Finley Softball Comes Out Swinging to Start Season

The Finley softball team enjoyed a magnificent opening day win, shutting out Brentwood West, 12-0. The young Blue Devils played well offensively, defensively and every other way.

Starting pitcher Amber Murtaza recorded a complete game victory, surrendering just four hits while striking out 13, including the last seven consecutive batters to finish the game. With a roster of 21 players, everyone participated and contributed to the victory.

Finley is coached by Huntington alum Ellyn Byrnes, a former Blue Devil softball player herself. The district worked to spruce up the field and installed new player benches.

Defensively against Brentwood West, Finley’s Lia Rotunno, Kellen Anderson, Brianna Zavala Reyes, Briana Velis and Molly Barba all made great plays in the field.

“At the same time, Katie Van Horn, Samantha Salerno, and Ava Tortora hit well, getting on base and driving in runs during key situations,” Byrnes said. “Vader Renkewitz also had a strong day behind the plate catching.”

The squad is learning its lessons well as players go about mastering all the finer points of the game of softball along with its rules and strategies.

“We look forward to another impressive road outing when we next play at Northport Middle School on Friday (April 25) at 5 p.m.” Byrnes said.