Will the 2015 season shine for HSMSE softball?

The High School for Math, Science and Engineering Dragons softball team is facing several challenges in the 2015 spring season in Manhattan's B-IV Division. With an injured captain, the graduation of four seniors, and a possible shortage of players, the team is looking to work harder to continue their success from previous seasons.

Coach Crystal Downey / HSMSE Sports

The softball team had a strong season in 2014 with a division-leading 10-2 record. Coach Crystal Downey credits that the team has made good progress since starting in the developmental league.

“The team has been successful for the past three years, and we will carry on with that success,” she said.

In the upcoming season the softball team will be without four of last year’s seniors who played key roles in their past accomplishments, especially shortstop Donna Fintzi who had 29 hits and two home runs last season. Downey is confident that her team can overcome this obstacle.

“Last year’s seniors definitely helped us out,” said Downey. “So I definitely think it’s going to have an impact, but we’ll just have to work harder.”

The team’s second baseman and captain, Anya Batista, will be sidelined indefinitely for the upcoming season. A knee injury suffered in the fall will prevent her from playing; however, Downey believes in the girls’ sense of teamwork.

“Her injury will also have an impact since we have another girl down,” she said. “However our girls tend to work harder under pressure, and when they’re in situations that the team has to build together, the team is usually more successful.”

With the imbalance of male and female students at HSMSE, there is a possibility of not having enough players for a safety buffer. A softball team must have at least nine players on the team, and with five less players to start the season, the team needs enough new players to fill up the roster. Despite only 10 players returning, Downey is not concerned, and is sure that they will have a sufficient amount of new players.

“I am confident that we will have enough girls coming out for the team so that won’t be a situation for us,” she said. “We have strong girls coming on the team for the first time so I think we’ll be okay.”

Written by Muhammad Abid Hasan & Mohammed Kabir

HSMSE softball reaches for new heights in a new division

HSMSE Softball team / HSMSE Facebook

The HSMSE softball team has finally moved up to the B division after three years in the developmental division. The team shows a promising future after their undefeated season. This year will not be easy as the team has to endure more practice and more games against tougher opponents.

The developmental division featured new teams that are looking to be placed into a PSAL division.

“The pitchers weren’t very strong in developmental,” junior Anya Batista said.

The move to the B division has more than just stronger opponents, there are also more games.

“We will have to be determined until the end,” senior Jillian Nixon said.

The number of practices will also increase, and fatigue will definitely come into play. Practice will run throughout the longer season, requiring players to show their dedication.

“Many of the girls will be tired towards the end of the season but we all want to win,” said Batista.

The team will face tougher pitching and hitting.

“We have a really good pitcher, Taylor [Faulds], who I think pitches at a college level. Practicing against her will make our hitting stronger,” Batista said.

Faulds led the team in strikeouts and was their primary pitcher last season and was a big contribution to the team.

The team looks very solid with many good freshman trying out. With the players that are already on the team, the team has a great chance at making the playoffs.

The Lady Dragons are ready to move upward

HSMSE girls' softball team - HSMSE PTA 

The HSMSE girls' softball team finished the 2013 season undefeated and will most likely advance to the Manhattan B division next spring. They were placed in the developmental league because they were a relatively new team in the PSAL but should be moving up since they finished the season with a great record.

In the 2013 season the team had six seniors, which made up more than a third of the team. Fortunately, a majority of underclassmen will make up for the loss of the seniors.The new athletes this season showed their dedication to the team and proved that they are ready play next season.

“The freshman are devoted, they come to every practice and even our games to show their support.” said coach Crystal Downey.

Of the underclassmen this season, freshman Taylor Faulds stands out from the rest of the team, mainly because of her experience as a softball player. Her pitching has been consistent, and made a difference on the team. She ended this season with a 0.70 ERA, which contributed to their undefeated season by giving the opposing teams a hard time to scoring.

The team is putting in more effort with Coach Downey, who is a big factor in their great record this season.The team doubled their practice time from two days a week, to four days a week and even started practicing on the weekends.

 “Ms. Downey is a much more thorough coach and always makes sure we are ready for the games,” said second basemen Katherine Marlowe.

contributed by Nasif Chowdhury 

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