HSMSE softball team navigates inconsistent schedule to postseason

The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering girls’ softball team battled an inconsistent schedule to earn a playoff appearance in the 2017 season. The team relied on contributions from all players to navigate their cancellations and make the postseason.

This year the Dragons had six games postponed due to rain issues. The constant inclement weather forced the team to play games on an erratic schedule. During a 19-day span they managed to only play one game; however, coach Crystal Downey viewed the cancellations as a chance for the team to work on their skills.

“We believed that the rainouts were an opportunity to have extra practice,” Downey said. “We used [the postponements] to our advantage.”

Despite all the changes, the Dragons were still able to return to the playoffs after winning the PSAL B League Championship in 2016. The Dragons went 8-6 and placed third in their division. The team had to reposition and move around the players to where they fit best on the field after losing some key starters like Taylor Faulds and Hillary Rodriguez. Captain and pitcher Annabelle Shultz attributed the team’s success to sticking together as a unit and playing as a whole.

“Because we’ve been practicing so much we all bonded together,” Shultz said. “Even though all the rain did mess up our schedule, we still remained a team so we played very well together.”

With the Dragons playing as infrequently as they were scheduled, they had to depend on a strong core to keep the team’s energy up. Nine of the 15 players that were on the roster were first year players, so they had to rely on guidance from the experienced veterans. Shultz was able to ascend into that role and provide the necessary leadership to propel the team into the playoffs.

“I just understood that even though things might not go your way you have to remain positive,” Shultz said. “Keep your team up and that’s all what it’s about, just spirit.”

While the Dragons lost their first round playoff game, the adversity they battled during the season made this year a success. They were able to bring a team that consisted of nine first year players and still advanced to the postseason despite losing key players from last year and an unpredictable schedule.

- Contributing author - Gabriel Cuilan

Dragons' softball team step up to the plate

HSMSE Softball Team Photo/photo taken by: HSMSE PTA

For three years the High School for Math Science and Engineering softball team has been in the developmental league, but their recent and rapid improvement may be enough to promote them to the Manhattan B division in 2014. The Lady Dragons ended their regular season with a 5-0-1 record, a huge improvement from their 4-6 record in 2012.

Their coach brought out the potential that the players had. Coach Crystal Downey gave the team more time to play and get a feel for the game.

“The change in coaches was definitely positive, at the start we didn't really have real practices for fielding or hitting. Now Ms.Downey is a much more thorough with us; she is a lot more strict,” said senior outfielder Hannah Creutzfeldt.

“They were all very committed. We became more competitive,” said Coach Downey.

In addition to the increase of their overall skill level, freshman contributed a big part in the improvement of the Lady Dragons.One key freshmen that played an important role in the team’s success was Taylor Faulds. Her dominant pitching resulted in an average of one run per seven innings earning her 0.70 ERA.  

The High School for Math Science and Engineering softball team ranked at the top of the developmental league, finishing the season undefeated. Their play shows that they are ready for a higher division and Downey predicts that the team is prepared for the challenge.

“The team will do well, but will not be undefeated,” said Downey.

Contributed by: Alex Long

The improving girls softball team

HSMSE Softball / Jane Marlowe

Unlike last year, in which they lost all their games, the HSMSE girls softball team, is off to a better start this year. Last season they had no wins, but this season they have already won three games. With their improvements the developmental team may enter the B-division next season.


The Lady Dragons have made improvements in their play due to a change of coach and the amount of practice. The new coach, Crystal Downey, has increased practice to three to four times a week. Their fielding has improved greatly, with better outfielders and defense. However, the team is weak in many areas. Right fielder, Yemi Osayame, explained, “Our fielding has gotten way better, but our batting needs improvement.” The team’s pitching, too, has been inconsistent. With ERAs of 26.00 and 15.40, respectively, pitchers Diana Acosta and Claudia Lobenthal must improve.


The Dragons are strong in many ways. Key players on the team are freshman Anya Batista and senior Samantha Kombel. Kombel is one of the best contributors to the team. Kombel leads the team with a batting average of .739. She appeared on base 23 times and got 12 runs. Kombel has had much improvement since last year when she was only able to get one hit and run. Batista is also an outstanding addition to the group. She has been on base 19 times and has scored 14 runs. She has a great batting average of .737. Hopefully, Batista and Kombel will be able to lead the Dragons to many more wins.