71°
MAMARONECK, N.Y. — When Allison Rogers arrived at Rye Neck with the Holy Child varsity softball team Thursday, she was greeted warmly by Rye Neck coach Joan Spedafino and assistant coach Frank Spedafino.
The Spedafinos embraced their former player, as did assistant coach Robbie Spedafino, and they got a chance to catch up with a long talk.
"It's always a nice homecoming, coming back to Rye Neck and the softball field where I spent six years of my life," said Rogers, a six-year varsity standout and 2005 graduate. "Mr. and Mrs. Spedafino gave me a big hug."
Even though Rye Neck defeated Holy Child, 20-1, in five innings, the coaches were happy to see each other.
"I am just so proud of Allison," said Joan Spedafino, who registered her 390th varsity win, all at Rye Neck. "Allison coaching is a wonderful reflection on her and the program."
Rogers is also the Holy Child girl's varsity basketball assistant and junior varsity field hockey coach. Rogers, who played field hockey and softball at Manhattanville, graduated in 2009 and will receive her master's degree in education from there in May.
"After watching them today, they are something I aspire to do," Rogers said of the wife-husband coaching team. "They are still a big part of my life. I see them outside of school and sports."
Joan Spedafino noted that Rogers has taken some of Frank Spedafino's trademark sayings and substituted in Holy Child for Rye Neck.
"Allison said, 'Nothing above Holy Child,' and 'Nobody better,'" Joan Spedafino said.
Rogers, who laughed at that comment, said she was a camp counselor for most of the Rye Neck team when the girls were younger.
In the game, Jessica Calvini of Rye Neck finished with a one-hitter and struck out eight. Holy Child's Elizabeth Curcio hit the lone single in the fifth.
For Rye Neck, Lauren Bradley had two hits and three RBI, and Marisa Bella had a bases-loaded triple in the fourth.
Comments