he Walt Whitman Varsity Softball Team finished off their season last Wednesday with a close loss against Deer Park. Lead by senior captains Christina Lofaso and Ariel Khatchatourian, the Wildcats stand in second place with a final record of 10-5.

A key player in the favorable outcome is starting pitcher and junior Taylor Epstein. However, when asked about the season, Epstein humbly responded, “We’ve been playing together since we were kids. Our close bond is the most important fact to our successful season.”

This season, the team formed a new bond with head coach Mrs. Colapinto and assistant coach Mr. Miranda. Although it was both coaches’ first season coaching softball, and Miranda’s first time coaching at Whitman, their leadership skills have brought the team to a second place finish in the division.

Melissa Triolo, whose season as the starting third basemen was cut short after a play that ended with a broken wrist on her part, had only good things to say about the fresh coaches.  Triolo said, “The new coaches have brought our team to a new level through their knowledge of the game and positive attitudes towards the players.”

This season is not over yet. Our Wildcats have earned themselves a solid spot in playoffs this year. The first round is to be played Monday, May 16th, at 4 P.M. in East Islip. If they are to win the first game, the girls will face off against Commack or Northport on Wednesday. However, if the lose the girls they have a second chance in the tournament against the loser of the Commack vs. Northport game on Tuesday.

Congratulations to the girls and their coaches on an amazing season and good luck in playoffs!