The formula for success doesn’t change at St. John Villa.
The Bears stunned favorite St. Joseph by the Sea in the CHSAA Archdiocesan semifinals before falling to Moore Catholic in the championship game. Star pitcher and leadoff hitter Brittany Smith graduated and is now at CSI, but a large contingent from that squad returns.
“This group has been through it already so I don’t think that is going to be a problem,” Villa coach John Curatolo said of not being intimidated by Sea and Moore. “I think we are going to just come to every game to compete. We are built around what we are always built around. We are built around defense and speed.”
The Bears' strength will be up the middle starting with leadoff hitter and second baseman Nicole Burt and fellow junior Arianna Trembone at short. Senior Sam McCauley is back in center field for the fourth straight year. Mary Curatolo, the coach’s daughter, will see time in left and be the backup pitcher. Sam Long and Serena Zinsley are expected to split time in right. Junior Sevdiana Liharevic takes over for Smith in the circle
“That’s our strong point,” Curatolo said of Burt and Trembone. “They are both very good up the middle and if you hit it decently hard on the ground they can turn it.”
The philosophy of bunting and slapping won’t change for Villa, but John Curatolo has felt some of his hitters have matured enough to let them swing away when the situation is right. His daughter will bat righty as much as she tries to slap from the left side. John Curatolo has been impressed with the bat of Laura Innocente, but has yet to find her a set position in the field. He said he will need to find a spot for the lefty Zinsley.
“As they get older they get stronger with the slapping and the bunting and now they can actually hit the ball,” thecoach said. “Now you are not just putting the ball in play anymore. You are actually swinging.”
St. Joseph Hill will be extremely young, talented and building toward the future. Coach Joe Wuensch will be starting a freshman at first base, catcher, in the circle and the outfield. The key will be Julia Piscopo, a finesse pitcher, taking over for the graduated Victoria Procopio.
“She’s a very solid pitcher, who has even greater potential,” Wuensch said. “I expect her to keep us in all the games.”
Lefty top-of-the-order hitter Amanda Laudani will be behind the plate and Meghan Sheridan at first base. Alyssa Orosz, who can add speed to the one and two spots in the order, will see time in right field and center. She will be battling sophomore Tatiana Perone and Danielle Barchitta, who has some pop in her bat, for the starting job in those spots.
“This is a very young team, untested and it’s wait and see right now,” Wuensch said.
The Hilltoppers' strength will be up the left side on defense with senior Jackie Solomon returning at shortstop and Megan Sullivan back at third. Solomon ended last season red hot with the bat and Wuensch is hoping the success carries over into this season.
Notre Dame Academy and longtime coach Tony Curatolo will hope the sophomore Amanda Guarino will build off the success she had last season and be a rock in the circle this year. Her freshman sister Alex is expected to be her back up.
“She’s throwing strikes,” Curatolo said of Amanda. “She doesn’t walk as many anymore”
Senior shortstop Alanna Bergstrom is one of the league’s most underrated players. She is a slick fielder, who will be an anchor in the middle of the order with junior Gabby Piscopo, who will see time at first base. Tony Curatolo believes Bergstrom is right there with the other top shortstops in the league. St. Peter’s transfer Jillian Cancel will be in center field and add lineup depth with fellow former Eagle Christina Giampiola. Freshman Leanne Forsyth will be at third and classmate Jackie Castore is behind the plate and a top-of-order hitter.
“I think this year we are going to be more competitive,” Curatolo said.
jstaszewski@nypost.com
John Curatolo, Tony Curatolo, Villa coach John Curatolo, Mary Curatolo, Curatolo, Curatolo, Brittany Smith, Villa, Coach Joe Wuensch, Moore Catholic, leadoff hitter, St. Joseph Hill, Arianna Trembone
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