Spring Preview: Freehold Township Softball on the Rise

The Freehold Township High School softball team has taken strides each year under Beth English.

Last year’s 14-12 season included an 8-1 upset of second-seeded Steinert in the Central Jersey Group IV state tournament opener and raised expectations once again.

“When I took over the program, they were below .500,” said English, the Patriots head coach the last three seasons. “This is the fourth year. We’ve made the Monmouth County tournament, made the Shore Conferences. We made states. We’re beyond that now. We want to not just be in them, we want to place. We want to take it to the next level.”

This year promises to test that trend after some significant graduation losses. Graduated are Brooke Witcher and Brooke Gagliano, both of whom are starting for Drew University; Brittney Sinker, who starts at Kean University; and Carly Friedman, who batted .525 last year and went 5-for-5 in the win over Steinert. Also, the Patriots are still trying to fill the impossible void left when Nicole Callahan graduated three years ago to the Fordham University program.

The Patriots feel fortunate to welcome senior Taylor Kuzma, who has already committed to play next year at Marist College, which should help fill the shortstop position. At least one publication called her sister Kate last year’s Player of the Year. Taylor Kuzma transferred within district from Colts Neck because it did not offer a course that she needed.

“Christmas came early for me,” English said. “She will help.”

It could still be tough to fill in all the holes left by graduation, but there are some experienced players back starting in the circle. While Witcher, who was one of three pitchers English rotated last season, has graduated, the Patriots have two back. Amy Benedict is a senior and Jordyn White is a sophomore.

“They’re definitely going to split time,” English said. “They’re both good. They both have speed and both have pitches. Both of them keep batters off kilter with the change-up.”

Seniors back from last year’s varsity are first baseman Liz Stankiewicz, catcher Kayla Spataro and catcher/designated player Ashley Rodriguez. Returning juniors are second baseman Allyson Fry, outfielder Aj Jackson, outfielder Melanie Walling, outfielder/infielder Christina Zullo and outfielder Sam Blair. Third baseman/outfielder Sara Romanowski is the other sophomore back from varsity.

“Everything is brand new,” English said. “We have a new catcher, and I have returning players, but they might be playing in a new position.”

In addition to Kuzma, other significant newcomers are senior outfielder Carolyn Dirnfeld and first baseman Larisa Janoczkin, sophomore infielder Kelly King and versatile Katie Liberi, and freshman infielder Ashley Eisenstein.

“Everyone now, their work ethic is good and they’re softball minded,” English said. “They’re really working hard.”

English is hoping to see how the parts on her team piece together best during the preseason. Their first scrimmage, against a sectional finalist in Wall, was the first of many tests.

“Our scrimmage schedule is very tough,” English said, “but that’s what we need to see.”

Preparations for this season began earlier than usual. Instead of coaching basketball, English took the winter off to focus on helping her softball players get ready for the year. They ran and lifted weights.

“This is the most offseason work we’ve done,” English said. “Hopefully it pays off.”

English knows there’s a challenging regular-season schedule ahead. Leading the way is the fight for the Shore Conference Class A North division that English figures will be contested by perennial power Middletown South and upstart Howell. And she expects the Patriots to be in the mix. Freehold Township will open the regular season by hosting Howell on April 2.

“This is the first senior class that has only known me as the head coach, and I am finally coaching ‘my crew,’” English said. “I hope positive attitudes and strong work ethic will prevail and our teamwork will produce wins.”