Moving on are the White Plains Tigers with a 5-2 win over John Jay. It was a really excellent played game on all levels by the Tigers today. Their defense was rock solid, they had clutch hits and a well-pitched game from Lauren Sputo.
Dannie Szabo hit a solo home run in the third to tie the game at 1-1 after John Jay went up 1-0 in the first on a double from Tina DeVito.
White Plains broke it open in the fifth with four runs on a two-run single from Sputo and a two-run double from Christina Coppola. The eighth graders gettin’ it done! The insurance runs on Coppola’s hit were big as Caroline Dewar hit a triple to score Stephanie Finn in the top of the seventh. Without those extra two runs, she would have been the tying run on third.
John Jay was hitting the ball hard the whole game but the Tigers were there to make the plays, including a nifty double play turned by Szabo in the sixth.
Dena Frederick is also back for White Plains and did a great job at third. It was just her third game batting since she returned from a broken finger. It strengthens the Tigers’ defense even more as it allowed coach O’Donnell to move Juliana Bailey back to the outfield, where she excels.
Also for John Jay, Amanda Mangione had a great day at the plate, going 3 for 3. DeVito was 2 for 2 with a walk.
Sputo finished with five strikeouts and two walks and Gaby Torzilli had four strikeouts. The strikezone was definitely small today, in my opinion, for both pitchers. Torzilli has been one of the best pitchers in the section the last two years and finishes this season with 241 strikeouts (in 158 innings), which right now leads the Lower Hudson Valley.
It has also been a great first year on varsity for Sputo, as she is one of the most talented young pitchers that I have seen this season.
White Plains now faces a familiar foe in New Rochelle on Thursday. New Rochelle won all three meetings during the season. Who comes out on top this time???

Freshman Tayla Gardner tossed a two-hitter and struck out six today as seventh-seeded Tappan Zee defeated second-seeded Pearl River, 2-1 in a quarterfinal. Brittni Alexander went 3 for 4, scored both Tappan Zee runs and swiped four bases. More on this game later after I finish writing my story. Tappan Zee will play at No. 3 Eastchester, which overcame No. 6 Pelham, 5-4 in 10 innings. The other game of note was fifth-seeded Clarkstown North defeating fourth-seeded John Jay-East Fishkill, 2-1.

   Here I was reading Erin’s Tuesday predictions and I’m thinking, ‘I can’t wait to read her thoughts on TZ-P. River,’ and then I read she is leaving this one up to me. And, Erin also tacks on the smily face after.

   Way to put the pressure on me Jenny. By the way, before I forget, if Pearl River Athletic Director Tom Collins was allowed to charge admission or for parking, the section would make enough money to cover any and all post-season expenses. Has anyone heard if ESPN or MSG is making the trip to Pearl River for this? Just checking. Can’t fault a guy for trying.

   Okay. Enough with ducking the issue. Erin has applied the pressure on me so here we go.

   The key for both teams is to keep the respective ignitors, Tappan Zee’s Brittni Alexander and Pearl River’s Kelly McMorrow off the bases. Both can hit, and with their speed, can turn a walk or single into a double or triple. No doubt, Tappan Zee coach Gene Kousoulas will have Julie Pacino behind the plate to negate McMorrow and Lorraine Schule’s thievery on the bases.

   From a Pearl River standpoint, Pearl River coach Mike Carlacci will not allow Pacino to beat the Pirates.  Yes, he will have windmiller Melissa Tarantino pitch to her, but not give Pacino anything down broadway. When former Horace Greeley standout and current Stanford sophomore Maddy Coon was smashing windmillers around, Carlacci had Tarantino pitch to her with good success. Should Pacino be held in check, another TZ player will have to produce, which has been the norm during TZ’s 15-1 record in its last 16 games. Keep an eye on Tricial Fairclough and Tayla Gardner.

   From a TZ point of view, Pacino’s presence behind the dish could make Pearl River think twice about taking liberties on the basepathes. TZ windmiller Michelle Wedemeier has been throwing the ball very well lately. Based on what I have seen this season, I think Pearl River has the most balanced lineup one through nine. The first five hitters though – Kelly McMorrow, Krystina Poloni, Melissa Tarantino, Jackie Bruno and Carolyn Lundemo - wield the aluminum. If Wedemeier has her curveball dancing like it did against Harrison, she will make things tough on Pearl River.

