Preston has been one of the premier programs in the CHSAA Bronx/Westchester league. But with a younger squad last year fell short of claiming a third straight division title, losing a head-to-head tiebreaker to Our Lady Victory.
“We definitely want to finish on top this year,” Panthers coach Rachel Mazza said.
Despite losing power bats Nicole Cavigliano and Jessica Kerrigan, a talented nucleus returns let by shortstop Laura Montalto. The four-year varsity starter, nicknamed Monster, is one of the best all-around players in the city. Last season she slugged nine home runs, drove in 37 runs and was 3-for-5 with six RBI, including a grand slam, in two playoff games.
Philip Hall
Preston's Laura Montalto will try to lead the Panthers to a CHSAA Bronx/Westchester title.
“I think everything falls on Laura,” Mazza said.
Montalto has already taken her likely protection in the order, first-year junior catcher Kitty Lajga, under her wing. Left fielder Franki Primiani is swinging the bat well in the preseason and could have a big year. Sophomore center fielder Megan Kelly, like her five other classmates, has come in more confident. She will lead an outfield that will also feature Melissa Santiago and senior Krista Rinaldi, who will also see time at fist with Sara Nardi.
“She is definitely another bat to the order,” the coach said of Lajga. “She is exactly what we needed since Cavigliano is gone.”
Jessica Signore was one of Preston’s breakout starts as a freshman last season because of her speed and range in the field. She will move to shortstop and again be looked upon to provide a spark at the top of the order. Talented freshman Sabrina D’Ancona will take over at second base. Sophomore Mary Connelly is a slapper with plenty of speed who will help Preston succeed with a more small ball style than teams in the past that were loaded with power. Senior Azia Spivey will add depth.
“It’s just a little different [team],” Mazza said. “I wouldn’t say as talented [as past teams], but more versatile.”
Much of the Panthers' success against rivals Maria Regina, Cardinal Spellman and OLV will rest on the arm of junior windmiller Kristie Davidow. She finished her first year as the staff ace, despite an up and down regular season, with a flurry. Davidow allowed just two first-inning runs and struck out seven in a Archdiocesan quarterfinal win over St. Joseph Hill and had her team ahead of eventual CHSAA state champion St. Joseph by the Sea in the semifinals until they were undone by errors. Kelly is throwing better than a year ago and is better ready to step in if Davidow's nagging back injury flares up.
“We just have to keep her head cool and her back good,” Mazza said Davidow.
If so, Preston could find itself back on top.
Cardinal Spellman finished third last season, but feels it can better compete with Preston and Our Lady of Victory with a team that lost just one starter. Junior Tiffany Rondon returns to the circle after a broken bone in her leg cut her second varsity season short. Classmate Joanne Guerra, who filled in last year after the injury, will be her backup, play some second base and provide some run-scoring ability.
“She is a good littler hitter,” Pilots coach Dan Crane said of Guerra. “She knows the game. She is very intense.”
His squad’s unquestioned star is junior Victoria Quinones. Injuries had her moving to different positions a year ago, but Crane hopes to keep her strong glove at shortstop. Quinones will the No. 3 hitter in a formidable middle of the order with catcher Malaya Lambert and Olivia O'Farrill. O'Farrill will see time in right field and split innings at first with Christine Quinones. Soccer star Taylor Addison is an athletic leadoff hitter and centerfielder. Patrolling left field is Kristen Carew. Isabel Harris should provide depth in the infield, while Laura McCaffrey will do the same in the outfield.
“She is a pretty good hitter and has superior speed,” said Crane of Addison. “She is just a really good athlete.”
jstaszewski@nypost.com
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