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BOOKMARK THIS PAGE!! THIS FILE WILL UPDATE THROUGHOUT EACH DAY OF THE 2023 SOFTBALL SEASON WITH RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND LINKS TO OUR SKYLAND CONFERENCE, GMC AND WESTERN UNION COUNTY SOFTBALL COVERAGE.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 6
Skyland Conference
Bridgewater-Raritan 8, Montgomery 7: Freshman Brianna Cacchio delivered a walkoff single in the bottom of the seventh inning, completing an epic eight-run rally and lifting Bridgewater-Raritan to a Delaware Division win.
Montgomery (0-3) led 7-0 headed into the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring four in the third and three in the fifth inning. Nicolette Shackelford collected three hits, including a double, and three RBIs, while Madison Schnitzlein notched two hits and two RBIs for the Cougars.
Winning pitcher Kailey Hisko led off the sixth inning with a home run, before Cacchio highlighted a four-run frame with a two-run double, and BR got an RBI single from McKenna Smith cut its deficit to 7-5.
After the Panthers escaped a bases-loaded jam in the top of the seventh, Evelyn Fresco led off the bottom of the inning with a home run to make it a one-run game, before Caileigh Mahovetz walked, stole a base, advanced and the scored on a grounder that was booted from Sienna Newsome to tie it. That brought up Cacchio, who singled in the winning run and lift the Panthers to 1-2.
Hillsborough 7, Phillipsburg 0: Sarah Davenport fired a two-hit shutout, striking out 18, putting her just 301 from 1,000. The senior has fanned 37 in two games so far this season. Claire Marcinek paced the offense, slamming a pair of two-run home runs, adding a single and finishing with five RBIs, while Clay’le Correa added three this and three runs scored for the Raiders (2-0). Ava Colontrelle and Elizabeth Donofry each singled for the Stateliners (1-1).
Immaculata 7, Gill St. Bernard’s 1: Caroline Colitti singled, homered and drove in three runs, while allowing just a run on four hits, walking none and striking out nine to fuel Immaculata at Diamond Nation. Mollie Ferreira Also homered for the Spartans (3-0). Brooke Baisley singled twice for the Knights (0-2), while Elise Cantu picked up a hit and scored a run.
Belvidere 9, South Hunterdon 2: Kayla Connors singled, doubled, scored to runs and drove in two, and Gianna Nese allowed two runs on just three hits, no walks and struck out 12 to propel Belvidere (2-1). Nese and Mia Lawson each chipped in two hits, two RBIs and a run in the victory. Kaitlyn Srivastava triples, scored and drove in a run, and Cambria Loesch doubled and picked up an RBI for South Hunterdon (0-3). Belvidere is 2-1.
Mount St. Mary 9, Manville 0: Vanessa Kosuda picked up three hits and two RBIs and Cat DeCiantis drove in a pair and Mount St. Mary scored a Mountain Division win. Anna Ziccardi singled, doubled and scored three runs in the win, while Shea Murphy went four one-hit innings for the win, and Ziccardi finished up with three no-hit frames for the Mount Lions (2-0), each fanning six. Valentina Barrios picked up the hit for Manville (1-1).
Hunterdon Central 4, Watchung Hills 1: Grace Geisler tipped a two-run double to get Hunterdon Central going in the second inning, and Samantha DelHoyo finished with three hits and a run and third-ranked Hunterdon Central sent No. 1 Watchung Hills to 0-2. Emily Van Cleef scored the win, allowing just one unearned run on just two hits, walked three and struck out two for the Red Devils (3-0). Morgan Bobrowski scored a run for the Warriors, with Tia Shikar and Ella Stevinson picking up Watchung Hills’ hits. Juliana Raymond took the loss, going seven innings and surrendering four earned runs on 10 hits and walking three.
Bound Brook 10, Rutgers Prep 6: Katelyn Cuhna and Ava Dedousis each posted two hits, a run and two RBIs, while Casey Miller went 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI and Bound Brook improved to 1-1. Freshman Isabella Marusiak picked up her first varsity win, allowing just four earned runs on seven hits, she walked eight and struck out four. Anya Pathak notched tow hits, a run and three RBIs for the Rutgers Prep, while Gianna Bowman singled, doubled and drove in two runs for the Argos (0-2).
