Ridge Softball Ready to Swing Into New Season

The basketballs have stopped bouncing and ice is supposed to be back in the freezer. It's time for spring sports to take center stage. While the backdrop of winter still persists with low temperatures and thorn-in-the-side snow/sleet, it's time for Ridge’s diamond to return full swing this week.

In this preview, we take a look at the Ridge softball team.

OVERVIEW

The Ridge High School softball team was scheduled to begin its season on Friday with a home game against Union High School at 4 p.m. However, rain and mud rescheduled the game for 4 p.m. next Monday. Coach Tara Cantagallo’s squad returns several key upperclassmen, including senior first baseman Emma Trapani and junior center fielder Kelly Rosenthal. A newcomer to keep an eye out for is freshman pitcher Christina Gambino.

LAST SEASON'S RESULTS

Ridge went 2-24 last season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Emma Trapani, First Baseman, Senior

Cantagallo: “Emma brings a lot to the table as a senior; being in the program the last 4 years. We look for her to be a leader on the field and with the bat.”

Kelly Rosenthal, Center Fielder, Junior

Cantagallo: “Kelly has a lot of softball experience and has been on the varsity team since she was a freshman. We look to her to lead the outfield and come through big with her bat.”

Sarah Neillands, Shortstop, Junior

Cantagallo: “Sarah has been a great player the last two years at the varsity level. She has played many different positions to fill spots that we needed, and now has become our short stop and lead off batter.”

Meghan Gapp, Third Baseman, Sophomore

Cantagallo: “Meghan is a new addition to the varsity level. She had a great season as a freshman and we look forward to having her play third base for us, and (have a) breakthrough with her bat.”

Christina Gambino, Pitcher, Freshman

Cantagallo: “Christina is new to the program altogether and a great addition. Although she is only a freshman, she plays older. We look to her to be our ace and be able to hit for us as well.”

THEY'LL MISS:

Samantha Fama, Shortstop—Fama was the No. 3 batter and a well-rounded player. Cantagallo: “Sam will be a loss with her speed, fielding and her ability to bat and bunt. She had a great combination of what you need to be successful with softball.”

COACH'S TAKE:

“I feel this year will be successful. We have a ton of talented players that will start to come into their own as the season goes on. I look forward to watching them grow together as a team.”— Cantagallo

2011 Ridge Varsity Softball Roster