Up and At'cha!

The 2008 Courier News varsity softball preview is out today, and, as usual, CN scholastic editor Tom Rysinski did a phenomenal job of laying it out along with the rest of the Varsity section.

Most of the Skyland Conference preview capsules can also be found online here, while the feature on Elora Daniele can be accessed here.

For some reason, the Top 10 did not appear in the paper or online, so here it is:



2008 SOFTBALL PRESEASON TOP 10
1. Hunterdon Central - Jenna Carmon, Jenny Harabedian, Meghan Everett and Erica Gaeta head a meaty list of returning stars

2. Bridgewater-Raritan - Lost just one starter to graduation. Returns ace Lauren Fitzsimmons and slugger Lindsay Durant, among others.

3. Montgomery - Katherine Stoltenberg is a big graduation loss, but with Elora Daniele in the circle and at the plate, as well as plenty of other returning starters, the Cougars will always be a factor.

4. North Hunterdon - Losing Sam Pellechio hurts bad, but North should still have enough to make a run.

5. Westfield - Cyndil Matthew is one of the top talents in the state, and the Blue Devils have plenty to choose from to replace Lauren Brown in the circle.

6. Hillsborough - Megan McInaw is a fantastic two-way player, plus coach Cheryl Iaione always finds a way to have her team right in the thick of things.

7. Scotch Plains-Fanwood - Kelly Cianciotta is one of the most exciting players in the area, she heads a list of returning starters that should have the Raiders raring to go in the Watchung Conference and the UCT.

8. Immaculata - How do you replace a player like Jen Lapicki? You simply don't. Kaitlyn Piazzolla will have to be lights out in the circle and take advantage of every opportunity with runners in scoring position while at the plate. Sophomore Shuana Mulkerin should also be a big factor.

9. Watchung Hills - Lydia deMartino is as talented as any of her peers in the conference. As she goes, so will the Warriors.

10. Somerville - The Pioneers boast some talented arms, it's just a matter of it all coming together.


If you haven't already, check out the season's first edition of the Bats and Balls PODCAST.

Lots of shtick, lots of substance.