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Lohud softball season preview: Nine who shine

Mike Zacchio
mzacchio@lohud.com

The Journal News/lohud “Nine who shine” is a preseason list of top returning players in Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam Counties. This list aims to recognize the top players in the area, regardless of position.

The 2017 lohud softball 'Nine who shine'

North Rockland's Victoria Alonso (20) rounds the bases with a homerun during a softball game at Suffern High School in Suffern on Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Victoria Alonso, North Rockland — The senior is a virtual Swiss Army knife for head coach Jackie DiNuzzo through the years. She can play almost any position in the infield, has proven to be a stellar leadoff hitter, and also has plenty of pop despite her petite frame.

Bella Chiorazzi, North Rockland — The first-team all-state star will be the most valuable player for the Red Raiders this year, given her position behind the plate and spot in the middle of the lineup. Chiorazzi and Alonso will both play for Manhattan next season.

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Olivia Dunne, Rye Neck — As if tossing three consecutive no-hitters wasn’t impressive enough, Dunne has reportedly improved her repertoire and is expected to be one of the top pitchers in the section this year.

Meghan Giordano, Croton-Harmon — Looking at Giordano’s stat lines will have readers doing quadruple takes. The junior hit a mind-boggling .821 with nine home runs, six triples, and 12 doubles in 18 games last year. It will be fun to see what she can do with two full seasons left.

Cameron Lischinsky, Lakeland — They don’t come much more consistent than Lischinsky, especially at the plate. The senior has batted over .500 in each of the last three seasons, and her glove has helped land her on the all-state team the last two years.

Julia Petrovich, Panas — If this year proves to be a premature selection for the freshman, then consider it foreshadowing. Otherwise, prepare to hear Petrovich making a lot of noise out of Cortlandt Manor this year and beyond. The shortstop is already one of the elite prospects in her class across the country and is garnering looks from college programs in the Big South, PAC 12, SEC, and ACC.

Lauren Rende, Ardsley — Rende is a player you’re going to hear a lot about, and for years to come. The sophomore had a remarkable rookie season for the Panthers last year, and has already proven she can handle the in-game leadership responsibilities behind the plate.

Emily Turilli, Pearl River — The senior has been in the Rockland player of the year conversation in each of the past two seasons, and should be considered the preseason favorite this year. Turilli is undeniably the top returning pitcher in the county, and her bat in the middle of the lineup makes her a double threat that opponents want no part of.

Colleen Walsh, Lakeland — The reigning Journal News/lohud Westchester/Putnam player of the year is coming off a truly dominating campaign in which she went 18-2 with a 1.38 ERA and 187 strikeouts in 137 innings pitched. The Sacred Heart-bound hurler headlines a Hornets squad that should contend for the Section 1 Class A title again this year.

Lakeland shortstop Colleen Walsh wears a face guard during a Section 1 Class A playoff at Brewster High School on May 29, 2015.

The next nine

Amber Badillo, Lakeland, Sr.

Kaitlyn Borruso, Tappan Zee, Jr.

Gabby Caccamo, Suffern, Sr.

Kayla Castro, Ursuline, Sr.

Kelly Dovi, Brewster, Sr.

Jesse McCarthy, Pearl River, Sr.

Cassie McGrath, Tuckahoe, Sr.

Meagan Woods, Pearl River, Jr.

Sam Yannuzzi, Rye Neck, Jr.

Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud, @LoHudSoftball