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Power rankings: WE/HV softball (3/27)
Sabrina Nicosia
Follow softball in the Hudson Valley on Twitter: @MSGVarsityKDJ
Preseason MSG Varsity Westchester/Hudson Valley Softball Rankings
1. John Jay-East Fishkill: No shock here. The Patriots return every starter from last year’s Class AA state championship team led by Amanda Gisonni and Nadia Kemp.
2. Pearl River: Can the four-time Class A champs overcome the graduation of the centerpieces of those teams in Gemma Mahoney and Katie O’Flynn? Krystin Neroda returns at the top of the lineup, which is a great start.
3. Ursuline: The Koalas lose ace Taylor Pirone, who guided them to the sectional final last year. But they bring back standout shortstop Brittany Mitchell and starters Jamie Carfora and Mary McCabe.
4. Ketcham: The Indians return a nucleus of players who actually beat John Jay-EF twice during the regular season last year, led by pitcher Casey Herzog.
5. Eastchester: Graduating pitcher Janine Lalli will be difficult. But last year’s Class A runners-up have Taylor Del Gatto, Kristin Martin, Tori Martin and Anna Crowley returning. They could be back playing for a title.
6. Harrison: Jenna Webb headlines a talented Huskies lineup. Alijah Webb, Ally Brabant and Alyx Scapperotti comprise one of the most feared middle of the orders in all of Section 1.
7. North Rockland: The Red Raiders’ two-year reign as Class AA champs in Section 1 end last season and so much of their talent is gone. But this is one of the area’s top programs. Expect them to reload and contend.
8. Marlboro: The Section 9 power is poised to make a run at the Class A title this season after falling in last year’s final. Emily McDonough may be the best leadoff hitter in the Hudson Valley.
9. Tappan Zee: The Dutchies may has as much talent returning as any team in Class A. Regina Argenzio, Cassi Coyle, and Paulina Gutkin make Tappan Zee a serious contender.
10. Valhalla: The three-time Section 1 champs won it all in Class B a year ago and are heavy favorites to do it again. Maddy Demilio, an all-state catcher, is one of four starters returning.
Email Kevin Devaney Jr. at kdevaney@cablevision.com
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All-Metro boys and girls basketball: 2012-13
All-HV/WE teams: Winter 2012-13
