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Sports

2011 Preview: Sachem East Softball

Arrows look to build on last year's success.

Sachem East head coach Ralph Forman knows that some of the key pieces to last year's team that finished 18-5 and lost in the county semi-finals can be a recipe for a down year.

"We have some work to do," said Forman, entering his fourth season as East varsity head coach.

Although the team lost two key parts, especially second-baseman Amber O'Mally, Forman said he's still confident that his mix of young players with older veterans who will lead the team this season can compete. "Every team is good [in League I]. Hopefully we'll get to higher-levels."

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Head coach: Ralph Forman, 4th year

Last season's record: 18-5, lost to Bay Shore in county-semi finals

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Players to Watch: Sam Smith (center-field)- Smith has a scholarship Fordham University once the fall comes. Forman said simply that she's "astounding." She already has one home run for the Arrows this season.

Lindsey Treanor (pitcher): "It's all about pitching," said Forman, and he has a good one in Treanor, who won 15 of East's 18 games last season. She has come back strong again this season, striking out eight batters and allowing just five hits over seven innings against Longwood in her first outing of the season.

Sam Laird (catcher): It starts behind the plate, and Laird has developed into a top-end talent, especially with her bat. After hitting the game-winning home run in East's opening game against Patchogue-Medford, the junior followed it up again the following game against Longwood with another deep bomb.

Key Loses: Amber O'Mally- "She's the best fielding second-baseman I've ever seen," said Forman, bluntly. Those are big shoes to fill. O'Mally, now playing ball at Dowling College, was named Player of the Month recently.

Expectations: Forman said he has a nice blend of youth and experience. He hopes his team can compete with the likes of Longwood and Commack. Pitching will win games for East this season, and in two games this season, it appears the bats have come ready to play, surely making a pitcher's life easier.

Key Games

  • April 11 against Commack
  • April 14 against Sachem North
  • May 9 against Longwood
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