Bernards 7, Delaware Valley 4: Gina Mahlik led the way with a double, home run and three RBIs and Alex Pagonis doubled and knocked in two runs and Bernards scored a much-needed Valley Division win. Maddie Lardieri earned the win, allowing four runs on nine hits, walking three and striking out 10 as the Mountaineers moved to 2-1. Lindsey Ditmar doubled and drove in three runs for Delaware Valley (2-1), which also got two hits, a run and an RBI from Taylor Adcock.
North Hunterdon 10, Lawrenceville 0 (6 innings): Grace Reed went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three runs and three RBIs, and Camryn Campbell tossed a one-hit shutout, walking one, and North Hunterdon moved to 3-0. Brooke Cahill collected two hits and two RBIs for the Lions, while Kylie Petak singled, doubled and drove in a run in the win.
Ridge 14, Franklin 0 (5 innings): Kari Murray spun a five-inning one-hitter, striking out seven, and Kiersten Murray collected three hits, a run and four RBIs to fuel Ridge (2-1). Robyn Lusardi also drove in four runs for the Red Devils, while Maddy Blanford went 2-for-2 with three runs and an RBI in the win. Zoe Ling singled for Franklin (0-2).
Warren Hills 15, Somerville 3 (5 innings): Carly Suyker went for three hits, includinga triple, and six RBIs, and Macy Pagano singled, doubled and homered, driving in three runs and Warren Hills cruised to 2-0. Mia Ganter added a single, double, two runs and three RBIs and Rylee Rhinehart pitched in three hits, including two doubles, two runs and an RBI in the win.
Greater Middlesex Conference
Metuchen 11, Monroe 1 (5 innings): Abby Kozo tripled in two runs and Leslie Flaherty tripled home another to key a seven-run second inning that sparked Metuchen to a five-inning 11-1 triumph over Monroe on Thursday in Metuchen.
Kylie Flaherty joined her sister in driving in two runs for Metuchen (2-0), ranked second in the Home News Tribune/mycentraljersey.com rankings. Freshman Alicia Montalbano (1-0) blanked Monroe until there were two outs in the fifth, allowing six hits and striking out six without walking a batter.
Brianna Lavan tripled twice for No. 7 Monroe (0-3) and drove in the lone run in the fifth.
Highland Park 7, Perth Amboy Tech 6 (8 innings): Melissa Evans went 5-for-5 with a walkoff triple in the eighth inning as the Owls (1-2) held on for the victory in Highland Park. Perth Amboy Tech (1-2) rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, as a two-run single by Jalena Santiago tied the game at 6-all. Pitcher Michelle Edralin had two singles and a triple for Highland Park with Ava Koehler earning the win in relief. Arlette Batista had four hits and her sister Amanda and Kiara Tapia added three apiece as the first three batters in the order collected 10 hits for the Patriots.
East Brunswick 9, Sayreville 3: Julia Thiel went 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run and two RBIs, and Brooke Motusesky singled, walked and drove in runs and East Brunswick improved to 2-1. Jocelyn Nazario added two hits, including a double, a run and an RBI for the Bears, while Annabella Stangliano grabbed the win, allowing just two earned runs on seven hits, walked three and struck out two. Danielle Zapoticzny singled twice and drove in a run for Sayreville in its opener.
St. Thomas Aquinas 11, J.P. Stevens 0 (5 innings): Hayley Wieczerzak fired a five-inning no-hitter, walking six and striking out 14, and Elizabeth Negron collected two doubles, two runs and three RBIs and St. Thomas rolled. Gwendolyn Negron added three more RBIs, Melody Webb singled, doubled, scored twice and knocked in a pair, while Wieczerzak helped her own cause with two hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Trojans (2-0). Bella Malinconico walked twice for the Hawks (1-2).
South Brunswick 11, Old Bridge 1 (5 innings): Ella Squaires and Gianna Angermeier each singled twice and drove in two runs, while Morgan Indyk allowed just a run on four hits, one walk and struck out five and South Brunswick moved to 2-0. Morgan Indyk and Alyssa Lauri each added two hits, a run and an RBI for the Vikings. Savannah Martinez singled and drove in a run for Old Bridge (1-1).
