The Phoenix varsity softball team enjoyed a successful 2009 season, reaching the Section III finals for the first time in schools history.

The season was highlighted recently when Kayleigh Troia, catcher for the Firebirds, was awarded player of the year.

Coach Casey Jones said “This fine young lady deserved this honor. She has worked hard and was the catalyst of our team this year.”

Troia led off for the Phoenix squad, batting 368 with 18 extra base-hits, 24 runs scored, and 24 runs batted in. Not only on the offensive side did she excel, Troia threw out 78 percent of opponents trying to steal base.

Jill Murphy has demonstrated that she is the top pitcher in this league.
“It is very hard to receive pitcher of the year for one year as did Murphy in 2008 but to repeat shows just how good Jill is,” Jones said. “Her work ethics, her leadership, and the Firebirds’ results show just how good Murphy is.”

Not only did she pitch well but, in the off season, worked on her hitting; batting 390 during season. Murphy will attend St. Bonaventure University in the fall on a full scholarship.

Other honors went to Kassie Van Denburgh, who has been the leading defensive third baseman in the area for the past two years. She earned first team honors. She will be attending Dean College in Massachusetts on a partial softball scholarship.

Sarah Bregg, a sophomore who led the league in hitting, also earned first team honors at shortstop. Second teamers were freshmen Jenna Zaia at second base and Brittany Sears at first base.

Seniors Brittney Sims, Brianne Berlinski, Sylvia Pennucci, juniors Morgan Billingsley, Rachel Dolan, sophomore Julia Gilbert, and freshman Brianna Riggall, and eight grader Meghan Barry rounded out this year’s 2009 season.