is the ultimate team player; playing second base and outfield whenever needed. Victoria Hart, who as a first year player did an outstanding job at second base and as a hitter broke up two no-hitters. She grew every day as a player and it was great to see.”

The Blue Devil roster featured a mix of inexperience and veterans of the sport “The team improved every day from the first game of the year to the last game against Smithtown West, which was one of the best games we played,” Byrnes said. “The players played great, hitting and running the bases, fielding many tough plays in the outfield. I saw the excitement in all the players that day. They have learned a lot this year and it came together. I was proud to watch them grow and to coach them.”

Tyrrell led the team in homeruns and extra base hits. Tetrault tossed the most innings. Hernandez-Perla banged out the most hits. Giana White was the fastest baserunner on the team.

“Hopefully, our returnees will continue to grow and improve as players,” Byrnes said. “We are also hopeful that we will get more incoming players from the Finley team similar to this year.”