Spotswood 2, Woodbridge 0: Ava Mormile fired a three-hit shutout, walked none and struck out 12 to lift Spotswood to the GMC White Division win. Karina Jennings singled and drove in a run and Cynthia Rucinski drove in another to highlight a two-run first inning for the Chargers (2-0). Samirrah Ortiz and Gia Peddie each singled for the Barrons (0-3).
Middlesex 10, Piscataway 0 (6 innings): Julianna Rosati went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, and McKenna Healey scored three runs and Middlesex rolled to 1-1. Peyton Chie tossed the six-inning one-hit shutout, walking two and striking out five in the win.
South River 10, Timothy Christian 9 (8 innings): Veronica McKim finished with two hits, a run and tow RBIs, while Melanie Oliveira notched two hits and three runs scored and South River responded to a two-run top of the eighth inning with three of its own in the bottom of the frame to secure its first win. Jamie Kowalski drove in two runs for the Rams (1-1). Holly Medina picked up three hits and two runs and Anya Wildgoose notched a single and two RBIs for the Tigers (1-1).
North Brunswick 13, Perth Amboy 6: Megan Kindler went 5-for-5 with a doubles, three runs and three RBIs, and Shannon Duffy collected three hits, including a double, and a run as North Brunswick stayed undefeated at 3-0. Victoria Frobosilo singled, tripled, walked twice and scored twice for the Raiders. Kyara Marquez homered and drove in three runs for Perth Amboy (1-1), Izabella Pardo notched three hits, a run and an RBI.
OTHER GMC SCORES
South Amboy 9, Woodbridge Academy 1
Union County Conference
Governor Livingston 12, Summit 0 (5 innings): Elise Faxon went 4-for-4 with an RBI and Vanessa Popola added three hits, including a double, and scored three runs and Governor Livingston cruised to 2-1. Anna Popla drove in two runs in the win.
New Providence 17, Roselle Catholic 0 (4 innings): Cassidy Mishkind went 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs and three RBIs, and Abby Miller went 3-for-3 with a run and two driven in to lead New Providence (3-0). Keira Goetke went 3-for-3 with three runs and an RBI in the win, while Micaela Matles (3 innings) and Ella Celoski (1 inning) combined on the no-hitter.
Union 5, Westfield 4: Ein Doherty continued the torrid start to her season with three more hits, including a double, two runs and an RBI for Westfield, but Union erased the Blue Devils’ 4-0 lead with a run in the fourth, three in the fifth and the winner in the bottom of the seventh. Cat Heflin also stayed hot, going 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs scored for Westfield (1-2).
Union Catholic 21, Plainfield 0 (4 innings): Cameron Kelly fired a four-inning no hitter, walking one and striking out 11, and the senior transfer added three hits, including a double and three RBIs and Union Catholic improved to 2-0. Lilah Reidy also drove in three runs in the win, while Jessica Sot singled, doubled, scored four runs and drove in three for the Vikings.
Elizabeth 7, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 6: Sairah Llano singled, doubled, scored twice and drove in two runs, and Kady Rettino notched three hits, a run and an RBI, but Scotch Plains-Fanwood slid to 1-2. Emily Roof went 3-for-3 with a double and a run for the Raiders.
Rahway 18, Kent Place 13: Danielle Maher picked up three hits, two runs and five RBIs, while Amber Maher went 5-for-5 with two runs and three RBIs to fuel Rahway (3-0). Makena Singer went 4-for-4 with three runs and an RBI in the win.
Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached atCourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
Union County Conference
Westfield 5, Governor Livingston 4 (9 innings): Junior Erin Doherty smacked a three-run walkoff home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Westfield the win and Blue Devils head coach Caitlin Cheddar her 200tth career victory.
Governor Livingston (1-1) took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, before Westfield (1-1) scored three of its own in the bottom of the sixth to tie it. The Highlanders went back up a run in the top of the seventh, but the Blue Devils had the answer, finding the tying run to force extra innings.
