It’s been a great few years to be a member of the Marlboro softball team.

The Dukes continued their run as Section 9 champions and marched to the New York Public High School Athletic Association, where their season ended with a loss in the championship game to Section 2 champion Ichabod Crane.
The Dukes will enter this season with a new coach and most of last year’s team intact.

With the graduation of third baseman Ella Leduc, Marlboro coach Ray Leduc also moved on, paving the way for JV coach Andrea Schoonmaker to take over the team.

Kalista Birkenstock will return to the top of the Dukes’ batting order for her senior year, providing the offensive spark, while Leah Gunsett will return to the pitcher’s circle. Other returning players include Madison Gibney, Emma Jackson and Taylor Castellani.

They will mix with newcomers Emily Hite, Mia Verdi, Kiera Del Salto and Samantha Maleck.

“This year’s group is exciting, dynamic and hungry,” Schoonmaker said. “Last season was successful but did not end the way we hoped and that is the fuel for this year.”

Marlboro is preparing to go forward with one of the most challenging schedules they’ve had for some time.

In addition to their usual Mid Hudson Athletic League schedule, the Dukes will play non-league games against the Minisink Valley Warriors, the Warwick Wildcats, Section 2’s Guilderland, and Arlington. They will also travel to Rochester in early May to take part in the Morabito Tournament.

“We are looking forward to having a highly competitive schedule this year,” Schoonmaker said.

That will help as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s move to six classes sees the Dukes move up to Class A, after spending many years competing at the Class B level.

Highland
The neighboring Highland Huskies, however, have seen their last two seasons end at the hands of the Dukes, who eliminated them in the Section 9 Class B semifinals last year, and in the championship game in 2022.

They can’t do it for the third straight time as the Huskies will remain in Class B under the new alignment.

After losing only one player – center fielder Katie Dauenheimer – from the team that posted a 14-5 record last year, the Huskies are hoping to win the MHAL Division III championship and to challenge for the Section 9 championship.
Longtime pitcher Alexa Pavese will lead a group of Highland returners that also includes shortstop Emma Hanlon, catcher Delainey Reid, center fielder/pitcher Violet Brienza, third baseman Sierra Spinelli and second baseman Abigail Paserba. The newcomers include first baseman Gianna Jones and outfielder Ciara Teamer.

“We are looking to build upon last year’s success and make a serious run into the sectional postseason,” Highland coach Kathelene Canosa said. “We have the talent to do so. We just need to have our younger players produce like they can.”