N.B. softball wants to improve on 4-14 mark Team also lacks a home field to play on BY GEORGE ALBANO Staff Writer Alack of varsity of experience isn't the only drawback the North Brunswick High School girls softball team has to be concerned with this season. In fact, that might be the least of the Raiders' problems. Securing a field to play on, and practice, might be of a higher priority as North Brunswick heads into its 2008 season opener April 1 against Sayreville. "We really don't have a home field right now," SarahDiller,who's beginning her 11th season as head coach and has been part of the NBHS softball program for nearly two decades, said. "We don't have a field at the high school and that's very important to our softball program. We haven't had a home since I can remember." Finding a field to call their own has been an on-going problem for the Raiders, who have bounced around from one diamond to another. "Wewere using Sabella Park, but nowwe were told that's under construction," Diller said. "New fields were built at Community Park for softball aswell as baseball, lacrosse and soccer. That was part of the Township Development, but they're telling us we can't use the softball field. It won't be ready to play on for a year. That's only a half-mile away, too.We could come right out of school and go down Route 130 and be there in five minutes. But we can't use it. "We just go day to day. We have to call everyday to see if a field is open and available. Our athletic director is working daily to get answers. We have to practice indoors except for scrimmages at other schools. We haven't been outside to practice. It's been very frustrating and very difficult." At least youth softball in North Brunswick has improved and that should eventually help the high school program. "We've had to deal with a lot of inexperience the last few years, but softball in the Township has been on the upswing and I've been encouraged about that," Diller said. "The recreation program is back in action as far as I know and we're starting to see the results.We've had more freshmen in the program the last few years, which is a positive. I just hope that continues." The lack of experience and a home field had a lot to do with North Brunswick going only 4-14 a year ago. This year's varsity could be even more inexperienced. "We had five seniors graduate from last year and only a handful of players are back with varsity experience," Diller pointed out. Three such players are seniors Dani Nudelman, who returns at first base, and Deb Martinez, who will either play outfield or catch, and junior Ginette Patrick, who played outfield last season. "She will either play the outfield again this season or move to the infield," Diller said. "Right nowshe's playing third base.Because of injuries we're very pieced together. "Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have a better idea. I don't have any choice because the season opens next week." Sophomore infielder Lauren Fackelman is another player with varsity experience, but she's recovering from a broken arm and will miss the first few games. Meanwhile, Michelle Petrocola, who pitched with the JV last year and saw a little action with the varsity in the infield, will be on themound for the Raiders this season. "That's the one thing I know for sure, she's our pitcher," Diller said. Amanda Covucci is another player with limited varsity experience, but she's expected to help the Raiders either as a catcher or outfielder. "Everybody else will be new to the varsity," Diller said. "Everybody from freshmen up to seniors." One senior newcomer Diller is counting on is Veronica Oropeza, who played JV the last three seasons, but is penciled in as an outfielder and backup first baseman on this year's varsity. "I have a couple of freshmen I'm looking at, too," Diller said. "We have a handful of young players who have stepped up and are ready to get the job done." The Raiders as a team hope to get the job done this season regardless of what field they're playing on. "Despite all that, the girls have had a great attitude," Diller concluded. "They've worked really hard and we're looking forward to a good season. We're definitely looking to build up our program and improve our record from last year. I really think we'll be OK."