The North Arlington softball team just missed making the state tournament last season and this year they look to not only make it, but make some noise.

In the second season of the return of John Galante as head coach, the Vikings look to at least reverse the record of last season, 10-13. Despite the under .500 record, it was a six game improvement from 2006.

And with the second season with Galante back, the team’s off-season has gone much "smoother" than in 2007. "We were talking how much smoother practice has been going this season," said Galante.

North Arlington will have to replace the likes of graduated-senior third baseman Ally Goldy, one of the team’s best hitters, and graduated-senior shortstop Alexandra Abromaitis, but they have almost all of their returning starters including a few of them whom were freshmen and now sophomores.

Back this season is junior pitcher Samantha Veneziano who should excel with two full years of varsity experience behind her. As a sophomore she had a 1.98 ERA, but was hurt by the team’s defense.

"We made 100 errors in 23 games last season," said Galante who also added that they hit under .200 in 2007. "Our focus is improving our hitting with more effectiveness and our fielding with more effectiveness."

While Veneziano was effective in the circle, she was also the team’s best hitter and hit .360 in 2007.

Veneziano is expected to get most of the starts in the circle this season but freshman Karen Dys is expected to get plenty of time in pitching.

"She has exceptional patience," said Galante about Veneziano. "When you have two quality pitchers, it would be stupid not to do it (share the circle time). We might rotate early and then it might depend on who was the most effective."

Veneziano got the start in the opener as she dominated Kearny in the 12-0 North Arlington victory. Veneziano fired a no-hitter against the Kardinals and also did it with the bat with a pair of RBI. While not in the circle, Karen Dys also had a pair of RBI while Kristen Palatella and Sandy Graca added an RBI each in the season opener. The Lady Vikings scored 10 runs in the first inning to support Veneziano.

Catching both of the pitchers will be Karen’s sister, sophomore Caitlyn Dys.

The right side of the infield is senior-laden with first baseman Kristin Amador and second baseman Kristen Palatella. The left side of the infield is very young with sophomore third baseman Danielle Baloga who played right field last season, and Karen Dys who plays at shortstop when she is not pitching.

Around Lewis in the outfield is senior Sandy Graca in left field and sophomore Sandy Dee Digavera in right field.

Also expected to see time on the field is junior Debbie Pedro who will be the team’s designated hitter along with sophomores, Katie Baker, a backup infielder and Jessica Amador, the sister of Kristin. Sophomore Joanna Barc will see time on the infield.

In terms of the BCSL National, North Arlington is looking to take a couple of steps up the divisional ladder. The toughest teams in the National are expected to be Becton and St. Mary‘s.