{"id":119483,"date":"2024-03-21T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com\/?p=119483"},"modified":"2024-03-21T12:11:24","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T16:11:24","slug":"hopes-high-for-blue-waves-softball-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com\/2024\/03\/119483\/hopes-high-for-blue-waves-softball-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Hopes high for Blue Waves softball season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

White painted handprints scatter the top of the Riverhead\u2019s varsity softball field dugout. One handprint for each member of the team. It\u2019s all a part of first-year varsity coach Rich Vlacci\u2019s vision. A team that accomplished more than anyone could have thought last year, playing in the Suffolk County championship semifinals<\/a>, has returned the majority of its squad in hopes of taking the next step and winning it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJob\u2019s not finished,\u201d Vlacci said. \u201cThat\u2019s what we have stressed all off-season. We\u2019re proud of how far we got last season. One win away from league champions. One win away from making it to the Suffolk County championship. But we want more. And this team has what it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Waves have steadily improved over the last three seasons, going from 6-10, to 11-10 and then to 15-9 last year. This year, having graduated only two players, they\u2019re expected to take a major jump forward again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Junior Mya Marelli warming up her pitching arm for a long season. (Bill Landon photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A major part of that turnaround was the emergence of Mya Marelli<\/a>, who took over the starting pitching spot around the midpoint of the season after an injury to then-senior Bree Mckay. The lefty sophomore posted a 1.91 ERA with 186 strikeouts in only 126 innings of work. Marelli was named the League I Pitcher of the Year at the end of the season. She also mashed the softball to the tune of a .511 batting average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had an opportunity to step up for my team last year and I didn\u2019t want to let them down,\u201d Marelli said. \u201cI just did the best I could and I couldn\u2019t have done it without my teammates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had Mya since eighth grade,\u201d said Riverhead assistant coach Kate Devinney. \u201cShe\u2019s just continued to get better every year. She puts in a lot of hard work and she\u2019s dedicated to her craft. I love the way she pitches on the mound. I love her attitude toward softball and her mindset. Sky\u2019s the limit for her, honestly. She\u2019s got the makings of a collegiate pitcher for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After her spectacular season, Marelli only went harder this offseason to get better and increase her confidence. Although her ability to throw the ball hard instantly sets her apart from her peers, life in the pitcher\u2019s circle comes with loads of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m just trying to be more confident out there, really,\u201d Marelli said. \u201cI did a ton of camps and clinics this offseason to try to get better. I\u2019m trying to have the right mindset with every batter that steps in the box. Where to throw it if they\u2019re inside or if they\u2019re outside. To try to pick up on certain things the batters like to do. I\u2019m definitely more educated this year than last year, so that\u2019ll be a big bonus for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one player doesn\u2019t win you championships. Any coach would love the opportunity to have Marelli to build around. When asked to speak about a select few of stars for the upcoming season, Vlacci rattled off all 13 names on his roster and mentioned how they will help the team this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverybody has a role here,\u201d Vlacci said. \u201cI\u2019ve been very transparent about what I need and we need contributions from everyone. We\u2019re only as good as our 13th player.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n