New Hyde Park Softball 2011 Preview

The softball team has high hopes for this upcoming season. Under the direction of first year head coach Jackie Rizzuti, the team looks to improve on their finish from last year. In their final game of the 2010 season they fell to Floral Park in the Nassau County semifinal game. Going into this season they are seeded seventh in Class A. Although they lost key players to graduation, the team looks strong for this season and is ready to compete.

The team has some seasoned veterans returning along with many new fresh faces ready to work and contribute to the team. Rizzuti stresses that team unity is very important to have a successful season. She also reminds her team that they are like a family and no matter what the situation, good or bad, they need to keep motivating each other.

Last Season: 9-12 Overall 

Coach: Jackie Rizzuti (first season)

 Top Players:

• Christina Burkey: All-conference, Third Base, Senior, Captain
• Lisa O'Callaghan: All-conference, Pitcher, Junior
• Briana Kresback: All-Division, Center field, Senior, Captain
• Brianna Lowey, Left Field, Senior, Captain
• Kayla Robinson, Catcher, Junior

Position Breakdown: With all-conference pitcher O’Callaghan manning the mound and all-conference Burkey in one corner at third base, the infield has solid veteran anchors that look to be a positive force. With many possibilities to fill in the rest, there are underclassman ready to step into the positions.

In the outfield there will be all-division center fielder Kresbeck along with captain and left fielder Lowey backing up the infield and defending the long ball.

Rizzuti has many great players that are ready to step up whenever they are called upon.

“I am lucky to have taken over the varsity team this year with such determined, coachable and positive athletes," Rizzuti said. "This group of athletes works well together. The older, more experiences athletes are positive role models for the program. They motivate, provide positive feedback and encourage the younger athletes to be confident and successful.”

Expectations: Rizzuti looks forward to a great season filled with many accomplishments. She reminds her team that confidence is key and that it is important to always have a positive attitude while never giving up. She hopes the girls will challenge themselves and each other, while reaching set goals.

“The varsity team did very well in the past," Rizzuti said. "Graduates Kori Brocking and Kate Mastrella set the bar high. The varsity team graduated many key players last year but many talented players have moved up to the next level. This year’s team is willing to put the hard work and dedication into every game and practice."

With top talent returning, the team looks poised for a good season.

“Assistant coach Kerri Rudd and myself have high hopes for this season," Rizzuti said. "With returning players such as all-conference Christina Burkey, all-conference Lisa O'Callaghan and all-division Briana Kresback returning our team looks strong and ready to achieve success.”

Key Games:

New Hyde Park vs. Seaford

New Hyde Park vs. Floral Park

New Hyde Park vs.