Softball: Liguori, Anderson spark Arlington in a win over rival John Jay-East Fishkill
Suavemente
Adverb. Pronounced "swav-ay-men-tay." A Spanish word describing something performed with finesse, in a smooth manner.
“Suavemente”
1. A hit merengue song that was the lead single of Elvis Crespo’s debut album in 1998.
2. The jam that gets the Arlington softball team’s dugout dancing each time Sara Anderson strides to the plate.
The song is an unusual choice, standing out even in a playlist full of throwback tunes that were released several years before the players were born. But, Anderson explained, it’s one she heard often and enjoyed while growing up.
“It gives me a really good vibe going up to bat,” the senior said of her chosen walk-up song. “I can salsa a little bit.”
The melodic chorus and uptempo trumpet often get people working their shoulders rhythmically, even if they don’t know a word of Spanish. Anderson is a leadoff hitter and “Suavemente” blaring from a sound system during home games, “grabs your attention and gets everyone hyped to start a game,” teammate Allie Cubberly said.
That momentary jolt of energy is important, particularly of late, as players said the lineup had lacked some verve during a recent slump.
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Crespo provided them a spark on Thursday as the Arlington offense broke out in a 9-3 win over John Jay-East Fishkill. Well, Anderson contributed to that, too.
The slick-fielding third baseman was smooth at the plate, lining pitches to the opposite field as she went 3 for 4 with a double, two runs scored and two driven in. Suave!
“It means a lot because we haven’t been playing to our potential lately,” Anderson said of the team losing two of its previous four games with the offense struggling. “Coming out and beating our rival and showing what we can do is something we needed right now.”
What it means
Arlington has won two straight games this week and pitcher Alyssa Liguori has done well against potent offenses in both. The sophomore allowed eight hits and two earned runs and struck out seven against the Patriots, working out of trouble with runners in scoring position in three innings.
“I just try to slow the game down and be as calm as possible,” she said.
The right-hander has emerged this season as a reliable starter, sharing the circle with senior Morgan Pepe, who was one of the most dominant pitchers in the section last spring. Those two could be a formidable tandem down the stretch, their differing styles giving opponents another wrinkle to consider.
Pepe is a control artist who changes speeds well and typically induces soft contact. Liguori attacks with velocity and gets plenty of swings and misses with her looping curveball. She held at bay a John Jay lineup that features two major Division I commits.
“It was very encouraging,” coach Dave Ballantyne said of Liguori's performance. “We’ve seen her do that in closer games, too. She’s got the poise and talent to work through tough lineups and get out of jams. She bears down.”
Arlington was pegged as one of the title favorites this season after reaching the Section 1 Class AA semifinals last year and returning most of its core. If the offense has cleared a hurdle and the two starters pitch to their potential, the Admirals will be dangerous in the playoffs.
Speaking of which… Liguori walks up to “Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall.
“I like the beat, and it’s pretty representative,” she said with a grin. “I like to think of myself as dangerous in a way.”
Turning point
After the dugout dancing, Arlington quickly took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Anderson lined a single to right and scored on Catherine Kelly’s two-out double. Liguori followed with a two-run single.
They scored three runs in the fourth, including a near home run from Katelyn Wiehe that went for an RBI double to make it 7-1.
“It’s a good bounce-back win for us, especially against a good team in our league,” said Cubberly. She uses “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, if you’re wondering. “It’s also good to show that we’re still a contender.”
Player of the Game
In addition to her work in the circle, Liguori drove in three runs. Her RBI groundout made it 8-2 in the fifth inning.
“She’s been doing great,” Anderson said of Liguori. “I’m glad that, being younger, she’s not putting extra pressure on herself. She’s focused out there, but also funny and chill. She’s not overwhelmed by any situation.”
By the numbers
John Jay (5-3) — University of Pittsburgh commit Hannah Greer went 3 for 3 with a run and an RBI. Sabrina Castelli was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Emma Barton scored a run.
Arlington (9-3) — Wiehe went 2 for 4 with two RBI and Kelly was 2 for 3 with two RBI. Megan Serino and Shannon Burke each went 1 for 3 with a run, and Joy Pikul doubled.
Quotables
“Our at-bats were a lot better today, where we battled and hit the ball hard,” Anderson said of the team topping five runs for the first time since April 13. “We needed that confidence boost, especially with these league games coming up.”
The Admirals next Wednesday host Roy C. Ketcham, a surging team that also is among the championship favorites.
“I know maybe 30% of the songs, at best,” Ballantyne said of his players’ music selections. “I’d probably walk up to some late-70s disco.”
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Softball: Liguori, Anderson boogie as Arlington offense finds rhythm