   This will be a close game and I would not be surprised if it exceeds seven innings. Both teams have sectional championships so they both know how to deal with the pressure. Both teams are sound defensively and are well-coached. It’s a darn shame that these two outstanding teams have to meet in a quarterfinal.

   I am so torn on this that I have to flip a coin. Heads for Pearl River and tails for Tappan Zee.

   I think the final score is going to be 2-1 in favor of ………… I’m flipping the coin now …..

   It’s heads – Pearl River.

   P.S. – Jenny, why couldn’t you have made this selection for me? 

Tony got this started with his final predictions.. I’m going to take it one step at a time and start with my predictions for tomorrow and reasons why.
First on tap, Class AA:
No. 8 Carmel at No. 1 Yorktown – I give this one to the Cornhuskers. Carmel has a great pitcher in Kaleigh Burke, good hitters and a good defense but I think Yorktown’s lineup top to bottom is as good as any I’ve seen this year, with Cassie Reilly-Boccia in the middle. Even pitching around her is difficult with Olivia Calcagnini likely batting behind her.
No. 5 Clarkstown North at No. 4 John Jay-East Fishkill – I have not seen North play this season but I’m going with John Jay-East Fishkill on an instinct.
No. 14 John Jay at No. 6 White Plains – I will be at this game so I guess I better be careful what I say here, haha. But I think this will be a great matchup, hence why I’m going with one of the best pitchers in the section in Gaby Torzilli for the Indians and one of the most talented young pitchers in Lauren Sputo for White Plains. It will be important for both teams to score early, with neither pitcher likely to give up many. John Jay has a lot of speed and White Plains has one of best catchers around in Sandra Mastrangelo – so attempted steals could be lots of fun to watch.
No. 7 North Rockland at No. 2 New Rochelle – I give it to the Huguenots, they beat North Rockland last week by just 3-0 but I give the edge to Jillian Schonberg. Her health will of course be important but she has had three days off and the Huguenots want this section title badly.

Class A
No. 8 Beacon at No. 1 Hen Hud – Both in the same league this year and Hen Hud defeated them soundily both times. Hen Hud moves on to set up a potential showdown with Lakeland or Brewster in the semis.
No. 13 Brewster at No. 5 Lakeland – For me, this might be the toughest call out of them all. They teams split the season meetings, with Brewster winning 1-0 and Lakeland winning 8-7. Brewster has a good lineup, especially with Kristen Sliman-Nicki Reichert-Kim Bentson-Megan Hill at top and I would guess freshman lefty Kelly Bentson will get the start since she pitched against Lourdes on Friday – and won. Lakeland has a great pitcher though in Christina Scala and as always, if they can string together some clutch hits they could have the edge.
I’m not committing to a prediction yet… I’ll check back in tomorrow.
No. 6 Pelham at No. 3 Eastchester – Old rivals are back at it. They split the season series and the league but I give this one to Eastchester.
No. 7 Tappan Zee at No. 2 Pearl River – this one I’m leaving to Tony!!

Class B
No. 9 Hastings at No. 1 Westlake – the Wildcats easily move on.
No. 4 Valhalla at No. 5 Putnam Valley – I give this one to Valhalla – they’ve had a great year and are pretty excited about it.
No. 6 Rye Neck at No. 3 Albertus Magnus – I think Albertus takes this one with their pitching strength of Erin Flaherty and Maura Power.
No. 7 Briarcliff at No. 2 Pleasantville – The old rivalry! The Panthers are young but I think they’ll move on here.

Please everyone, let’s hear your thoughts!

While Tony and I love getting lots of comments and seeing our readers enjoy dialogue, we just want to emphasize that we would appreciate clean posts only. Obviously we encourage debates about which teams will win, etc but please no insulting messages about coaches or players. That is not what we want our blog to be about. These are high school athletes – and very good ones at that – and they work very hard and we only want to recognize their accomplishments not emphasize mistakes.

Thanks everyone for your cooperation. Enjoy the weekend and I know I can’t wait for Tuesday!

   Here are the quarterfinal-round matchups for Classes AA, A and B on Tuesday. All times are 4:30 p.m.:

   Class AA –
   No. 8 Carmel at No. 1 Yorktown

   No. 5 Clarkstown North at No. 4 John Jay-East Fishkill – A game worth watching.

