Ramapo Softball Preview

While most teams in North Jersey have been getting their reps in the gym while they wait for their fields to dry out, the Lady Raiders have been soaking in the sun (and the at bats) down in Florida for spring training.

Coach Leslie Stephen and her softball team began this yearly preseason ritual seven years ago, and it has been hugely beneficial for the program.

Not only do they get to play 10 scrimmages that won’t be impacted by weather, but they also have a chance to get closer as a team.

“You get to have that team bonding, that chemistry that comes with being together 24/7 for six days,” said Coach Stephen.  “That’s a terrific thing.”

The sunny Florida weather has allowed the coach to really get a chance to evaluate all of her players, something that is tough to do inside a gymnasium.  Every player gets their chance at several different positions and everyone bats in the lineup, ensuring that everyone is getting their at-bats.

Like Mickey Hunt and the , Stephen also thinks that last year was a bit of a disappointment.  Her team has used that as motivation this preseason.

“We know where we want to get back to.  We certainly have the goal of being contenders in the league, the county, and the states.”

Stephen says that Ramapo’s “youth and inexperience” hurt last season.  The Raiders did hand eventual state champion Indian Hills on the year, but lost to a 13-loss Mahwah team the next game.  The Raiders have the talent, but Stephen says the team must be more consistent.

The coach noted that last year only one or two of her players would be hitting during a given game, while the rest would struggle.  This year Ramapo hopes to get “more offensive production from the entire lineup.”

Five players Stephen knows will be producers are her five returning senior starters.  Tori Sobel (P), Alyssa Nacco (C), Christine Boylan (SS), Emily Brown (CF), and Sil Imbimbo (RF) all return to the starting lineup for what they hope to be a strong final year.

As a young team in 2010, several freshman got valuable playing time throughout the season.  In 2011, Stephen believes that this strong core of sophomores will “step up and be factors for us this year.”

A surprise this spring has been the emergence of Melanie Psota.  The freshman can play third base, pitch, and has been one of the best batters for the Raiders this preseason.

This season’s Lady Raiders are a year older, a year more experienced and they are ready to be contenders.   Coach Stephen says that her group is “ultra-motivated” after missing the state cut last year.  She believes the key to getting back there this year will be playing consistently day in and day out.

“We have to tighten up our defense, we have to make fewer mistakes, and I think it comes down to the hitting; we have to bat consistently through the lineup,” said Stephen.