Rachel Witzel drew a leadoff walk to start the bottom of the ninth, was sacrificed to second by Natalie Ardente, and Cat Heflin drew a walk. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, bringing up Doherty, who hit one down the left-field line to win it.
Doherty finished 3-for-5 with the homer and four RBIs, while Heflin collected a single, double, an RBI and two runs scored. Alex Laguna chipped in two hits, including a triple, RBI and run in the win.
Vanessa Popola went 3-for-5 with a run and a stolen base for Governor Livingston, while Anna Popola went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood 6, Roselle Park 5: Sam Friscia singled, doubled and drove in three runs, while Angela Valenta totaled two hits, two RBIs and a run scored to boost Scotch Plains-Fanwood (1-1). Winning pitcher Sairah Llano added two hits and two runs in the win, and allowed five runs, two earned, on four hits, two walks and struck out five. Emily Roof went the final two frames for the save, surrendering just one hit and two walks, fanning three.
New Providence 5, Roselle 4: Cate Conover tripled and drove in three runs, and Olivia Mulqueen singled and drove in a run and New Providence got a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to improve to 2-0. Caroline Apicella earned the win, allowing four runs on four hits, walking one and striking out 16.
Rahway 14, Oak Knoll 12: Danielle Maher went 4-for-5 with a triple, four runs and four RBIs, and Amber Maher went 4-for-4 with a double, two runs and four RBIs and Rahway won a slugfest on the road in a game they trailed 12-11 after five innings. Jorjia Schmidtt added three hits and three RBIs for the Indians (2-0).
Greater Middlesex Conference
East Brunswick Tech 11, South River 2: Giuliana Novello went 3-for-3 with three RBI to lead East Brunswick Tech Wednesday in East Brunswick. The Tigers (2-0) took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on four walks and Novella followed with a two-run single up the middle as East Brunswick Tech took the lead for good. Winner Aralyn Torres-Perez (2-0) struck out the side in the first inning and fanned 14 batters while yielding seven hits and four walks. Aniya Johnson (1-1) singled twice for South River (1-1) while Amiya Osborne singled, walked and scored both Rams runs.
Piscataway Tech 28, New Brunswick 11 (4 innings): Coral Aurich went 2-for-2 with three walks, four runs scored and four RBIs, and Makayla Wise posted two hits, three walks, four runs and three RBIs for Piscataway Tech (1-0). Jalissa Santana and Gianna Petriello each scored four runs and knocked in four in the win. The Zebras are 0-2.
North Brunswick 10, J.F. Kennedy 9 (8 innings): Jordan Tarabokia doubled and drove in two runs, while Megan Kindler added a single and two RBIs and North Brunswick scored five in the five, two in the sixth and one in the seventh to tie it, before winning it in the bottom of the eighth. Victoria Frobosilo collected three hits, two walks and four runs scored for the Raiders (2-0). Marialys Rocourt notched three hits and two runs, while Kristinka Kuzar went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI for the Mustangs (1-1).
Timothy Christian 23, Highland Park 15: Marli Szierer finished with two doubles, a home run, two walks, four runs scored and seven RBIs as Timothy Christian won a barn burner in Piscataway. Holly Medina helped out with two doubles, a homer and three RBIs for the Tigers (1-1). Melissa Evan went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs and two RBIs, and Alexis Valenta added a single, double, two runs and two RBIs for the Owls (0-2).
Mother Seton 24, Wardlaw-Hartridge 9: Makayla Martinez singled, doubled, tripled, walked three times, stole four bases and scored six runs to lead the attack for Mother Seton in its opener. Anna Maliakal singled and homered in the win, while Sasha Smyth notched a single, two walks, two RBIs and four runs scored for the Setters. The Rams are 1-1.
Skyland Conference
Pingry 14, Voorhees 7: Taylor Francis collected three hits, including a triple, scored three runs and knocked in four and Pingry moved to 2-0, Grace Stowe notched three hits, a run and two RBIs in the win, while Claire Sartorius singled twice and scored three runs for the Big Blue. Avalyn Stayskal went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, and Isabella Mecca singled twice and scored twice for Voorhees (0-2).
Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached atCourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
Skyland Conference
Delaware Valley 2, Voorhees 0: Paige Brightwell fired a six-hit shutout, walked none and struck out five, and Allison Moschberger singled in a run, and Delaware Valley opened its Skyland Conference Valley Division slate with a win. Lilly Rynearson singled and scored a run for the Terriers (2-0).Avalyn Stayskal allowed just two runs on two hits for Voorhees (0-1), but she walked nine while fanning four. Isabella Mecca tallied two hits for the Vikings.ANALYSIS: Well, if anyone was worried about Brightwell not pitching yesterday (I was, but only a little), those fears have been calmed. Del Val is officially a contender.
More:Softball: No. 2 Hillsborough blasts No. 1 Watchung Hills in opener
Manville 14, South Hunterdon 4 (5 innings): Hannah Janes singled, doubled, walked, scored three runs and drove in four, all while picking up the win in the circle, allowing two earned runs on six hits, a walk and struck out nine and Manville snapped South Hunterdon’s 24-game Mountain Division winning streak. Valentina Barrios pitched in three hits, including a double, and three RBIs for the Mustangs (1-0), while Sophia Gosk notched two hits, two runs and an RBI in the win.ANALYSIS: Impressive job by Manville. I’m not at all surprised to see the Mustangs prevail – South Hunterdon lost six front-line starters to graduation – but for Manville to do it in such dominant fashion shows me I’m right to consider the squad one of the contenders in the league.
Mount St. Mary 14, Bound Brook 2 (5 innings): Anna Ziccardi singled, doubled and drove in three runs, while allowing just one earned run on five hits and a walk, striking out nine, and Mount St. Mary opened their Mountain Division slate with a win over one of their fellow contenders. Madilyn Zatorski had a big varsity debut for the Mount Lions (1-0), with a single, triple, walk and four runs scored. Rachel Gurczeski-Fariello picked up two hits, including a double, and scored a run in her first varsity game for Bound Brook, while Avery Scire singled and drove in a run for the Crusaders (0-1).ANALYSIS: Either I’ve underestimated Mount St. Mary, or overestimated Bound Brook. I’ve been saying since the preseason that the Mountain Division is wide open. This proves it. Great job by MSM.
Warren Hills 11, Bernards 1 (6 innings): Laney Adie allowed just a run on three hits, walked one and struck out three, and Gianna Marinelli finished with three hits, including a double, two runs and three RBIs and Warren Hills rode a four-run first inning, adding one in the fifth and six in the sixth to send Valley Division favorite Bernards to a loss in the conference opener. Adie picked up three hits and an RBI in the win, while Sienna Cardell homered and drove in two runs for the Streaks (1-0). Risa Rivetti and Marley Beers each singled for Bernards (1-1).ANALYSIS: We have a new clubhouse leader for shocker of the day. I know it’s one (divisional game), but the last thing I expected was for Bernards to lose a conference game, let alone by a lopsided margin (two bad innings. Meh). Super, super impressed with Warren Hills. Who thought the Streaks had it in them? Clearly, they do. Guess they join Pingry, Voorhees and Del Val as contenders looking to knock off defending Valley champ Mountaineers.
Pingry 10, Somerville 0 (5 innings): Sophomore Casey McKeon threw a five-inning no-hitter, walked none and struck out seven and Pingry opened with a victory. Ella Royster led the Big Blue offense, picking up a single, two home runs, three runs and six RBIs in the win. McKeon, Ryan Travers, Delaney Swain and Grace Stowe all picked up hits in the win. Riley DeSarno reached on an error for Somerville (0-2), which denied McKeon the perfect game.
Immaculata 10, Ridge 0 (5 innings): Caroline Collitti allowed just two hits and Mollie Ferreira went 3-for-4 with a double, run and an RBI and Immaculata scored a win in its first Raritan Division contest. Madeline Travaglione singled, walked twice, scored twice and drove in two runs for the Spartans (2-0), while Rebecca Airel tripled and knocked in two runs in the win. Sam Rafanello and Elie Lardiere tallied hits for Ridge (1-1).
