Stevens girls struggling a bit in the early going
Coach confident Hawks will hit their stride
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

EDISON - The J.P. Stevens High School softball team will look to snap a three-game skid it brought into this week's action when it welcomes Piscataway for a 3:45 p.m. meeting today.

The team enters the week 1-3 on the season.

The Hawks opened the season with a 14-0 win over Perth Amboy on opening day as Perth Amboy collected just two hits in the contest. Unlike years past, Stevens is without a definitive No. 1 starter as three pitchers are vying for the ace role.

"Kristine Rosco, Gerriann Laguardia and Alyssa Errico are the three pitchers we're using this year," Stevens head coach Pete Catenacci said. "We're still waiting for someone to step up and be the team's ace."

Against Perth Amboy, right fielder Leah Ferrante swung the hot stick going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a triple.

"Leah and her sister Tori are playing in right and left field respectively," Catenacci said. "They're hitting the ball fairly well right now."

Unfortunately, the rest of the team is off to a slow start offensively.

"The coaches keep looking at each other and hoping we're a warm weather team," Catenacci said. "We're doing some uncharacteristic things such as striking out and making errors. Hopefully a wave of good weather will rectify that."

Centerfielder Kristina Patrocinio has had spells with offensive success, but is still looking to be consistent.

"She has a couple of home runs already, but her hitting has been erratic," Catenacci said. "That's been the story of the team thus far."

The Hawks followed the opening day victory with losses to Old Bridge, East Brunswick and Rancocas Valley.

Stevens will look to senior catcher Caitlyn Seamster to lead it out of the losing streak against Piscataway.

"She's been struggling a bit as they all are," Catenacci said. "Once she gets going there should be a difference."

The Hawks are also looking for first baseman Michelle Sica to return to the lineup after battling through an illness. Senior Kelly Horvath has done a nice job filling Sica's spot in the interim.

Stevens is certainly young on the right side of the infield this season with sophomore Sica at first and freshman Katrina Howard at second base.

"Katrina is doing a very nice job," Catenacci said. "It's always tough for a freshman to start at the varsity level. She has good skills and I expect her to be a staple at second base for four years."

Juniors Kim Shjarback and Caroline Vitale round out the infield at short and third base respectively. Vitale is off to a strong start offensively and seems to be the only player hitting with any real consistency.

"It's been a frustrating start so far for the team and coaches," Catenacci said. "We have seven games scheduled in the next six days, but we're taking things one game at a time with the hopes of improving as the year goes on."

After hosting Piscataway today, Stevens will welcome crosstown rival Edison for a 3:45 p.m. contest tomorrow.