[dropcap]D[/dropcap]espite graduating a handful of key players last spring, it appears as though the Rye Neck softball team hasn’t lost a step in 2016. Over the course of their first 11 games, the Panthers are off to a blistering start, posting a 10-1 record and establishing themselves as the top team in Class B. Last week, Rye Neck was able to outlast reigning Class C champion Tuckahoe in a thrilling 10-inning contest before rolling over Edgemont and Irvington to keep their winning streak alive.
The Panthers came away with a 2-1 win against the Tuckahoe Tigers on Tuesday, April 26, thanks to a walk-off hit by Jackie DeCicco, as Rye Neck ace Olivia Dunne and Tuckahoe hurler Cassie McGrath squared off in an epic pitchers’ duel that ended with a combined 34 strikeouts (Dunne had 20) compiled by the two standouts.
According to Rye Neck coach Joan Spedafino, the win against Tuckahoe helped to reinvigorate the squad, which went on to win its next two games 11-1 and 6-0. The Panthers have now won five straight games since their 19-4 loss to Ardsley on April 18.
“We didn’t play our best in the Ardsley game, but the Tuckahoe game was great,” Spedafino said. “That’s the kind of game that you really want to reflect on at the end of the season.”
Much of Rye Neck’s success this season has been due in large part to the emergence of Dunne, who fanned 16 Edgemont batters on Thursday, April 28 to eclipse the 100-strikeout mark this year. Spedafino said that Dunne was eager to step into the role this year and showed promise as soon as the team began winter workouts.
“She worked all fall, she didn’t play volleyball, and the first time we got together in January, I was amazed at her strength,” the coach said. “I knew she worked really hard and she’s done a great job for us.”
When she isn’t recording strikeouts, Dunne has been able to rely upon a young infield group that has gelled nicely thus far.
“I’m pleased with the way we’ve adjusted,” Spedafino said. “We lost five seniors from last year, we’ve got a brand new infield and they’ve really come together.”
The Panthers will look to continue their winning streak this week, but will face a good test from Class A Mamaroneck on Friday, May 6, after press time, before hosting Pelham and Saunders in a round-robin tournament the following day.
“We’re just going to try to do what we’ve been doing all year,” Spedafino said. “That means playing good defense and getting good pitching.”
