Sterling softball standout Biasi takes on leadership role

Sometimes Kate Biasi will hold meetings with just her teammates. They'll talk about what they need to work on, how to get better.

"We all care about the team, we all want to be as good as we can," Biasi said. "And sometimes that's what we'll talk about - we'll meet after practice and just talk about how we much we all want to be successful this year."

In her senior season, Biasi, a shortstop, is living proof of the sincerity of that message.

The Silver Knights entered this season having to replace several stars from the 2011 team that won the South Jersey Group 3 title. Most notably, Sterling graduated Inquirer Player of the Year Kylie McGoldrick, now playing second base for Virginia Tech.

But while Sterling began the year as a team trying to find itself, the Knights certainly aren't calling this a rebuilding year.

"We're trying to figure out what works for us," Biasi said. "And I think what works for us is just playing loose and playing together. We're a different team than we were last year. So right now we're working on our chemistry and finding out how to mesh together. And so far it's been going really well."

For her part, Biasi is the team's leadoff hitter and one of the slickest fielders in South Jersey.

The University of Albany recruit was happy to switch from second base, where she started the last two seasons, to shortstop this year, a move that helps her better anchor the Knights defense. And, even more, Biasi volunteered to fill in as a part-time pitcher this season. Despite not pitching with any regularity since middle school, Biasi worked in the circle this summer, offered her services, and now expects to make an occasional appearance.

The reason for all the extra work: "Just in case the team ever needed me pitch," Biasi said.

"She'll just do whatever it takes for us to be successful," said Sterling coach Kelly Tallant. "She's just an all-around great softball player. She's really taken control of our infield. She's a leader this year, she's a captain. She has great confidence. She's just a great kid to have on our team."

Tallant said Biasi is taking over right where players like McGoldruck left off.

"Kate saw the way last year's seniors led this team and she's really stepped into that role," Tallant said. "She took it on naturally. She came to me during a couple scrimmages this year and said, 'It's OK. I can do this.' She wants to be a leader on this team and that's what she's done."

So far, that effort has been paying off for Sterling. The Knights are 3-0 and have yet to give up a run.

"All of us are doing our part right now," Biasi said. "That's really what this year is about. We just need to focus on getting better every game."