Sports
Mepham Softball Team Crowned Division II Champs
The team finished the season with a 13-2 record and many All County honors.
The Wellington C. Mepham softball team capped off a 13-2 season record by clinching the division II championships, and senior catcher Samantha Arcese was awarded All-County Honorable Mention.
“She did an amazing job calling the games,” said coach Jen Greco. “She has true talent for and understanding of the sport. She is arguably one of the best catchers in the conference. She had at least one pick off each game, with multiple pick offs in several games.”
Junior third baseman Kara Castaldo was also awarded All-County – for the second year in a row.
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“Kara has been playing on the varsity level for three years now. She had her first homerun this season, and didn’t stop there,” Greco said. “She ended the season with a batting average of .462 and two homeruns and 22 RBIs.”
Junior shortstop and All-County honoree Kelsey Vandewater had a .467 batting average, 10 doubles, 13 RBIs and 23 runs scored. Senior Stephanie Burns, who pitches and plays centerfield, was named All-Conference. She saw 31 strikeouts with 27.1 innings played.
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Freshman right fielder Brianna Morse earned All-County Honorable Mention. In her second year playing for Mepham, she hit her first home run this year and led the team with a .587 batting average, 26 RBIs, 7 doubles and four triples.
“She is a player that can be put anywhere in the field and she will always make the play,” Greco said.
Greco considers junior second baseman Kerri Donlon the most improved player this year.
“Her bat came alive this season,” the coach added. “She had a .524 batting average, with nine RBIs and 11 runs scored. I’m looking forward to see what she can produce next year.”
Greco touted the team’s supportive nature, work ethic and team spirit as their key to success.
“They were always there to cheer the other on and lift them up when needed,” she said. “I truly believe this is what helped the girls to be so successful this year, on top of the natural talent that they all possess.”
Photo: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
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