   No. 14 John Jay at No. 6 White Plains – Another good game.

   No. 7 North Rockland at No. 2 New Rochelle

   Class A

   No. 8 Beacon at No. 1 Hen Hud – Hen Hud wins easily.

   No. 13 Brewster at No. 5 Lakeland – Great coaching job by Brewster’s Michelle Gosh to get her team prepared for sectionals after a difficult regular season. Lakeland coach Steve Fallo is familiar with winning between volleyball and the state Class A girls title in March.

   No. 6 Pelham at No. 3 Eastchester – The rivalry continues.

   No. 7 Tappan Zee at No. 2 Pearl River – I know I will be called on the carpet for this, but, based on recent history, this has become Rockland County’s best softball rivlary. Keep an eye on Pearl River windmiller Melissa Tarantino and Tappan Zee catcher/first baseman Julie Pacino. It will be a great matchup.

   Class B

   No. 9 Hastings at No. 1 Westlake

   No. 5 Putnam Valley at No. 4 Valhalla

   No. 6 Rye Neck at No. 3 Albertus Magnus

   No. 7 Briarcliff at No. 2 Pleasantville – The Pleasantville Road rivalry renews for sectionals as Briarcliff coaches Don and Denise Hamlin match strategy with the energetic Pleasantville coach Gina Perino. 

   The Class C playoffs start with the semifinals on Wednesday because only four teams qualified.

   No. 4 Haldane at No. 1 North Salem, 4:30 p.m.

   No. 3 Blind Brook at No. 2 Dobbs Ferry, 4:30 p.m.

   Taking a page from Alan, who has been posting “Beware of the Bears,” let me note that teams should keep an eye on Harrison next year.

   Even though coach Dean Marino had just one senior on the team – Laura Briganti – and started two freshmen – Ashley Marino, Gianna (Double G) LoDolce – and an eighth-grader – Jessica Magnotta – the Huskies finished with a 12-11 record. Marino also had another freshman in Breanne Arlotta and eighth-grader in Samantha Lagana.

   Harrison achieved a first this season when it beat Brewster. It also defeated Clarkstown South in the Horace Greeley tournament. Also, after losing to Greeley, 13-0, in their first meeting, Harrison bounced back to halt Greeley, 3-1.

   This fine group of youngsters along with the leadership of juniors Tricia Forrest, Natasha Stone and Sam Mumola will thrust Harrison right into it next season.

   Ashley Marino (windmiller), Breanne Arlotta (windmiller), Gianna (Double G) LoDolce (strong-armed catcher), Jessica Magnotta (shortstop) and Samantha Lagana (shortstop/third baseman). Remember these names because you will be hearing alot about them over the next few years. And, they are all great kids!

   Impressive wins by Clarkstown North, 9-3 over Arlington, and North Rockland, 4-1 at R.C. Ketcham. Pearl River, behind a Melissa Tarantino six-hitter, cruised past Panas, and Tappan Zee defeated Harrison, 7-3.

   Nyack had its fine season under first-year coach Mary Ebner come up a run short, 4-3 to Beacon, and Catrina Delgais pitched a two-hitter, but Suffern lost, 4-1, to Carmel.

   Clarkstown North, seeded fifth, will play at No. 4 John Jay-East Fishkill Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The Rams jumped on Arlington quickly, with five first-inning runs. Kim Prevot finished with two hits and two RBI, Diana Luisi also had two hits and an RBI and Lauren Jones drove in two runs.

   North Rockland, the 10th seed, gained a measure of revenge with its 4-1 victory over No. 7 Ketcham for it was Ketcham who defeated North Rockland, 3-2, in its season-opener. Samantha Welsh struck out nine and also went 3 for 4 with an RBI. North Rockland travels to No. 2 New Rochelle Tuesday for a 4:30 p.m. quarterfinal.

   The other Class AA quarterfinals on Tuesday are N0. 14 John Jay-Cross River at No. 6 White Plains and No. 1 Yorktown hosting No. 8 Carmel.

   Let me issue a word of advice from now, if you plan on attending the Tappan Zee-Pearl River Class A quarterfinal game Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. may I suggest arriving early. This is the game of the tournament at any level.

   These teams met in the Pearl River tournament title game in early April and the Pirates prevailed, 6-1. However, I’m sure Pearl River coach Mike Carlacci and his players would tell you this is not the same Tappan Zee team they saw that day. Tappan Zee was still acclimating itself to a new season and adjusting to the graduation losses. Since a 2-5 start, Tappan Zee is 16-1.

