After achieving a near .500 record in Conference V last season, Freeport softball is set for another challenging schedule this spring.
Freeport, which made the jump to Conference V three years ago after reaching the playoffs in 2021, went 5-7 in league play last season and ended the campaign with three straight wins against Roslyn, Great Neck South and West Hempstead. The Red Devils this spring are embarking on a 16-game conference slate with a mix of Conference V and Conference VI opponents.
"It's definitely a grind of a season,” said eight-year Freeport head coach Rich Genzone. “Both conferences are very competitive teams so it is definitely a tough schedule.”
Junior Gabriella Nurse returns to anchor the pitching staff and is also an offensive force at the plate who plays shortstop when not on the mound. Genzone said Nurse has developed a strong mix of pitches from a fastball, change up to screw ball.
“She's competitive and she's fierce," said Genzone of Nurse, who tossed a five-inning no-hitter with 12 strikeouts in an 18-0 win against West Hempstead to end last season. “She has a lively arm and has a solid bat who hits for contact and I would say she is going to get plenty of college looks.”
Freshman Kassandra Cazares is also a capable pitcher who Genzone has strong command of on the mound with an ability to throw strikes at the corner of the plate with solid spin on the ball. The versatile Cazares can also play second base or shortstop when not in the pitchers circle.
Junior Deanna Reyes adds to the team’s versatility in the middle infield as another capable short stop or second baseman depending on who is pitching. Genzone said Reyes also brings a lot of power to the lineup.
Sarah Martinez is also emerging as a key contributor early on as a first baseman in her first season on varsity as junior. Amelia Espino brings experience as the lone senior on the team and will be slotted in as the designated hitter while also playing outfield at times as well.
Eighth grader Desiree Rodriguez has emerged as the starting catcher and leadding the pitching staff.
“She falls into the mix with everyone and everyone has brought her in and she seems to be developing well,” said Genzone of Rodriguez. “ She's gaining strength and she's gaining confidence.”
The Red Devils will host Wheatley on Thursday at 5 p.m. and return home Friday for another late afternoon home game against Long Beach. Freeport then hits the road for four straight games before facing New Hyde Park for a Saturday morning game on April 26 at 10 a.m.
“We're trying to develop and it is good to see the kids trying to give their best effort," Genzone said. “We're improving every day similar to what happened last year when we started off slow and took our lumps and then a little more than halfway through we started gaining a lot of momentum so that is what I’m hoping will happen this year as well.”
