Pearl River Softball Pursues Familiar Goals With New Coach

The players change, but the expectations remain high for the Pearl River softball program.

That message is nothing new for the Pirates, but this time they are adjusting to a coaching change as well. Carisa Gaylardo was hired in February to take over the program after Mike Carlacci resigned in January. 

"We like her," junior pitcher/first baseman Mandy McCarthy said. "She's definitely very mnotivated. She's big on the fitness side, so it's kind of an adjustment, but it's a good adjustment."

Pearl River returns five starters, all members of the Pirates' last Section championship team in 2011, with hopes of returning to the top after last year's loss in the section quarterfinals.

"That is always our expectation, to set high goals," McCarthy said. "We are always looking to repeat what we've seen our older girls do. We've all played together before. We know what we are capable of."

McCarthy said the 4-3 extra-inning loss to Beacon in the 2012 playoffs still serves as motivation for the returning Pirates. 

"When I go to bed at night, (that game) haunts me," McCarthy said. "Having our seniors, who we love so much, have to walk away like that. I knkow we have only one senior this year, but we don't want that again."

Pearl River is young, but experienced. McCarthy is one of five juniors who started as sophomores. The others are shortstop Sam Alicandri, second baseman Erin Woods, pitcher/first baseman Caroline Kardashian and catcher Deirdre O'Malley.

"We are a fairly young team," Gaylardo said. "We've got quite a future with them."

McCarthy and Alicandri were both third-team all-state selections last season. Alicandri set a school record for single season batting average (.506) and tied the mark for stolen bases with 27 to go with a .540 on-base percentage and 37 runs scored as the Pirates' leadoff batter.

Pearl River will once again challenge opponents with speed all through the lineup, something that fits in well with Gaylardo's preference for small ball. 

McCarthy is the most experienced returning player. She became a regular in the lineup late in her freshman season, then emerged as one of the top pitchers in the section as a sophomore. McCarthy was 13-2 with a 0.82 ERA and 119 striketous in 102 innings last seaosn. She batted .400 with 10 doubles, one triple and a team-high 30 RBI. 

Gaylardo said McCarthy's ability to hit her spots consistently will be a key to the team's success. McCarthy said that is easier with a strong defense behind her.

"It helps my confidence on the mound to know if I miss a itch, somebody behind me can get it," McCarthy said. 

Pearl River started practice this spring looking for starters at third base and all four outfield spots. Two returning players have secured jobs in the outfield, with junior Alexa Murphy in right and sophomore Jules Madigan in center. Sophomore Alexa Candelario will start at third base. 

Overall, Gaylardo said she is impressed with her players' knowledge of the game and their approach.

"They are here to play. They come every day with the attitude to win," Gaylardo said.

Pearl River opens the season 4:45 p.m. Thursday at home against Clarkstown South.