It was another stellar softball season in Brooklyn.
There weren’t any champions crowned in 2017, but borough squads still managed to impress from opening pitch. Telecommunications and James Madison led the charge in the Public Schools Athletic League, both making strong runs in the ‘A’ playoffs, while Fontbonne Hall rang up a handful of impressive Catholic League performances.
Poly Prep, once again, captured a state championship berth and while the Blue Devils came up short in the final, the young squad still set a standard for success.
Of course, none of that would be possible without the talented players on each roster. Here they are, the best of the best:
Player of the Year:
Thalia Santiago, Sr., High School of Telecommunication Arts & Technology
Santiago posted a 5–3 record and a 2.91 earned run average during the regular season, leading the Brooklyn ‘A’ division with 132 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched. At the plate, she hit .652 in 46 regular-season at bats, driving in 31 runs andd dddracking up 14-extra base hits, including five home runs.
Coach of the Year:
Mildred Piscopo, Poly Prep
The Blue Devils weren’t able to defend their state championship this season, coming up short against rival Fieldston in the Association of Independent Schools final, but Piscopo and Poly still managed to impress this spring. The young squad battled a handful of early-season injuries and most players competed out-of-position for much for the year. Still, Piscopo is convinced the future is bright, and her players already have their sights set on a title run next spring.
FIRST TEAM
Pitcher, Ava O’Mara, Sr., Poly Prep
The unquestioned leader of the Blue Devils, O’Mara was the foundation of another strong season at Poly Prep. O’Mara averaged double-digit strikeouts per game, and provided much-needed veteran presence on a young roster. She also chipped in with a strong bat at the plate.
Pitcher: Alyssa Curiale, Fr., James Madison
The first-year starter had big shoes to fill on the mound, but Curiale didn’t miss a beat this spring. She went 12–2 during the regular season with a 3.09 earned run average, but it was her strikeout ability that was most impressive. Curiale racked up 102 strikeouts in 95 regular season innings, and added another 16 K’s in 14 playoff innings.
Pitcher: Brittany Kern, Sr., Lafayette
Kern didn’t post the best record in the league, finishing 8–4, but she was nothing short of a strikeout machine this spring, racking up 118 K’s in 76 innings pitched, one of the top performances at any level in Brooklyn this spring.
Infield: Jelissa Palenque, Sr., Fort Hamilton
A multi-year standout for the Tigers, Palenque wrapped up her high-school career in hard-hitting fashion. She posted a .522 average during the regular season — the third best in the Brooklyn ‘A’ division – and knocked out 12 extra-base hits, including six home runs.
Infield: Marie Sapp Goleski, Jr., Millennium High School
The shortstop had her best offensive season this spring, hitting a team-best .563, with a .632 on-base percentage and 1.063 slugging percentage. Goleski drove in 21 runs in 48 regular-season at bats and connected on 14 extra-base hits, including three home runs. She was most impressive on the basepaths, however, swiping 26 stolen bases.
Infield: Jasmine Espinal, Jr., Grand Street Campus
Espinal did a bit of everything at the plate for the Lady Wolves this season. She hit a team-best .480 with a .536 on-base percentage, connecting on 24 hits and driving in 18 runs. Her productivity at the plate included five doubles, two triples and five home runs — and just three strikeouts in 50 at bats.
Outfield: Morgan O’Mara, Sr., Poly Prep
Another much-needed veteran presence for the Blue Devils, O’Mara patrolled the outfield with confidence and consistency this spring. She was a calming presence in the field, and added a spark at the plate, including a strong performance in the state semifinals.
Outfield: Jenna Mindrebo, Jr., Fort Hamilton
Mindrebo, a multi-position standout for the Tigers, was successful no matter where she was in the field. She posted a .521 batting average during the regular season, driving in 21 runs with nine extra-base hits, including four home runs. She struck out just four times and also took the mound on occasion, notching a 2–0 record with 28 strikeouts in 35 innings.
Outfield: Samantha Marletta, Sr., Fontbonne Hall
Marletta provided some experience for the young Bonnies this season, hitting .342 with 13 hits and 11 runs scored. She added a veteran voice in the Fontbonne dugout this year.
Utility: Karen Gil, Jr., Bushwick Campus
There were few players in the city who were as productive as Gil this season. The junior hit a blistering .882 during the regular season with a league-leading .929 on-base percentage and a 1.059 slugging percentage. She connected on 30 hits in 34 at bats, with 19 RBI and just four strikeouts. Gil didn’t slow down in the postseason either, going 9-for-11 with three runs scored and three extra-base hits.
Utility: Kristen Gutekunst, Sr., HS of Telecommunication Arts & Technology
A constant presence for the Yellow Jackets throughout her high-school career, Gutekunst actually got better as the year went on. She hit .481 during the regular season and hit .571 in a pair of playoff games. By the end of the year Gutekunst drove in 21 total runs, rapped out 29 hits and scored 14 runs. She struck out just twice in 59 at-bats.
Catcher: Kristina Petrosino, Sr., Bishop Kearney
Petrosino, a team captain, was an offensive force this spring. She hit .743, connected on six home runs and competed in the Mayor’s Cup. Petrosino will attend Adelphi University next season.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Pitcher: Jamie Morrison, Fr., Millennium High School
Pitcher: Jessica Ariza, Sr., HS of Telecommunication Arts & Technology
Pitcher: Alexandra Torres, Sr., Grand Street Campus
Pitcher: Adrianna Heinsch, Fr., Fontbonne Hall
Infield: Nikki Curreri, So., William E. Grady
Infield: Julie Greenspan, Sr., Midwood
Infield: Yanessi Jusino, Sr., Harry Van Arsdale
Infield: Natalie LaCognata, Sr., Fontbonne Hall
Infield: Victoria Brown, Sr., Nazareth
Outfield: Erica Foresca, Sr., St. Saviour
Catcher: Jane Malafronte, Jr., Poly Prep
Utility: Keira Matos, Sr., Nazareth
