Seniors Principe, Lonero Lead Young Parsippany Softball Team

Coming off an 18-win season and reaching the state sectional semifinals, the Parsippany High softball team may encounter some growing pains this season.

Overview

Heading into the season, Parsippany High first-year head softball coach Michelle Nicoletta and her Red Hawks squad know that they have some work ahead of them. With the team's two starting pitchers from 2010 graduated, Nicoletta will rely on a number of underclassmen to help Parsippany have a successful season.

Last season's results

The Red Hawks had a successful 2010 campaign, finishing 18-9, losing 3-2 to Rutherford High in a North Jersey Section 2, Group II semifinals.

Keep your eye on

• Kelsey Principe, Center fielder (Sr.)—A leader both on and off the field, Principe is one of very few seniors returning this season. Look for a big year from the Red Hawk center fielder.
• Vicki Lonero, Third base (Sr.)—Lonero is another returning starter for the Red Hawks and her experience on the diamond will be crucial to the maturation of this team.
• Alex Rigoli, Shortstop (Jr.)— Rigoli makes the move from catcher to shortstop and Nicoletta believes that she’ll prove to be effective both in the field and in the No. 3 spot in the linuep.

They'll miss

• Brianna Rossi—As one of Parsippany’s starting pitchers and the team’s No. 3 hitter, Rossi’s departure leaves a hole in the Red Hawk lineup.

• Brittany Serrao—Another of Parsippany’s starting pitchers, Serrao batted behind Rossi in the Red Hawk lineup last season. 

 COACH'S TAKE

“We lost a lot of key players, but this year we’re looking for positives. We have a lot of newcomers that are out on the field this year, but they’re working hard. We moved a couple of people around to different positions but they’re young still and they’re developing. We just want to make sure that everyone is developing into a better softball player altogether.”—Nicoletta

They said it

“I think we’re doing well so far. We weren’t really expected to do so well this season, but through our first scrimmages, that’s been proven wrong. We’re doing a lot of team bonding and we’re trying to make all [the underclassmen] feel included, which normally helps step up their game.—Lonero

“I think this year we have some stuff to work on, but with hard work and dedication, we can reach our full potential. We have some positions to fill but I think we’re working on it and we should have that covered by [opening day].”—Principe