Phoebe O’Connor, the school’s all-time hits leader, is gone, as is shortstop Saskia Rueda, described by Ballerini as “one heck of a player,” and cleanup hitter Samantha Harrold. 

Sarah Paisner, the team’s ace pitcher from last season, will return to the mound. 

“She was the pitcher who brought us to the city championship last year,” said Ballerini. “She is probably the best player ever to come through American History.”

Junior first baseman Becky Santiago helps solidify the team’s defense and is “the sparkplug at the top our order,” said the coach. 

Ballerini is also expecting some run production from third baseman Ruby Harrison-Clay, who is going to be in the middle of the team’s lineup. 

As they prepare for their new spot in the divisional penthouse, the coach plans no major changes in how he prepares his team. 

“We built a successful program through hard work,” he said. “We know that we are going to be facing much more difficult competition”

3/21 Adlai Stevenson Campus 4 p.m.

3/23 Bronx High School

of Science 4 p.m.

3/26 Herbert H. Lehman 4 p.m.

3/28 RKA 4 p.m.

3/30 Walton Campus 4 p.m.

4/2 IN-Tech Academy 4 p.m.

4/4 DeWitt Clinton 4 p.m.

416 HS of Telecommunication

Arts & Technology 4 p.m.

4/20 Jamaica 4 p.m.

4/23 Adlai Stevenson Campus 4 p.m.

4/25 Bronx High School

of Science 4 p.m.

4/30 Herbert H. Lehman 4 p.m.

5/2 RKA 4 p.m.

5/4 Walton Campus 4:30 p.m.

5/7 IN-Tech Academy 4 p.m.

5/9 DeWitt Clinton 4 p.m.

Kennedy Campus 

Lady Knights

Coach: Keith Mansfield, third year

Last season’s record: 10-7

Kennedy softball coach Keith Mansfield said that 2012 will likely be a rebuilding year for his Lady Knights, who went 10-7 in 2011. 

Mansfield must forget the 0-13 team he inherited when he first took over the job. Now that was a rebuilding job.

Kennedy did lose a fair number of players from last season and will have to retool for the new season. 

Five-tool centerfielder Jessica Gonzalez is gone, as is Jennifer Franco, the team’s leadoff hitter. Also gone is Nariveliz Clemente and Michelle Quiles, one of the league’s strikeout leaders. 

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