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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
Nicolette Sinagra only knew one hitting approach throughout her softball career, be aggressive and drive in runs.
The former New Utrecht star shortstop had always been a middle of the order hitter because of a skill set that combined speed with power.
But that changed this year, when she moved to the lead-off spot on the Molloy College softball team, and in the process led the Lions to its best season in history. Sinagra became the offensive spark for a team that posted a program best record of 53–14, won its third straight East Coast Conference title, its second NCAA Division II East regional crown and reached the elite eight of the NCAA National Championship tournament.
“I’m still not over it,” Sinagra said. “It was an awesome experience to be a part of.”
The dramatic change occurred about 15 games into the season, when Molloy Coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke felt Sinagra would best benefit the team in the leadoff spot. But, that meant the junior needed to change her style — be more patient and work a count — and that didn’t come easy.
“It’s different. In that position, you have to set the table for the rest of the team,” Sinagra said. “Usually I’m the one trying to hit in a run. Now I’m the person who is suppose to be that run. It was a challenge.”
Still, the stellar shortstop rose to the occasion and met that challenge. After making some adjustments, she learned to be a major threat. The coach taught the student how to not go after the first pitch like she was used to doing.
“I said you have to see more pitches,” said Cassidy-Lyke. “By the end of the season she was going 3-2 into counts.”
Sinagra led the team in hitting with a .370 average and a .559 slugging percentage. She homered four times, scored 44 runs and tallied 37 RBIs. Her nine triples, ranked her second in the country.
Not only a great athlete, she also applies her passion and work ethic in the classroom. This speech pathology major is an academic All-American and the conference’s softball scholar athlete of the year. She’s has a 3.91 grade-point average, after earning 4.0s in both of the last two semesters.
Sinagra’s said time management and not procrastinating key. It’s tough to balance a challenging course load with more than 60 games, 5:30 am practices and more than 30 softball clinic provided for the public. But, her coach isn’t surprised.
“She’s a perfectionist and very competitive, the same way that she is in the classroom.” Cassidy-Lyke said. “She brings that onto the field.”
Sinagra will continue to leave her mark next season when she returns to the leadoff spot.
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.