Softball: Playoff-bound Monarchs fall on Senior Day
WHALERS 9, MONARCHS 0
As a five-year varsity player, Micaela Zebroski entered Monday’s Senior Day game as the longest tenured member of the Bishop-McGann Mercy softball team. A lot has changed over those years, from different teammates to coaches, to even the field.
The Monarchs used to travel to Stotzky Park for their home games before a new field was constructed last year on the school’s campus.
“This field hasn’t been around for me most of the time,” said Zebroski, the team’s shortstop. “So it was sentimental because sports have been a huge part of my high school career.”
Zebroski and teammate Claire Sullivan, a four-year varsity player, both played their final home game Monday as the only two seniors when the Monarchs fell 9-0 to Pierson/Bridgehampton.
It was the end in one respect, but there’s still plenty of season left for the Monarchs. After a game Tuesday at Southold/Greenport, the Monarchs will prepare for the Class B playoffs, where they’ll likely line up as the No. 4 seed and be facing No 1 Center Moriches in the double-elimination tournament.
“It’s been my favorite season so far,” Zebroski said. “We’ve been winning the most. It’s a very positive team. Because I’m a senior I’m able to have the influence of the positivity of the team.”
Monday’s game was a reunion of sorts. Mercy athletic director Melissa Edwards, a former standout softball player at Riverhead, is the former Pierson coach. Last season, the Whalers reached the state semifinals of Class C for the third straight year.
Nearly that entire team returned the season, including pitcher Sam Duchemin. The senior turned in a superb effort against the Monarchs, pitching a complete-game shutout and driving in four runs.
She played so well, Mercy coach Rich Schaub offered Duchemin the game ball.
Duchemin gave up five five hits over seven innings while striking out four. Her defense was mostly stout behind her. When the Monarchs hit the ball hard, the Whalers’ defense was in position to make a play.
At the plate, Duchemin was just as effective. She reached base four times and hit a two-run triple and two-run home run. Her home run in the sixth inning — a lined shot to center field that split the defense — put the Whalers ahead 8-0.
“It was good today seeing her hit line drives,” said Pierson coach Eric Bramoff.
Mercy freshman Isabella Sorgi took the loss against the Whalers. She’s split time in the circle this year with fellow freshman Nicole Gravagna.
The Whalers improved to 9-6 in League VI while the Monarchs fell to 8-7 with their third consecutive loss. While the Monarchs prepare for the start of the playoffs May 21, the Whalers will have a long wait until their postseason kicks off.
Because there are so few Class C schools, the Whalers won’t play again until June 6 in a Regional Final.
