Greater Lynn U16 Babe Ruth softball gears up for regionals

Seeking a berth in the Babe Ruth World Series, the Greater Lynn Babe Ruth softball all-star U16 team will play in the New England Regionals in Plymouth, N.H. starting today.”I feel very confident about this team,” manager Bob Cuozzo said. “When we’re on, we can play with the best of them.”The team’s first foe in the double-elimination tournament is Lancaster, N.H. The squads meet today at 1 p.m. The winner plays another game immediately afterward; the loser will play Saturday.”Last year, at the 14U level, (Lancaster) won the New England Regionals,” Cuozzo said. “They probably have girls up from last year’s team ? They may be one of the tougher teams we have. The first game is key.”There are 15 players on the Greater Lynn team, all between 15 and 16 years old. Most of them go to Classical, with a few at St. Mary’s and one from English. All were voted onto the team by Babe Ruth coaches.The pitching includes Danielle Moran, a Classical student who is also a shortstop, and Cuozzo’s daughter Katie, who has pitched three years for Classical and plays first base as well. Katie Cuozzo got the 16U team into the regionals by tossing a no-hitter in a 4-0 victory over Revere.Leadoff hitter Jerrica De Los Santos hit a key triple in that game. She is a first baseman/outfielder whom her coach describes as “one of our sparkplugs.”Also in the infield are Sam Earp of Classical (“a solid third baseman and good hitter,” Cuozzo said) and second baseman Angela Erelli (who plays shortstop when Moran pitches). Catcher Adriana Raymond “is one of our leaders,” Cuozzo said. “She has a good arm and bat and is solid behind the plate for us.”Another starter, Chelsea Martin, is a Classical student who returns from last year. Marianne Halas is a left fielder and second baseman whom Cuozzo described as “terrific.” He also called her “a good contact hitter and baserunner.” Cuozzo also praised the hitting and fielding of Lauren Pohlmeyer, who can play outfield, infield and catcher.Rounding out the team are Megan Walker, Jessica Perez, Catherine Perez, Krista Cuozzo (Bob Cuozzo’s other daughter), Taylor Cash and Tatianna Doucette.Cuozzo’s coaching staff includes Dave Raymond and John Kasian.”They work with me and work with the girls,” Cuozzo said. “They’re very committed and helpful to me. They’ve helped us grow to be a pretty good team.”