Through five games, Marisa Reichman said the Garden City softball team has already earned itself a nickname.
“We’re like the comeback kids,” the Trojans coach said. “We always start a couple runs behind, but eventually that’s going to catch up to us.”
Reichman wanted a new identity for her team’s showdown at Roslyn Saturday morning.
“Today our specific goal was to get a lead and keep the lead,” Reichman said.
Her team responded in a big way, racing out to 10-run lead en route to a 21-2 five-inning victory at East Hills School.
“I tell the girls, most importantly we’re not trying to hit home runs, it’s always about making contact,” Reichman said. “If we constantly put the ball in play, good things are going to happen. That’s always our focus.”
Nicole Storz led Garden City (5-1, 3-0 Conference ABC-III) by example, belting a two-run home run to center in the top of the first inning. The senior shortstop went 5-for-5 with five RBIs.
“I was feeling great,” Storz said. “I’m really happy about it.”
Storz, though, was far from the only offensive standout. Every player in the Trojans lineup had at least one hit and all but one drove in at least one run.
“I think we all feed off each other really well,” Storz said. “We keep the energy up, we pick each other up and I think the team meshes really well.”
In her first varsity game behind the plate, sophomore Rachel Ludwiczak went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, including a two-run single to left in an eight-run second inning. Leadoff hitter Claudia Holub was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored, Melissa Ward was 2-for-4 with four runs scored and Alex Pappacena was 3-for-3 with two RBIs to pace the Trojans offensive explosion.
“We were working on getting the runners in when they’re in scoring position and we really executed well today,” Ludwiczak said.
Pitcher Erin Cunningham had more than enough run support. The mature eighth-grader allowed two unearned runs on two hits, striking out six with four walks for her third victory of the year. She also had a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.
“This is how she is and its why I pulled her up as a seventh grader,” Reichman said. “Her poise and maturity is unparalleled to any younger player I’ve had. You would never know she’s the youngest player on the team.”
Five errors proved costly for Roslyn (1-4, 1-1), but despite falling behind 14-0, the Bulldogs continued to battle, continued to cheer their teammates on.
Roslyn coach Andrew Demakopoulos was encouraged by team’s mentality, as well as the fact captains Rachel Murillo and Ashley Green asked to address the team after the game.
“That’s something we stressed from Day One, to never give up because in the game of softball one mistake can lead to many runs,” Demakopoulos said. “To their credit, they fought, they battled, but it just wasn’t our day. Garden City played a very good game.”
