The unfortunate nature of the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, has forced Hudson Valley Community College as well as the NJCAA and the NCAA to cancel the remainder of the spring seasons. Although the seasons will not go on, the Vikings department of athletics wants to take this opportunity to still highlight the spring programs.
Softball
There was a new energy in the gym as the Hudson Valley Community College softball team gathered for the first day of practice. The program was poised to rise from the ashes following a tough 2019 season, which was canceled as the program could not field a team due to a variety of reasons, resulting in a shortage of numbers.
The excitement was apparent as the program returned a core four to lead the team in McKenzie Seymour, Hannah Bascue, Sydney Collins and Devin Drew. The main four along with the coaching staff was determined to avenge the lost 2019 season.
Coach Rafferty and the coaching staff did a tremendous job recruiting and had the Vikings ready to compete against some of the best teams in Region 3 with the overall goal of securing one of the eight postseason berths in 2020.
The Vikings solidified their pitching staff with three quality pitchers, who all have the potential to strike out the best hitters in the Region. The rotation was bolstered by a key one-two punch with Alyssa Burg, a transfer from Oneonta, and Shealynn Peckowitz. Both Burg and Peckowitz can consistently hit 60 MPH on the radar gun and have the ability to pitch themselves out of trouble with several strikeout pitches. Add in Hannah Bascue and Jessica Senecal, the Vikings much improved pitching rotation was set up to win games this season.
The 2020 team possessed more versatility than ever under the four-year leadership of Coach Rafferty. There are several individuals who have All-Region potential at their positions. Lexi Puliafico is one of the Vikings outfielders who has all the tools to become a top defender in the Region. Coach Rafferty has described Puliafico as a game changing defender with tremendous speed. Gabby Castiglione has worked well with the Vikings pitching staff in the off season and was expected to become one of the main catchers on the team, while freshman Emma Rafferty was set to take charge of the infield as the starting shortstop.
The overall versatility of the team, when partnered with the team's strength of the pitching rotation had the Vikings softball team ready to compete and make a run at the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Although the 2020 season has been canceled, our softball coaches want to hear from all prospective student-athletes interested in playing softball at Hudson Valley next season. Be sure to reach out and let them know you want to be a Viking!