Hunterdon Central 11, Bridgewater-Raritan 1 (5 innings): Winning pitcher Emily Van Cleef singled, doubled and drove in three runs, and Zoe Totaro doubled, homered and knocked in two and Hunterdon Central rolled in its Skyland Delaware opener. Celia Totaro pitched in two hits, including a triple, two runs and an RBI for the Red Devils (2-0). Caileigh Mahovetz singled twice, walked, and drove in a run for the Panthers (0-2).
North Hunterdon 10, Franklin 3: Grace Reed and Sammi Dougherty each drove in two runs, and Kylie Petak collected three hits and an RBI and North Hunterdon rolled to 2-0. Sienna Sorrentino chipped in two hits, a run and an RBI, while Katie Reed singled, doubled and scored twice for the Lions. Skye Cooke allowed three runs on four hits, walked five and struck out nine to earn the win. Zoe Ling went 3-for-4 with two RBIs for Franklin (0-1).
Belvidere 10, Rutgers Prep 0 (5 innings): Mia Lawson went 2-for-2 with a doubled, homer, walk and four RBIs, while Madyson Denker doubled and drove in two runs and Belvidere moved to 1-1. Gianna Nese earned the win with five one-hit innings, she walked none and struck out five. Kate Dougherty singled for Rutgers Prep (0-1).
Phillipsburg 20, Montgomery 3 (3 innings): The Stateliners are 1-0, while Montgomery is 0-2.
Greater Middlesex Conference
South Brunswick 11, J.P. Stevens 8: Brooke Allen went 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs as sixth-ranked South Brunswick (0-1) rallied for the win in Edison. South Brunswick scored five times in its first two at-bats and five more over the last two frames. No. 8 J.P. Stevens took a 7-6 lead in the fourth inning as three walks loaded the bases and Nikki Diserio (also 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI) singled home two runs and Riley Colling put the Hawks on top, 7-6, on the front end of a double steal. Amanda Buttita earned the win in relief for the Vikings.
More:Softball: Perth Amboy wins as teams honor late Piscataway player
North Brunswick 11, Carteret 1 (5 innings): Victoria Frobosilo picked up two doubles, two triples, three runs and three RBIs, and Megan LaVielle doubled, scored twice and knocked in two runs to send North Brunswick (1-0). Winning pitcher Jordan Tarabokia notched a double, RBI and two runs in the win. Cienna Diaz doubled and drove in a run for Carteret (0-2).
Metuchen 6, South Plainfield 5: Mia Szap ripped a two-run home run and winning pitcher Abby Kozo notched three hits, including a double, a run and an RBI and Metuchen won its first game as a GMC Red Division squad. Kiara Guzman chipped in a single and two RBIs and Brianna De La Fuente added two hits and an RBI for the Bulldogs (1-0). Lindsay Oller singled and homered and Grace Capparelli singled, doubled and scored a run for South Plainfield (0-1).
J.F. Kennedy 18, North Plainfield 6 (5 innings): Melany Sena doubled, homered, scored three runs and drove in five, and Courtney Paulikas doubled, homered and knocked in four runs as J.F. Kennedy (1-0) erased a 6-1 deficit with six runs in the bottom of the second inning, using a 10-run fourth inning to put it away. Angelica Rosario went 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBIs in the win. Taylor Mooney, Jordan Phillips and Jocelyn Navarrette each singled and scored a run for North Plainfield (0-2).
Edison 9, Middlesex 5: Kelly Roe doubled and homered, and Cassandra Della Fave notched tow hits and two RBIs and Edison improved to 2-0. Ryann Spaventa chipped in two hits and a run scored for the Eagles. Amber Demeter tripled and drove in two runs and McKenna Healey homered for Middlesex (0-1).
East Brunswick 10, Woodbridge 1: Julia Theil went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, and Samantha Motusesky and Jocelyn Nazario each added two hits, including a homer, and two RBIs and East Brunswick rolled to 1-1. Annabella Stangliano allowed a run on seven hits, walked three and struck out three for the Bears. Amber Miltenberg went 2-for-4 with a home run for the Barrons (0-2).
