Ossining Sophomore on Championship Team

School of the Holy Child won its first softball state title in the program’s history Tuesday with the help of sophomore Alyssa Ragone. The Ossining teen helped Holy Child defeat Horace Mann 5-3 to win the New York State Association of Independent Schools Championship.

With impressive play on the mound and at the plate, Coach Jen Cirillo said she and the team were thrilled with such an exciting win to cap the team’s 15-5 season. "These girls truly worked together every game to get where they are today,” said Cirillo. "It is a huge accomplishment for our team, our coaching staff and the School.”

Winning pitcher Kathleen Samuelson (Harrison, NY) went 3 for 4 with an RBI. On the mound, she also struck out four batters. Samuelson's victory over Horace Mann brought her season record to 7-3 and her overall record to 34-11. She holds the school record for wins in a career. Kathleen, who serves as student body president, has been accepted to Brown University where she plans to continue to play softball. Standout freshman Molly Leitner (Mamaroneck, NY) had two walks, one hit and added one RBI. Freshman Elizabeth Curcio (Riverdale, NY) completed several defensive plays at shortstop, and freshman Juliana Capasso (Pleasantville, NY) added two hits and scored two runs. Capasso made Tuesday’s game winning play at third base for the final out with the bases loaded in the seventh.

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The Gryphons advanced to the championship game by beating Poly Prep Country Day in the semifinals last Wednesday in Brooklyn—a win that was truly a team effort. “We had an exceptional season,” said Cirillo, who called 2012 a rebuilding year—70 percent of the Gryphon’s roster is underclassmen. “Top to bottom we have some outstanding players. I’m very proud of our girls,” said Cirillo, adding, “I’m happy for them to be rewarded for their hard work by earning this accomplishment.”

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