Offense Comes Around as Rams Roll Past Kennedy

CARMEL—After struggling to score runs last week, the Carmel High softball team is starting to see signs of life in its offense. The Rams rebounded from an extra-innings loss to John Jay East Fishkill to earn a commanding 12-2 win over Kennedy Catholic on Monday.

The Rams (1-3) finished with 20 hits as a team against Kennedy for their first win of the season..

“It was a total team win,” said coach Tom Burke. “Everyone of my starters had a hit, top to bottom, everyone contributed.”

Freshman Alyssa Rodia went 4-for- 4 with a double, triple, and three RBI to lead the Rams offensive attack. Senior Sarah McCormack finished with four hits and an RBI, while fellow senior Brianna Ciuffi went 3-for-5 with a home run and one RBI.

Senior Monica Schult made the start and went four innings while striking out two to earn the win. Sophomore Melanie Lanza pitched the last three innings for the Rams, and finished with five strikeouts without allowing a base runner.

“We haven't had much time to get Melanie in yet,” said Burke. “This the first chance we got to get her, and she pitched very well.”

Colleen Nestler made the start for the Gaels and was pegged with the loss.

On Tuesday John Jay needed eight innings before prevailing with a 6-3 win over the Rams.

“In the eighth, they just put a couple of hits together,” said Burke. “We fought, we just couldn't come back.”

Schult once again made the start for the Rams and pitched all eight innings and struck out six in the loss.

McCormack and freshman Samantha Duffy provided the Rams all of their offense. McCormack went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs, and an RBI. Duffy drove in two runs and went 1-for-3.

Angela Grisonni pitched all eight innings and limited the Rams to three hits to earn the win.

CW from Left: Kennedy hurler Colleen Nestler delivers during loss to Carmel Monday. • Carmel pitcher Monica Schult picked up the win over Kennedy Catholic. • Carmel’s Brianna Ciuffi watches her home run sail in Monday’s game at Kennedy. Photos by SKIP PEARLMAN. “Even after the loss we were upbeat,” said Burke. “We're making progress, taking the steps we have to take to get better. We played well, they just played better and beat us.”

The Rams were scheduled to play North Salem on Saturday, but that game was canceled. No make up date has been decided.

The Rams will play their first league game of the year when they host Yorktown on Thursday April 22 at 4:30.
Kennedy’s Ailish Hogan takes a swing Monday against Carmel. SKIP PEARLMAN
Sarah McCormack of Carmel takes a swing in win over JFK. SKIP PEARLMAN