The Newburgh Free Academy softball team reached a major goal last season when they qualified for the Section 9 Class AA tournament.

This year, the Goldbacks want to go further.

They have lost three seniors from last year’s 8-8 and sectional quarterfinalist team, but the Goldbacks return a solid core.

Newburgh has lost starting catcher Jenna Carey, but Melissa Schulze, who spent most of last season in the outfield will slide behind the plate. They’ve also lost left fielder Isabella Leggett and pitcher/third baseman Jessica Stewart.

Stewart started the first game of the season for the Goldbacks, but Ferguson emerged as the Goldbacks’ top pitcher in her freshman year. One of their top players – center fielder Marissa Scarano – is a junior center fielder already committed to play Division I softball at the University at Albany.

The Goldbacks are represented by at least one player from every grade – seven through 12.

The Goldbacks have all their senior leadership on the infield with Allison Miller at first base, Emilee Gallagher at second base and Cameryn Perdomo at shortstop. Sophomore Taryn Judson could see time at third base.

All three seniors plan to play softball in college.

“We have a nice blend of junior/senior leadership with several returners and a young group,” fifth-year coach Chris Leggett said.
They will mix with newcomers Samantha Williams (LF), Madison Gravel (RF), McKayla Rafferty (OF), Tatum Connolly-Wazewski (OF), Parker Mullarkey (3B/C) and Ryan Keller (P/3B).

Their regular season was scheduled to start with a non-league contest at Washingtonville on Tuesday and a tournament at Minisink Valley on Saturday. Their league schedule is scheduled to begin on April 4 with a home game against Middletown.

“We look forward to coming together as a team, and the success that will come from those bonds,” Leggett said.