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Health & Fitness

Saint John Vianney Softball Has One Goal For 2014; Repeat

Have Outscored Seasons First Two Opponents 35-0

By Mike Ready

HOLMDEL – The Lancers dream of repeating as Non-Public A champions was dealt two major blows before the season even started.

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Their captain and first team All-State pitcher Katie Beriont sustained an ACL tear to her left knee during a state tournament playoff game against Red Bank Catholic, ending her high school athletic career.

In addition, junior Claire Stefanelli, last season’s starting left fielder, went down with an ACL injury to her knee in the Shore Conference semifinals and is out for the year as well.

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The Notre Dame bound Beriont, 43-3 for her career, was lights out last season for the Lancers, going 26-2 with 15 shutouts, 235 strikeouts and a .062 earned run average. She was a terror at the plate as well, hitting .438 with 35 hits, 18 RBI’s, nine 2B and one HR. Stefanelli hit .387 last season and drove in 22 runs.

Even with the loss of Beriont and Stefanelli the Lancers, winners of 29 games last season, are ranked No.5 in the Star Ledger preseason state poll and No.1 in the Asbury Park Press Shore Conference Poll.

The Lancers, minus Beriont and Stefanelli still return six starters from last season’s team which won the Class A Central with a 14-0 record, the Monmouth County Tournament, the Non-Public South A title and the Non-Public A title. They lost to Toms River East, 3-1, in the Shore Conference Tournament finals, a loss that propelled them into their post-season run and eventual championship. At seasons end they were voted the No.1 team in New Jersey.

Junior Ashley Ventura is handed the unenviable task of replacing Beriont after starting at first base last season and hitting .275 with 22 hits, 24 RBI’s, HR, and six 2B. On the mound, she went 3-0 in 14.2 IP with 21 strikeouts, so she does possess some valuable experience from the circle.

First team All-State selection Jackie Gallagher returns to shortstop for her senior year. Gallagher led the Shore Conference with 53 hits while batting .510 with 40 RBI’s, HR, 3 2B and 3 3B.

Second baseman Erica Krumbine is back after recording a .438 batting average with 35 hits including three doubles and 19 RBI’s while being named second team All-Shore last year as a sophomore.

Also returning in the infield is third baseman Marlena Bevilacqua after batting .317 with 20 hits and 21 runs scored. She was a demon on the base baths stealing 14 bases and was flawless in the field from the hot corner.

Taking over at first base this season for Ventura is freshman Megan Masi. “Meg is very confident and eager to learn,” head coach Kim Lombardi said. “She works hard to get things done the right way and I have very high expectations for her.”

Another freshman, Gianna Mavica, gets the starting nod in centerfield for the Lancers this season taking over for graduated first team All-Shore performer Amanda Durham.

“Gianna is my leadoff batter and she really knows the game of softball,” Lombardi said. “She’s an exceptional hitter and I have high expectations for her as well.”

“Neither of these freshmen feels any pressure,” Lombardi added. “They stay calm, focused and get the job done.”

Back in right field is first team All-Shore pick Katie Baron. The senior standout led the team with 36 RBI’s and homers with eight. She hit .367 with 30 hits, five 2B and 12 stolen bases. Baron smacked a solo shot in the Lancers 4-2 over Immaculate Heart in championship game.

Filling Stefanelli’s spot in left field will be a combination of sophomore Helena Coppola, last season’s designated hitter, junior Victoria Mohoney and junior Brianna Keelan. Coppola, who batted .351 with 16 RBI’s last season, will also see time at DH. Lombardi plans to rotate the three until one player finds a permanent home there.

Junior Michelle King is back behind the plate and will see more at bats this season after serving as the primary flex last season. She is an excellent defensive catcher with a very strong arm.

Junior Jess Carlucci will get the bulk of the starts as the designated hitter.

At the time of printing, the Lancers had won their first two games, 25-0 over Rumson Fair Haven and 10-0 over Shore Regional. Ventura threw a four inning no hitter on opening day, striking out eight and walking one in the mercy rule win over Rumson and tossed seven innings of shutout ball, striking out 10 while giving up four hits in their win over Shore. The Lancers banged out 32 hits in the two wins with five home runs, two by Ventua.

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