For the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 softball team, the 2001 season has been a journey to rediscover the explosive bats and splendid defense that carried them to last year's second place finish in the South Shore Softball League. This year, having dropped their first three games in their inaugural season in the Nassau Conference Men's League, the Lodge's Golden Lions took a step forward by grinding out an impressive 11-7 victory over "Club 21 12."

The Columbus Lodge opened the game with three runs in the first inning. Then, having fallen behind in the second inning (6-4), Joe Pesale's third inning single ignited a four-run rally for the Lodge that gave them the lead for good. In the middle of that rally were Dave and Jeff Saviano. Since opening day, the brothers have been swinging hot bats for the Golden Lions. Dave Saviano (4 for 4, three runs, two RBIs) was the centerpiece in every inning the Lions scored.

The Savianos' quick start has been needed because of the slow start by the three, four and five hitters in the Lion's batting order. Thus far, the middle part of the batting order has hit an anemic .375 with no homeruns. However, positive signs appeared last Sunday as Ron Gandolfo (3 for 4, a triple and four RBIs) and Anthony Curran drove in key runs in the fourth inning and seventh inning to expand the Columbus Lodge's lead.

Despite the unexpected start, Columbus Lodge manager Ed Bochynski has kept his players focused and optimistic. After last week's victory, Bochynski saw signs that the team may be coming out of the abyss. "Anthony's (Curran) two-out hit in the fourth gave us a much needed insurance run and Joe Pesale is starting to get on base with consistency," said Bochynski. "Joe's our catalyst, our table setter."

Another positive sign for the Columbus Lodge was their defense. During the three losses the defense had been suspect, however, on Sunday the Lions held "Club 21 12" to one run over the final five innings. Lions rookie Chris Curran's acrobatic catch to end the fifth inning and rookie right fielder Vinny Calone, who battled swirling winds to make a game ending catch, stifled two rallies. The Lions will lock jaws against the Bellmore Bulldogs with a Sunday morning double header at Mitchel Field in Uniondale.

Columbus Lodge #2143, a member of the Orders Sons of Italy in America, is a not-for-profit fraternal organization that offers its 600 members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming part of the softball team, or for general information about the organization, contact Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.

Other Sons of Italy News: Columbus Lodge wishes to congratulate its shortstop Daron Tripoli (a Farmingdale resident) on his completion of the NYS Trooper training program. Governor Pataki will have sworn in Daron on May 21. Also, congratulations to third baseman Joseph Pesale (a N. Massapequa resident) on his March 30 wedding.