Dayton Softball Season Ends With A Loss

The Dayton softball season came to a bittersweet end when they fell to Kent Place, 11-8, in their season finale Wednesday.       

Following an emotional and impressive come-from-behind victory on "Senior Day" two days prior, Dayton [9-11] failed to reach its goal of a .500 season. But despite not coming through on their guaranteed victory, the Bulldogs still finished their 2010 campaign far better than anyone outside the program anticipated.  

First-year head coach Wendy Saladino was certainly proud of how the team exceeded expectations but added both the errors and conditioning need to improve.  

"We fell short but that shows we still have work to do, so maybe they'll work even harder in the off-season and they won't get too comfortable," she said. "I'm going to put them in a conditioning program and I'll follow up with them on that. Once the last state game ends, I'm allowed to work with them here and there this summer."   

Saladino hinted her pitching staff will be the focal point of the conditioning program as arms faded down the stretch. Through no fault of her own, freshman Breanne Mooney was practically the entire staff, so it was almost understandable that she had troubles closing out late innings. With last season's ace Gabby DeFronzo out for most of the year with a bad shoulder and the only other reliable arm being freshman Amanda Stein, Mooney admirably carried the staff.   

Battling through the oppressive heat, yesterday, Mooney wasn't sharp as Dayton trailed 8-2 after only two innings. Saladino was forced to pull her starter for Stein to open the third inning in hopes the rest would re-energize Mooney.       

"That's why I did it. Number one, they were hitting her. And number two because when I asked if she was OK from the heat, she said she was tiring," said Saladino. "So, I told her I'm putting in Amanda for a couple of innings, so you can rest and hydrate. And then I'm putting you back in after a few innings, so stay sharp mentally and figure out what you have to do. And she did."  

Stein did more than hold down the fort, as she pitched two scoreless innings. Kent Place's offense was staid during that stretch and allowed the Bulldogs to chip away, eventually tying the score at 8-8, heading into the fifth inning.   

Saladino was in a quandary to start the fifth because she had to choose between going back to the ace or riding the hot hand.   

"I was prepared to leave Amanda in because she was doing so well," said Saladino. "And honestly, if it wasn't for Bre's bat I would've left Amanda in there."    

Dayton seemed inspired by Stein's efforts and used that energy to erupt for five runs in the bottom of the fourth.      

Mooney led off with a walk. Krista Delia then reached on an infield error. Senior catcher Casey Friedman, playing in her final game, drove in Mooney with an RBI single up the middle and advanced Delia to third. Friedman then stole second. Aliza Stone reached on an error, making the bases loaded with no outs. Jackie Loeshelle and Heather Fritzen each then added RBI singles to leftfield. Senior Melissa Mansur, making a rare start in leftfield in her final game, promptly tied the score with a two-run single to rightfield. 

Usually the most ebullient player on the team, Mansur had mixed emotions because she was appreciative of the Saladino's faith but also sad to see it all end with a loss.    

"I'm not the emotional type but I was pretty upset [upon realizing her career was over]," Mansur said. "I had an amazing four years of softball. I'm going to miss the girls and coach and the [camaraderie]."   

When asked to reflect on her start and her impact in the fifth, Mansur allowed pride to seep.  

"It felt good," she admitted. "I was surprised but really happy that she started me because I worked hard all season."   

The three seniors, Friedman [2-for-5, two RBI, run], Mansur [1-for-2, two RBI], and Allie Policastro [1-for-4, triple, run] might've finished their JDHS careers but should take solace knowing they certainly helped start what Bulldogs backers believe is the start of something big.