Experience will be key for Morris Hills

Possessing speed, power, defense, pitching, versatility and above all, experience, all of the components are in place for the Morris Hills softball team this season.

The Scarlet Knights turned in an 11-15 campaign last year under coach Cindy Moncalieri, but with 10 returning varsity players, the club is looking to excel in 2015.

"I am optimistic especially with the experience we have and with the attitude of the girls," said Moncalieri, who has been with the program for 15 years and is entering her third season at the helm. "They know their potential and they want to win. We have a lot of areas that we can do well in. We have a lot of speed and can bunt for a hit. We can hit, and not just for power. We have a little of everything and it does help to have seven of our nine starters back."

Junior pitcher Kiara Ruiz has added some pitches to her already extensive repertoire and should be even more effective than she was last season. One of the right handers' new offerings is an off-speed pitch that she'll add to her fastball, drop, screwball, curve and rise to baffle opposing hitters.

"Kiara was very reliable last year and we know that we can count on her," Moncalieri said. "She's very consistent. She's not going to overpower hitters, but she doesn't allow many walks. She'll make you hit ground balls and get outs."

Elise Sheplak, a junior, returns to her starting spot at first base with more speed and confidence.

"Elise is night and day from last year," Moncalieri said. "She's quicker to the ball on a bunt and has developed into more of a leader at first base. She a lot more confident and you would never know she was the same player as last year because she worked so hard in the offseason. Elise has good power, and when she makes contact, the ball will go."

Senior Jackie Saggese, a speedy slap hitter, will man second base with senior Ashley Ferrante, the No. 2 hitter, at shortstop.

"Ashley brings lots of speed in field with with her quickness, can stop any ball. She has a very strong and accurate arm," Moncalieri said. "She can bunt for a hit from the right side, but can also hit with power."

Junior Alyssa Ginder and sophomore Beth Kehrley are both in contention for third base.

Ginder, who can also play second, is an excellent contact hitter and consistent, reliable fielder. Kehrley, a gap hitter who served as the designated player last season, is a fearless fielder who will not hesitate to creep all the way in on a bunt from third base.

Sam Matthews, a sophomore with varsity experience, and sophomore newcomer Cat Rewick will vie for the starting spot in left field. Both possess speed and accurate arms. Senior Lauren Sonnenberg, who will play next season at The College of New Jersey, will patrol center with Devan Marshall, a senior, in right.

Sonnenberg, who bats left and throws right, is a triple threat at the plate with the ability get on base via the bunt, by slapping the ball or hitting to the gap. Marshall, the cleanup hitter, possesses power and knows how to position herself in the outfield. Marshall will also back up Ruiz in the circle.

The only newcomer to the lineup is freshman catcher Megan Gaeb, who brings a strong arm and a powerful bat and will hit in the No. 5 spot.

"Megan has been very impressive," Moncalieri said. "She may be a freshman, but she plays with the confidence of a senior. I could put her at any position and she'd be absolutely fine."

On the bench, Moncalieri will rely on junior outfielder Taylor Massino, sophomore first baseman Maddie Mastras and sophomore Zoe Kryzwicki, who can catch and play third.

"With seven of our nine starters back, we have some solid experience and that helps," Monclieri said. "We'll have speed in the field it helps to know that we can get to any ball. And on the bases, we'll use that speed to take the extra base and get into scoring position. I have a lot of confidence in this team and they want to win."

Players to Watch

Victoria Rossi, Parsippany

The senior pitcher/infielder finished last season with a .474 batting average and has 92 career hits.

Jamie Stefani, Mount Olive

The senior pitcher/first baseman had a .524 batting average last season with five home runs, 25 RBI and 33 hits.

Alex Cosenzo, Hanover Park

The junior third baseman had 27 RBI, 29 hits, three home runs and had a .408 batting average last year.

Sammie Booth, Montville

The senior infielder/pitcher had 16 RBI, five home runs, a .383 batting average and a .490 on base percentage and has 113 career hits.

Annie McCluskey, Villa Walsh

The junior shortstop led the Vikings with a .408 batting average, 29 hits and 18 stolen bases last year.

Nicole Frank. West Morris

The senior pitcher finished with an 18-7 record last year with 106 strikeouts and had batters hitting .179 against her.

Kat Spilman, West Morris

The senior shortstop averaged .452 with 42 hits, 31 RBI and 29 runs scored last year.

Megan Beiermeister, Kinnelon

The senior pitcher kept the Colts in every game last season as she finished with a record of 19-7, 162 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.45.

Amanda Delfino, Jefferson

The senior catcher finished with a .391 batting average and 24 runs scored.

Isabel Seise, Jefferson

The sophomore first baseman/outfield led the 18-9 Falcons with a .403 batting average, four home runs and 266 RBI last season.