Rams Adapt To Change Within Softball Program

March 31, 2010 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School senior Allison Fountain has been an invaluable member of the softball team. A catcher growing up for the Cheshire Wildcats fast pitch travel program, she transitioned to first base for the last two years at CHS. Through hard work and determination, she consistency fielded her position and contributed to a defensive emphasis.
However for her final season, Fountain is going back to her roots behind the plate. Graduated catcher Emily Amento had a stellar career with the glove and bat.
“It's a new start at the high school,” said Fountain, who will continue competing at Lesley University (Boston, Mass.). “I'm excited to play the position I love.”
“She will be taking on a young pitching staff,” explained Cheshire Head Coach Maureen DiSorbo. “Allison is one of most versatile players. She is a vocal leader.”
DiSorbo is positive about players stepping into new roles. Amento, along with Kim Silva, Linda Amarante, and Cassidy Kushner, were four-year starters. Fellow graduate Christina Orcutt also contributed on the mound, as Cheshire captured their first two Housatonic Division titles outright since 1995.
“Right now, I think we are still contenders for the Housy, as well as the SCC (Southern Connecticut Conference),” said DiSorbo. “I think we graduated some big offensive leaders. Emily, Linda, and Kim were second, third, and fourth hitters in our lineup. Hitting is our focus at this point and I think we have girls that are capable of big things. They just need more experience right now.”
“We lost a lot of key players, but return some great players. There are great freshmen,” added shortstop Gina Gongaware, a senior captain with Fountain and second baseman Lindsay Pandajis. “We are excited to see what we can do this year.”
Defense and pitching remain the backbone of Cheshire's philosophy. The three seniors provide leadership up the middle. Fountain, Gongaware, and Pandajis are starting for the third straight year. They each compiled a fielding percentage over .940 last season.
“I enjoy the fact that they are captains. It's a luxury that they enjoy the game and have such a close friendship,” DiSorbo reflected. “I feel really confident with our defense. When you have new pitchers, your defense has to be strong. We anticipate the ball being put in play this year. They are excited about it.”
Pandajis and Gongaware teamed up as fourth graders, playing for the Wildcats 10-and-under team.
“We have confidence in each other. I know where she will be,” explained Pandajis.
While some players haven't seen extended varsity time, they don't lack for experience. Travel softball pits girls against tough competition during the off-season.
DiSorbo is looking for players to step into pivotal spots at pitcher and first base. Amarante (C.W. Post University-Brookville, New York) and Orcutt provided pitching depth for the last two years, throwing from the left- and right-hand side, respectively.
“That is something that will develop. It helps having the scrimmages where you can put the girls under pressure and see who steps up,” DiSorbo added. “It is about hitting your spots. The defense will shift according to the pitch, so they have to trust that the ball will be in the right location.”
Junior Brittany Orcutt, Christina's sister, joins sophomore Alyssa Cavanaugh and freshman Nicole D'Amato on this year's staff. Brittany Orcutt saw limited varsity action in her first two seasons. Cavanaugh also helped the Junior Varsity team earn a 16-3 record in 2009. Both returning girls share a secondary position at first base.
“At the moment, she (Brittany Orcutt) has the most experience. She is hitting 70 percent of her spots, which is good right now,” said DiSorbo. “Cavanaugh pitched on JV (Junior Varsity), but she has the size to fit into the field. She will definitely fit into the varsity team in some capacity.”
D'Amato is a strong newcomer and provides an extensive background. USA Elite Training Owner Jen Hapanowicz, who coached 2009 Masuk High School graduate/national record-holder Rachele Fico, works with D'Amato outside high school.
“She has great potential. Only she can tell me if she is ready for varsity,” explained DiSorbo. “Her bat is strong and will fit into a three, four, or five spot. Nicole has a great fastball and deep drop ball.”
“Each pitcher is different,” added Fountain. “I have to adapt to all of them.”
Likewise, there is opportunity inside the batting order. DiSorbo believes junior Ali Giannone can have a breakout year in transitioning from outfield to third base. Silva (University of Connecticut) was a fixture through the clean-up position where she earned Offensive Player of the Year for the past three seasons. Giannone has displayed power while playing varsity for three years.
“Ali has been ripping the ball and hitting line drives,” stated DiSorbo. “She has shown potential in the past.”
Sophomore outfielders Anna Marcucilli and Caroline Kushner, Cassidy's sister, were immediate starters last year. Marcucilli translates athleticism to center field, while Caroline can also back up the middle infield. Classmate Chelsea Mongillo was utilized as a courtesy runner last year.
“I have confidence in Anna. She will go all out to get the ball. She is ball of energy,” said DiSorbo. “Caroline is a natural leader. She accumulated herself to the varsity lineup. She isn't scared and took everything in stride.”
Cheshire did lose versatility, when sophomore Gina Buzzelli didn't return to the team. DiSorbo does like the potential of Fountain's freshman sister, Lauren.
“Lauren is athletic and has offensive skills. I think she will develop vocally,” stated DiSorbo.
Lyman Hall (April 19, May 5) will provide tough competition, as the Rams strive for a third straight Housatonic title. The Trojans, led by junior pitcher Lauren Zambrano, won their first SCC Championship last season. Amity (April 28, May 13) is traditionally Cheshire's top rival. Sheehan (April 23, May 10) and Shelton (April 21, May 7) also compete within the division.
“Lauren Zambrano and Lyman Hall will be our nemesis. She is one of the top three or four pitchers in the state,” explained DiSorbo.
Cheshire kicks off the season at Daniel Hand (April 7, 4:15 p.m.; April 30). Hand, North Haven (April 9, May 3), and Mercy (April 26, May 12) also captured their divisions last season. Cheshire is using live pitching to prepare for the season.
“We've always hit faster pitching more. I think we will see more slower speeds and we have to be able to adjust before the seventh inning,” DiSorbo said. “I think there will be a lot of offensive numbers in the SCC this year.”
The SCC title has been elusive since 2002. Cheshire held the top seed in each of the last two years, only to be eliminated by Amity. Cheshire took a 3-1 semifinal loss in 10 innings last season.
“We've been so close every year,” said Gongaware. “I think this year, is a goal for us.”
The seniors have played the best during their career. Cheshire battled Masuk (top seed) to a scoreless stalemate before losing 1-0 in the 2009 Class LL quarterfinals. The game went 10 innings again.
“Time has flown by playing softball for three years. It (being captains) is a good way to finish high school,” reflected Pandajis.