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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
James Madison made a triumphant return to the ranks of the Public School Athletic League’s elite clubs this year after two lackluster seasons. Thanks to a young core, the Knights regained the division title and reached the Class A semifinals for the first time since 2011.
Fontbonne Hall’s quest for consecutive Brooklyn-Queens AA titles fell short, but the Bonnies remained one of the top teams in the five boroughs. Telecommunications is working toward that level after another strong campaign, pushing finalist Construction in the quarterfinals. St. Edmund claimed a second-straight diocesan Class A crown by beating St. Saviour, and Poly Prep remained a top team in the Ivy League.
Here are the players deemed the borough’s best in another big softball season in Brooklyn:
All-Brooklyn Player of the Year: Isabella Gerone, James Madison
Gerone came into her own after becoming the team’s full-time pitcher. The sophomore went 15–2 on the year and posted a 0.91 earned run average with 127 strikeouts during the regular season. She tossed a one-hitter with nine Ks against Susan Wagner to propel Madison into the semifinals. Gerone, who batted .551 with 32 runs scored in the regular season, recorded two doubles, scored twice and drove in a run in that contest.
All-Brooklyn Coach of the Year: Thomas Mobilia, James Madison
Mobilia was the Knights’ third coach in the last three years when he took over last season. A year later, he had Madison just one win away from playing for a city championship with a team that relied heavily on freshmen and sophomores. Mobilia was able to get the most out of his young players quickly. It appears 2014 is just the start of the resurgence of the program.
All-Brooklyn First Team:
Third Base Ariana Dillon, Fontbonne Hall
There weren’t many players smarter or tougher than the Bonnies junior. Dillon shared the team lead in batting with a .472 average, slugged two home runs and drove in 22 runs as the team’s No. 3 hitter. The quality of her glove at shortstop was a big reason for Fontbonne’s success.
Pitcher Nicolette Trapani, Fontbonne Hall
The senior windmiller remained one of the most dominant in the five boroughs. Trapani, a workhorse in the circle, went 16–4 with a 1.59 earned run average and struck out 150 hitters in 140 innings. Her bat remained dangerous and delivered key hits.
Catcher Susan Gutekunst, Telecommunications
Gutekunst had the best season of her career. The junior, who hit in the No. 3 spot, posted a .553 batting average with three home runs and 23 RBI. She brought stability and poise behind the plate as one of the team’s veteran players.
Right fielder Amanda Grossman, Poly Prep
The junior was the Blue Devils’ best hitter and provided a veteran presence after playing on the varsity as an eight grader. Grossman batted a team-leading .409 with 17 extra base hits and tallied a team-high 24 runs scored. Her speed and smarts kept Poly among the elite teams in the Ivy League.
Second base Bianca Marletta, Fontbonne Hall
Marletta showed you she is capable of being the next big star out of Fontbonne Hall. The sophomore batted leadoff and hit. 472 with six home runs and collected 27 RBI. She also went 9-2 in the circle with a 2.16 earned run average as the Bonnies No. 2 starter.
Catcher Samantha Mendelson, James Madison
Mendelson made her presence felt early and often during her freshman season and will be a bright spot for years to come. The Knights cleanup hitter posted a .420 regular season batting average with 23 runs scored, 20 RBI and 11 walks. She provided plenty of clutch hits all season.
Pitcher Talia Santiago, Telecommunications
The freshman announced her arrival with a stellar season. Santiago displayed skills and maturity beyond her years. She went 9-4 overall, but saw her earned run average drop from 3.03 to 0.82 in the post season. Santiago also hit .455 with 20 RBI and seven extra base hits.
Pitcher Gabriella Scarpaci, New Utrecht
Scarpaci quietly went about her business this season as New Utrecht placed third in the Brooklyn A division. The junior windmiller went 12-6 overall and posted a 3.43 earned run average. She hit .433 with 24 RBI and collected 10 extra base hits.
Catcher Maria Serrantino, Fontbonne Hall
The College of the Sciences-bound senior remained one of the city’s best all-round players. She shut opponent’s running game behind the plate and was a tough out for opposing pitchers. Serrantino hit .372 with four home runs and 23 RBI.
Pitcher Ciara Schirripa, Poly Prep
Schirripa turned in gutty outing after gutty outing this season as Poly’s ace in the circle. No jam was too big for her to get out of. The senior picked up six of the Blue Devils’ 10 wins this season, striking out 43 hitters. She also batted .278 at the plate
Third base Cheyenne Tatesure, James Madison
The senior was the veteran leader of a roster filled with youth. She led by example as Madison returned to the semifinals. Tatesure hit.356 and got on base at a .453 clip. Tatesure recorded 23 RBI and 22 runs scored. Her defense at third base solidified the Knights infield.
Honorable Mention:
Shortstop Kristen Gutekunst, Telecommunications
Shortstop/Centerfield Christina Heyer, Bishop Kearney
Shortstop Natalia LaCognata, Fontbonne Hall
Shortstop Kellie O’Neill, St. Edmund
First base Breanna Maresca, Midwood
Catcher/ Third base Nicole Quintana, St. Edmund
Pitcher Grace Sullivan, St. Saviour
Catcher Emily Whelen, Midwood
Centerfield/Catcher Stephanie Samir, St. Edmund
Third base Honor Sankey, Poly Prep
Catcher Kalia Santiago, New Utrecht
Shortstop Taylor Trim, James Madison