Veterans Return, Bears Softball Aims High

BREWSTER—A year ago the Brewster High softball team made it all the way to the sectional semifinals without a single senior on the team. Now, with their entire starting lineup back, the Bears are expecting to improve upon last year’s 17-5 record.

“Last year was a dress rehearsal for this year,” said coach Lisa Delzio. “I've got all my kids coming back this year with experience. I've got three seniors, and a strong core underneath.”

Once again the Bears will rely heavily on their pitching to lead the way. As a sophomore last year Jess Griesinger was named All-Section, and will once again look to shut down opposing teams.

“She's one of the top pitchers in the league,” Delzio said. “Her ERA in the league last year was .059.

She's a little dynamo, she's terrific.”

Senior captain and All-Section selection Kelly Bentson will also pitch while seeing time at first base.

“We will definitely rely on our pitchers,” Delzio said. “If we want to improve and go further, we're going to have to hit. We're gonna step it up and be a little more aggressive on the bases.”

Senior shortstop and team captain Kristen Sliman led the Bears offensively last year and will look to be even better after being named All-Section Honorable Mention as well as All-League last year.

Sophomore outfielder Marisa Delzio is another All-Section Honorable Mention/All-League pick who the Bears are excited about.

Juniors Alexandra Ali and Katie O'Connell will each see time at third base, while senior Nicole Chiudina will play second base. The catching duties will fall upon sophomore Christina Graff.

The roster will be rounded off by junior Moriah Feeney, sophomores Jenn Neuner, Savannah Sergio and Deanna Mihalco.

“We've been working very hard in the preseason, working on our offense,” Delzio said. “If anything hurt us last year, it's our offense. So we've been working this preseason with that.”

The Bears will compete in League 1-B against Mahopac, Carmel, Panas, Yorktown and Lakeland.

“It's a very tough league,” Delzio said. “We've got a good shot at winning this year. It's not going to be easy, we have to stay focused every single game, every single inning. We can't rely only on our pitching, we need to hit a little better than we did last year.”

The Bears open their season on Monday April 5 at 4:30 against nonleague opponent Arlington at home.