2014 All-Bronx Softball Honors

Fieldston continued its dominance this year for the second-straight softball season. Behind star Temma Levis and a veteran core group of players, the Eagles took home an undefeated Ivy League title and a second consecutive NYSAISAA softball crown.

Preston was still the borough’s best squad, but its dreams of its first CHSAA archdiocesan championship were once again halted with a third-straight loss to Staten Island’s St. Joseph by the Sea in the title game. The Panthers are expected to be one of the favorites next year with much of its team returning.

DeWitt Clinton, which reached PSAL ‘A” semifinals a year ago, still took home a division title in a rebuilding season. And Riverdale, Bronx Science and John F. Kennedy all turned in strong campaigns.

All-Bronx Player of the Year

Temma Levis,

Fieldston

Levis certainly avoided the sophomore slump. The second-year pitcher remained one of the city’s most dominant players at the plate and in the circle. Her ability to change pitches’ speeds and locate the ball made her a nightmare for opposing hitters and helped Fieldston to feel comfortable with any lead. Levis allowed five hits, struck out five and walked just one in the final against Long Island Lutheran.

All-Bronx Coach of the Year

Keith Mansfield,

John F. Kennedy

The Knights completed a five-year climb from their rank as cellar dwellers to one of the elite teams in the PSAL Class B division. Kennedy had gone 0-13 in Mansfield’s first season in 2010. This year it won an undefeated division title and was the only team not from Queens to reach the semifinals, where it lost to Goddard. Hours of hard work from Mansfield have JFK coming close to a title.

All-Bronx First Team

SS Miranda Diaz,

Adlai Stevenson

Diaz was one of the hidden gems in New York City softball. The senior shortstop put up big numbers at the plate. She hit .623 with 59 RBIs and 35 runs scored. Diaz also collected 19 extra base hits, including eight home runs.

CF Grace Dzina,

Bronx Science

The athletic centerfielder was one of the main reasons the Wolverines won 12 games this season. Dzina batted .421 in league play, drove in 33 runs and scored 26 times. The senior also stole nine bases.

SS Madeline Giannini,

Preston

The junior remained one of the top run producers and more accurate fielding players in the borough. Giannini was often the catalyst for the Panthers’ powerful attack. She helped Preston again reach the Archdiocesan final.

P Madison Kahn,

Riverdale

The junior was a major weapon for the Falcons this season, helping them to continue to be one of the top teams in the Ivy League. The hard throwing Kahn was able to keep opposing offense off balance and give Riverdale a chance to win in each of her outings.

3B Danielle Kibler,

Preston

There aren’t many hitters in New York City more feared than Kibler. The junior, who is a good fielder wherever she plays on the diamond, had a batting record of more than .500 and led Preston in RBIs. The proven run producer provided some of the biggest hits of the season.

C/P Kimberly Martinez,

DeWitt Clinton

Martinez is arguably the best catcher in the borough and she helped Clinton keep the mantel of one of The Bronx’s top clubs. The senior batted .542 with 33 RBIs and 32 runs scored. She also picked up three wins in the circle with a 0.59 ERA.

C Bianca Mastropietro,

Preston

This sophomore sure packed a punch. Mastropietro provided plenty of power in the middle of the Panthers order and was more than capable behind the plate. Her two-run homer was the difference in a semifinal win over St. John Villa Academy.

P Julianna Orrico,

Preston

The junior was again phenomenal in the circle and could completely dominate a game. Orrico, who also hit higher than .500, shut out Brooklyn/Queens champions St. Francis Prep and struck out 15 in a 3-2 victory over rival Cardinal Spellman.

SS Savannah Stern,

Fieldston

Stern, the Eagles’ cleanup hitter, saved her best performance for when it mattered most. The junior went 3-for-4 and delivered a two-RBI single in the first inning of NYSAISAA title game victory over Long Island Lutheran. Stern was a steady force all season.

2B Caroline Susman,

Fieldston

The senior was the Eagles’ gritty leader and was never afraid to get dirty while hustling to make a play. Susman was an offensive catalyst in the leadoff spot because of her speed and ability to get on base. Her contributions were key to a second straight NYSAISAA crown.

SS Erma Villa,

DeWitt Clinton

Villa turned in her best season in a Governors’ uniform and that’s saying something, considering her stellar career. The senior batted .564 with 28 RBIs and 28 runs scored to help Clinton stay at the top of the division. She had 10 triples and stolen 13 bases.

Honorable Mention

SS/3B Selina Aguiree,

Cardinal Spellman

CF Lyric Anate, Adlai

Stevenson

P/SS Daphne Burdeaux,

American Studies

CF Lizette Medina,

Cardinal Spellman

CF Leidaly Garcia,

Lehman

1B Maheen Kahn,