   This game features two of Section 1’s premier players and Rockland’s two best players – Tappan Zee catcher/first baseman Julie Pacino and Pearl River windmiller/hitter Melissa Tarantino. It also features two of Section 1’s finest centerfielders in Pearl River’s Kelly McMorrow and Tappan Zee’s Brittni Alexander. Both are their respective team’s lead-off hitters, both can get on base and will use their speed to wreak havoc on the opposition, and they are both excellent defensively.

   This should be the ESPN game of the week, or at least the MSG high school game of the week.

   The other Class A quarters on Monday include No. 8 Beacon at No. 1 Hen Hud, No. 5 Lakelandand coach Steve Fallo hosting No. 13 Brewster and coach Michelle Gosh, and No. 3 Eastchester taking on No. 6 Pelham and coach Keith Maley. The Lakeland-Brewster game has the makings of a good one.

   Albertus Magnus will begin play in Class B on Tuesday. The third seed will host sixth-seeded Rye Neck and the wife-husband coaching tandem of Joan and Frank Spedafino.

Well as Tony’s post told everyone, Brewster beat Lourdes in 10 innings.. I think I might nominate that one as game of the day!!
Freshman lefty Kelly Bentson went all 10 innings for the Bears, allowing no earned runs and just four hits while striking out nine. What a job!! Catherine McNamara and Jess Greisenger had the big hits for Brewster in the tenth.
Brewster now plays Lakeland on Tuesday, what a great game that will be.

In my game today, Carmel beat Suffern 4-1. Kaleigh Burke did not walk a batter and allowed just three hits for Carmel. Catrina Delgais pitched a two-hitter with eight strikeouts for Suffern. Her rise ball was working well and Burke did a good job pitching in and low. Both Carmel hits were by Kim Frost.
Shortstop Danielle Basciano continues to impress me with her hitting and play in the field. The Mounties had the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth and Burke got a strikeout and then hit Kristin Schmidt to bring home a run for the 1-0 lead. Burke then got another strikeout and with the bases still loaded, Brittany Massaro hit a ball towards third. It was just by Frost but Basciano had a great heads-up play, quickly moving behind Frost, getting the ball and stepping on third to end the inning – and what could have been a huge inning for the Mounties.
Carmel scored all four of their runs in the fourth, all unearned off Delgais.
The Rams now face No. 1 Yorktown on Tuesday. The Cornhuskers beat Greeley today as the amazing Cassie Reilly-Boccia hit yet another home run – her 11th of the season – and was walked two other times up. Our colleague, Dan Kiernan, covered the game and said it was quite a shot – right over the fence.
John Jay beat Yonkers behind a perfect game from Gaby Torzilli with 15 strikeouts. The Indians play White Plains on Tuesday… I will be there to cover that game!
Jillian Schonberg pitched a no-hitter over Mamaroneck in New Ro’s win with nine strikeouts. The Huguenots take on North Rockland on Tuesday.
Noelle McDonough pitched a two-hitter for Eastchester over Sleepy Hollow. The Eagles will take on a familiar foe in Pelham on Tuesday… as I mentioned before, the two teams split the season series and the league title.
Of course arguably the best game on Tuesday will be Tappan Zee-Pearl River, a game worthy of the section final.
What does everyone think are the biggest surprises of today? Or the best performances? Anyone want to change any predictions??
And a happy Memorial Day weekend to all!

Softball Section 1 tournament First round Class AA Clarkstown North 9, Arlington 3 New Rochelle 9, Mamaroneck 0 Yorktown 8, Horace Greeley 1 Carmel 4, Suffern 1 White Plains 10, Lincoln 0 John Jay 8, Yonkers 0 – Gaby Torzilli throws a perfect game John Jay-East Fishkill 5, Scarsdale 3 North Rockland 4, R.C. Ketcham 1 Class A Pearl River 8, Panas 0 Tappan Zee 7, Harrison 3 Eastchester 4, Sleepy Hollow 0 Pelham 4, Somers 3 Lakeland 10, Ardsley 1 Brewster 3, Our Lady of Lourdes 1, 10 Beacon 4, Nyack 3 Class B Hastings 3, Nanuet 0