2011 Lady Marauders -  Season Preview

The Varsity Softball Team had an incredible season in 2010.  They posted a 27-1 record, won their 25th League Championship, 12th County Crown, 10th L. I. Championship and most impressively their record breaking 7th N. Y. STATE AA CHAMPIONSHIP.  They were nationally ranked in the ESPN-USA Today Top 50, one of only two teams from the northeast region.

The Lady Marauders will not rest on their laurels.  They return nine players, six of whom are starters.  They will fill out their roster with quality players, all who will be vying for playing time.

Bay Shore will once again be the team to beat and they will compete against the best N. Y. State has to offer in order to maintain their competitive edge.  The girls will compete in five, four-way “play days.”  They will play against perennial playoff, league, county and state champions.  They include Plainedge, Eastport, Hauppauge, St. Anthony's, St. John's, Smithtown East, Deer Park, Islip, Sayville and Carey.

The Lady Marauders will once again travel to Binghamton, the “hot spot” of     N. Y. State to compete against State Champion Chenango Valley, Binghamton, Main Endwell and Susquehanna Valley, all N. Y. State ranked.  The girls will also compete against Class A State Champion Pearl River and a powerful White Plains squad.

The team is as dedicated as any team in Bay Shore's history.  The squad has enjoyed 100% attendance in off season workouts.  They have pushed each other in the weight room and fitness center.  They will be more fit than ever and will be stronger, quicker and faster.

They have also been extremely dedicated to enhancing their softball skills.  Most of the girls compete on travel teams and competed in the fall and practiced in the winter.  The open gyms and pitching workouts were enthusiastically attended.

Pitching remains a focal point in the pitching rich tradition that Bay Shore enjoys.  Senior Co-Captain Taylor McGowan returns for her 5th and final season.  She was 10-0 in 2010 with 8 shutouts, 3 no-hitters, had an E.R.A. of 0.12 and averaged 10.7 K's a game.  Overall Taylor is 33-5 in her career.  McGowan        can do it with the bat as she hit .409 with 10 doubles and 37 RBI's.  Taylor was a 1st Team Newsday All-L.I. Pick in 2009 and a 2nd Team selection 2010.  Additionally, she is a two time All-County and All-State performer and most prestigiously was an N.F.C.A. Regional All-American in 2009 & 2010.

Senior Co-Captain Amber Fogarty is a four year player and three year starter.  Fogarty is one of the premier defensive short stops on the island and was an All-Conference selection in 2010.  A very passionate and enthusiastic player, she was voted the SPIRIT AWARD by her teammates last season.  Amber batted .354 with 13 RBI's last season and is a beast on the base paths.  Fogarty’s numbers will improve this season and she will remain a defensive stalwart.

Nicole Marzillo is a fifth year starter who had a breakout year in 2010.  Nicole has all the tools and should be one of the finest two way players in the County.  An outstanding defensive 1st baseman with smooth hands and good range, Nicole’s forte is her offensive prowess.  She has outstanding bat speed with great extension and can really drive the ball.  An All-Conference selection, she hit .361 with 26 RBI's, 4 home runs and a SLG% of .614.  She will be a middle of the order batter who should enhance Bay Shore's reputation as the best hitting team in the County.

Marissa Brightman came out of nowhere in 2010 and enjoyed a terrific season.  An outstanding outfielder with good speed, Marissa played a fine outfield and batted .365 with 17 RBI's and 8 stolen bases.  Another very dedicated player, Marissa has worked diligently on her game and expects to have an even more successful senior season.

Senior pitcher Erika Traina is expected to contribute in the circle this season.  The #1 pitcher on her club team, Erika has the experience and the skill to enjoy a fruitful final season.  Erika also has some “pop” in her bat and should help the team offensively.

Junior outfielder Angelic “Jelly” Horne, enters her second season. A fine three sport athlete, Jelly is expected to improve and her speed, quickness and energy can make a difference.

Sophomore Giana Panariello had a sensational freshman season.  She batted .365 with 19 RBI's and played stellar outfield.  Another passionate player who works on her game year round, “G” is only destined to get better.  Giana's athleticism will enable her to make a smooth transition to the infield.

Courtney Syrett has already proven herself to be a “prime time” player.  An All-Conference catcher as a freshman, this fine tool player will undoubtedly be one of the best players on L.I.  She will be a middle of the order hitter, batted .398 with 23 RBI's, 10 stolen bases and 33 runs scored.

Junior Briana Coan has a great opportunity in 2011 to win a starting position.  A year round softball player, “Briance” has a great passion for the game and a need to succeed.  Her teammates love Bre and want her to enjoy the success she deserves.

Junior Stephanie Ellwood brings her considerable athleticism to the Varsity level.  A key contributor on the JV the past two seasons, Stephanie is expected to “step it up” and compete for playing time.  A great kid with a great attitude, Stephanie will compete for innings at 3rd base.  Ms. Ellwood has a good glove, a strong arm and will get better offensively.  Because of her enthusiasm and determination her skill level should increase quickly.

Sophomore transfer Michelle DeVito has an opportunity to make an immediate impact.  A very proficient pitcher, Michelle will compete for innings but will also compete for an infield position.  Another dedicated and skilled player, Michelle can also swing the bat.

Sophomore Killeen Martin moves up from the J.V. and will compete for an outfield position.  A slapper with great speed, Killeen will add another dimension to the already potent lineup.

Sophomore Briana Susa brings her talents to the Varsity level.  Brianna plays with reckless abandon and exemplifies hard core Bay Shore softball.  Ms. Susa will compete for innings in the outfield.  Her energy and intensity will enable her to improve rapidly.

Freshman Sarah Edwards has a big upside.  A very athletic and skilled player, Sarah can play behind the dish, 1st base and will try and earn time in the outfield.  Sarah has a very bright future as a Lady Marauder.