Finley Softball Eager for a Challenge

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School softball team is eager to challenge itself against a nine game schedule with five away contests and four home games.

Finley is coached by Huntington alum Ellyn Byrnes. She stepped in when Finley physical education teacher Marissa Bergmann stepped aside.

Finley’s roster includes seventh graders Kellen Anderson, Amelia Brown, Lindsay Campos Saravia, Mackenzie Conklin, Amber Murtaza, Vader Renkewitz, Samantha Salerno and Brianna Zavala Reyes and eighth graders Dorismar Castillo Molina, Millicent Ciccotto, Khloe Graham, Mia Gulino, Brianna Mata, Mackenzie McKay, Jaylah Morgan Page, Taylor Ranft, Delana Redmond Jones and Jaime Uvena.

The schedule includes games at Happauge, Northport, East Northport, Elwood and Oldfield and home games with Stimson, Kings Park, Commack and West Hollow.

Last year’s Finley softball team proved to be a durable bunch. Then eighth grader Anastacia Mennuto captained the team, which included then seventh graders Millie Ciccotto, Bella Duke, Khloe Graham, Mia Gulino, Brianna Mata, Jaylah Morgan-Page, Taylor Peters, Karina Rodriguez and Jaime Uvena and then eighth graders Sara Benitez, Lily Buscemi, Aubrie Godin, Talia Hayden and Eva Richter.

The highlight of the season was a 10-5 victory at home over Candlewood. Nine different players scored a run for Finley. Karina Rodriguez pitched all seven innings and recorded six strikeouts. Finley clinched the win with a triple play. Taylor Peters caught a line drive and threw to Bella Duke at third for the second out and Duke threw to Anastacia Mennuto at first for the third out.