Seaford Softball Slugger Back in Force For Senior Run

After missing all of the 2012 season, Seaford High School softball slugger Lindsay Montemarano is back with a vengeance for her senior campaign. 

The University of Michigan-bound Montemarano was missing in action last year due to a back injury, but after successful surgery is making the most of her final days as a Lady Viking. Her batting average above .800 with eight home runs has helped lead Seaford to a 14-4 record heading into its final regular season game against Glen Cove Monday afternoon.

“Softball is my life,” said Montemarano, who verbally committed to college softball powerhouse UCLA after her sophomore season before signing with Michigan last year. “Not being able to play last year was a killer.”

Montemarano spent all of last summer rehabbing to get back into her 2011 form when she helped lead Seaford to a Nassau County Class title.

“I’ve been working really hard to get my mechanics back,” she said. “I try to have a great mindset stepping up to the plate.”

In addition to Montemarano’s torrid hitting that has included 38 RBIs, she has also drawn many intentional walks, which has led to 42 runs scored. Seaford head coach Rob Perpall said Montemarano’s presence has been a huge factor in team’s improvement after a disappointing 2012 season that ended with a first round playoff exit.

“She is the best all-around player that I’ve seen in Nassau County,” Perpall said. "She helps elevate the play of the entire team." 

Montemarano and the other six seniors on Seaford’s roster have formed a close bond that is motivated to end their high school careers with a championship for themselves and their beloved head coach.

“We want to do this for ourselves and a great coach who has been there for us, ” said Montemarano, who excels academically in addition to on the softball field with a weighted average in the high 90s. 

Seaford’s quest for a county title is scheduled to begin Thursday with playoff brackets slated to be released Tuesday. While Big Ten college softball will soon be in her future, for now Montemarano is focused on extending her Seaford career as long as possible.

“Right now it’s all about my senior year and this team,” she said. “That feeling of playing at Mitchel Field for a county championship, there is no greater feeling."