Although his team posted a fine 22-6 record a year ago, Carmine Ronga would be the first to admit that the Hoboken High School softball season was not a successful one a year ago.
“We were disappointed how it ended,” said Ronga, the veteran head coach of the Red Wings. “It was not what we expected.”
The Red Wings were upset by Ferris in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament and they lost to Whippany Park in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I semifinals.
“I think the players were more disappointed than I was,” Ronga said. “We had a good season and it was over just like that. We had an excellent off-season and the kids were very focused. We then had an excellent March, getting nine scrimmages in. It helped because we have very good softball talent. We just needed to get them in game situations, so we had them playing as much as possible in the scrimmages. I think we just had to play, just to see how focused we were.”
The scrimmages obviously helped, because the Red Wings have begun the 2012 season in fine fashion, winning their first five games, including wins over defending county champion Union City, Bayonne and the team that knocked them out of the county playoffs last year, Ferris.
Leading the way is senior pitcher Jayla Vega, who has been a three-year varsity player for the Red Wings.
“She’s a veteran player who does a lot for us,” Ronga said. “She’s picked up a few pitches, like a drop curve to go along with her curveball. She’s also an excellent hitter.”
Vega had four hits in the 13-6 win over Union City last week.
Senior Amanda Cruz is the team’s catcher. Cruz missed all of last season due to a head injury.
“She’s back this year and it’s been a big help,” Ronga said. “She knows how to catch and knows how to work the pitchers. She also has a better than average arm.”
Senior Samantha Maldonado is the team’s first baseman. Maldonado was an outfielder last year, but Ronga converted her into a first sacker this season.
“She’s a solid player who played well for us last year in the outfield,” Ronga said. “She’s handled the transition well.”
Senior Nicolette Martinez is the Red Wings’ second baseman. She played third last year.
The shortstop is freshman Naomi Olacio, who has made the move to playing varsity softball without missing a beat.
“She’s phenomenal for a freshman,” Ronga said. “She’s still a little raw, but she’s developing into a fine shortstop.”
Sophomore Kayla Morrissette is the starter at third base. Morrissette played a lot of third base last year for the Red Wings.
Senior Desiree Rivera is the starter in left field. Rivera is also the team’s backup pitcher.
Sybil Lynch, perhaps the best all-around female athlete in the county, is the Red Wings’ centerfielder. Lynch was the team’s catcher last year, but with Cruz’s return, Ronga has been able to move the versatile Lynch to the outfield.
“She really can play anywhere,” Ronga said of the senior, who is also a standout soccer and basketball player. “She’s a great athlete. She’s lightning quick. She’s our leadoff hitter who batted close to .600 last year. She gets us going.”
Senior Jade Bracero is the starting right fielder. Bracero was the Red Wings’ second baseman last year. As you can see, Ronga has done some shifting with his players in order to put the best lineup on the field.
The designated hitter is senior Alysha Torres, who can swing a potent bat. Ronga likes the way the team is extremely focused this year.
“They saw what can happen if you don’t come to play every game,” Ronga said. “They’re very focused on going deeper in the county and state playoffs. That’s what we’ve all been working on. We have to make the plays in the field. That’s a big key to our success. If we can field, we’ll be fine, because I do think we’re going to be able to put some runs on the board on anyone.”
Scoring runs has not been a problem at all over the first five games for the Red Wings, who are averaging an astounding 11 runs per game. You’re not going to lose many softball games scoring that many runs every time out.
The Red Wings were slated to face North Bergen later this week. That should be a good sign of where they stand among the county’s elite softball programs.
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com.