‘One inning at a time, one game at a time’

With a belief in themselves and in one another, the Warwick Valley High School softball program is set to take the field this spring.

The Wildcats are scheduled to travel to face Minisink Valley on Friday, April 11.

“Our goal is always to win a Section IX Championship, we want our focus to be on how it is we are going to get there,’’ Warwick Valley Head Coach Matthew Carcaterra said. “We have spent a great deal of time discussing the ‘we, not me’ mentality. Our focus needs to be on team contribution above all else.

“From there,” the coached added, “we look to take things one inning at a time, one game at a time.’’

Key returning varsity level student athletes for the Wildcats include Eva Garofalo (senior, catcher), Etta Garofalo (senior, first base), Olivia Martino (senior, pitcher and outfielder), Emily Romig (junior, third base) and Amanda Larsen (sophomore, pitcher/outfielder).

Promising newcomers to the varsity lineup include Meghan Tennant (junior, pitcher/infielder), Camryn Moore (sophomore, second base), Lorenza Brennie (freshman, catcher and third base) and Emily Gulick (freshman, utility player).

“Where I don’t elect captains of my teams, I encourage each of my players to find their own leadership abilities and help lead our team together,’’ Carcaterra said. “We are looking for leadership from many of our players including senior twins Eva and Etta Garofalo. They are both five year starters on varsity and are committed to play softball together at Rutgers next year.

“I would love to see them continue to display their leadership abilities by setting the example both on and off the field. As I told them in our pre-season individual conferences, they are the pulse of the team and the girls feed off the energy they bring on the field. I am also looking towards senior Olivia Martino to help lead her team this season on the mound as she will be taking on a good majority of pitching duties this year by owning her role and by giving her all when she takes the mound.’’

Warwick Valley tallied an impressive overall record of 13-6 and advanced to the semifinal round of Section IX before falling to Minisink Valley last year.

“When it comes to our league in Section IX Class AA softball, we are definitely contenders, but have a tough road ahead as there are a lot of talented, well-coached teams out there,’’ Carcaterra said. “Between us, Minisink, Goshen and Valley Central, there are sure to be some exciting games ahead as each team has the talent and ability to beat one another.’’

Warwick Valley High School