CHATHAM SOFTBALL: SEASON IN REVIEW

Greg Dedrick
ccSCOOP Sports Editor

06-22-09 - This past season the Panthers had a great deal of success, whether it was their tie for second place in the Patroon Conference, their fourth seed in sectionals, or their run to the Class B Final Four. Led by a veteran roster which included seven seniors, the Panthers completed a surprising season by going 17-3 in the league, falling twice to Taconic Hills, and splitting with perennial power Ichabod Crane.

Their regular season record was enough to get them the fourth seed in the ultra-competitive Section II Class B playoffs. Once into sectionals, the Panthers handled their quarterfinal game by defeating fifth-seeded Fonda 4-1. Into the semifinals, the Panthers ran into a buzz saw in top-seeded Mechanicville, the eventual sectional champions. Chatham played the game close but fell 4-1 to end their season at an impressive 21-6.

Chatham’s losses to graduation will be tough to replace, led by pitcher Chrissy Dunton, who was fantastic on the mound for them all season long and also at the plate, hitting in the heart of the lineup. Katherine Behrens played well in center field and provided great speed on the base paths as well. Also expected to be lost due to graduation are Ayen and Hannah Antonson, Jessica Diskin, Brittany Kiel, and Vannah Snowden.

The Panthers will have to make up for a lot of tough losses next year, but the team does return experience, in the way of eight players. Also joining the varsity will be a number of talented junior varsity players who have been a part of the 77 consecutive victories the J.V. program has put together. The team will be looking for heavy contributions from the likes of sophomore third baseman Brittany Lossow, junior catcher Aimee Palleschi, and a pair of freshmen, Courtney Mesick and Karsyn Sawyer.