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Sports

Dayton Softball Aims to Improve

With a new coach, the lady bulldogs aim to make states.

If the Dayton softball program were  a construction site, the sign out front would read "Work In Progress."

That's because after last season's three-win campaign, Dayton High School thought it was time for a change. The Bulldogs jettisoned head coach Eric Halpern and brought in Wendy Saladino to right the ship.

Saladino, a Dayton alum, said although the squad basically returns intact, she needed to break them down before building them up again.

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"These guys want to be good," said Saladino following a recent scrimmage. "We're young but that's ok because they want to learn. It's better than having a team full of seniors because I can mold them."

The new coach said it's almost to her advantage to have a developing team because with seniors, they "soak up what you taught them and then just like that, they leave."

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Well, the former Montclair State University star has plenty of green to grow because this batch of Bulldogs are just pups when it comes to establishing a winning culture. Dayton is returning only three seniors, as a majority of the team is juniors and sophomores.

To make matters more daunting for Saladino, perhaps their most valuable asset, star pitcher Gabby DeFronzo, is starting the season on the inactive list with stretched ligaments/labrum in her [right] pitching shoulder.

The junior DeFronzo will forego immediate procedures on her shoulder and will use physical therapy and try and gut out the season. She will need corrective surgery after the season, however.

Dayton opens its season on the road, Thursday, at New Providence—the same day the baseball team opens at home versus New Providence. No word yet on whether DeFronzo will be ready. If so, she'll continue a trend she started last season as she started—and finished—every Dayton game.

DeFronzo, who's working diligently on her conditioning, said she misses Halpern but is eager and willing to learn from Saladino.

"Because of the new coach, everyone's attitudes have changed and are more confident," she said.

The pitching prodigy also said the shoulder will be more of a mental than physical roadblock, as she's solely focused on the team's success.

"I am not too concerned about my shoulder since I am trying to get it as strong as possible," said DeFronzo just before shuttling off to practice. "I'm having physical therapy six times a week. I will worry about the surgery after the season."

DeFronzo didn't want to divulge personal aspirations but was brazen about her team's goals.

"There is no doubt we will make it to states, which we failed to do the previous two years," she predicted.

Such bravado is something Saladino doesn't shy away from either. But the former MSU career home runs leader isn't guaranteeing a championship in her maiden voyage just yet. She does, however, like what she sees but says it'll take some time to build a consistent winner.

"As my first year as head coach I have a very intense mission to teach and enforce proper fundamentals," said the effusive coach. "I am also driving home a deep understanding of the strategies of the game."

Saladino, who can be seen—and heard—giving constant instructions and advice during the game, plans on carrying a light number of players on the varsity, to "ensure all players [receive] playing time to ensure the future of the program."

She said none of the positions have yet been secured but has an idea of what it'll look like come opening day.

Among the returning Bulldogs is catcher Casey Friedman. The senior, who is DeFronzo's favorite battery-mate, will lead the team behind the plate and in  
the lead off spot in the batting order. She has very good speed and wields a nice bat.

Allie Policastro and Melissa Mansur are the other two seniors and figure to have prominent roles. Policastro will man the hot-seat at third base, while Mansur will be a valuable utility player.

"[Allie] has a very strong arm and great leadership abilities at third base and at the plate," Saladino said.

Mansur, who was also a key reserve on Dayton's very successful girl's basketball team, will "play outfield and be called upon for some clutch hitting", according to the head coach.

While DeFronzo gets herself ready, the majority of pitching responsibilities may rely upon freshman Breanne Mooney. Although very wet behind the ears on the diamond, Mooney has varsity experience on the hardwood, so Saladino is counting upon that transitioning to the softball field.

"Mooney is very versatile as well as coachable," Saladino said. "She'll primarily pitch but also play some outfield."

Mooney said although she finds the task "a little overwhelming at times" she is ready for the challenge.

"I am confident that I can handle the responsibility and know I have a strong supportive team backing me up in any situation," said Mooney, who is one of four Bulldogs to have played basketball.

Mooney said the team's encouragement behind her is immense but perhaps her biggest supporter is Coach.

"Not only do I have my team backing me up but my coach, too. I think she is awesome," Mooney said. "She really knows the game and is teaching us a lot that will help us win. I am looking forward to the start of the season."

Rounding out the positional players are Ali Diamond [junior leftfield], Rebecca Frank [junior shortstop], Jackie Loeshelle [junior first base], and Aliza Stone [junior centerfielder]. Krista Delia [sophomore] and Lauren Kerr [junior] will both see significant time at second base.

Saladino's utility players include Kendall Bohannon [junior] and Leah Cunningham [sophomore], while the other arm in the stable figures to be Amanda Stein [freshman].

Despite a squad devoid of senior leadership, Saladino is anxious to get started. Only time will tell how quickly they gel.

"I am very excited to coach at my alma mater and look forward to a successful and rewarding season for all," she said.

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