St. Thomas Aquinas 11, Monroe 0 (6 innings): Hayley Wieczerzak tossed a two-hit shutout, walked two and struck out 13, and Melody Webb went 4-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and five RBIs and St. Thomas rolled in its opener. Mary-Kate Murray pitched in a homers and two Rbis and Brielle Cubala went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs for the Trojans. Brielle Zarsky doubled and Monica Bukowczyk singled for Monroe (0-2).
Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached atCourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus
MONDAY, APRIL 3
Ridge 4, Montgomery 0: Sophomore Kari Murray began her second softball season with a gem, firing a three-hit shutout, walking three and striking out 17 as Ridge opened its season in style.Ellie Lardiere led the offensive attack for the Red Devils, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs, while Maddy Blanford notched two hits and two runs scored in the win. Kari Murray also drove in a run to aid her own cause. Dana Levy picked up two hits for Montgomery, with the other coming from Connor Fogarty.ANALYSIS: Alright. Alright. I know Montgomery is in rebuilding mode and all, but this is still an established Group 4 program that knows what it takes to succeed. To see the super young Red Devils, who are still trying to find themselves, turn in a performance like this – and get a gem from a sophomore ace – just warms the heart. Ridge is one of my sleeper teams for 2023, a club that could be in for marked improvement, and Murray’s presence is part of that. Ridge has a great stretch run last year, really showing the fruit of its season-long labor, and, perhaps, they’re ready to show it on a bigger scale. Stay tuned. Tuesday brings a trip to Diamond Nation and a decidedly tougher opponent in up-and-coming power Immaculata. Toss a shutout at the Spartans and I might be filing tomorrow’s roundup from the cardiac wing at Overlook Hospital.
More:Softball: North Hunterdon outslugs Westfield to win opener
Delaware Valley 3, Gill St. Bernard’s 2: Skylee Ohler went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, and Lilly Rynearson added two hits and an RBI and Delaware Valley used a three-run bottom of the fifth inning to erased a 2-0 deficit and claim the opening-day win. Brooklyn Liskowacki also singled and drove in a run for the Terriers, while Taylor Aycock allowed no earned runs on six hits, walked four and struck out six to earn the win. Jillian Cianfrocca notched a single, double and RBI for Gill St. Bernard’s, which also got two hits and a run from Brooke Baisley. Vanessa Mavraj drove in a run for the Knights.ANALYSIS: Super impressive opening-day win for Del Val, not only because of the victory over Gill, which moved up to the Raritan Division this year and is expected to contend, but also because of the work Aycock did in the circle. The thought was the Terriers needed ace Paige Brightwell to be healthy and pitching in order to be successful, but perhaps she’s not the only option. The good news is Brightwell did play today, and, perhaps, we’ll see her in the circle for Tuesday’s Valley Division opener against Voorhees.
Bernards 13, Bridgewater-Raritan 3: Caitlyn Sebastian turned in two singles and three RBIs and Taylor Monica added three hits, two runs and two RBIs and Bernards rode a seven-run second inning and cruised to the opening-day win at North Bridge Street Field. Silje Emery pitched in three hits, a run and an RBI for the Mountaineers, while Maddie Lardieri allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits and walked just two. Angela Tremarco doubled and drove in two runs for Bridgewater-Raritan, who also got a single, run and an RBI from MaKenna Smith.ANALYSIS: Yeah. Bernards is legit. Believe it!
More:Softball preview 2023: Links to Skyland, GMC, Union County coverage
New Providence 17, Hillside 0 (4 innings): Freshman Annie Conover notched a single, home run and six RBIs, as the state-championship-winning basketball standout began her softball career in style in New Providence’s win. Caroline Apicella added a double, triple, two runs and two RBIs for the Pioneers, while Cate Conover scored two runs and drove in two more in the win.ANALYSIS: Annie Conover finished her freshman basketball campaign with a huge standout performance in the Pioneers’ win in the Group 2 basketball final last month, and it looks like she knows her way around the diamond, too. I wonder if hoops superstars Meghan Lamanna and Grace Kinum can catch, hit and/or throw.
Rahway 11, Linden 1 (5 innings): Danielle Maher singled, doubled and drove in four runs, and Jenna Maher collected three hits, including a double, scored a run and knocked in two more to fuel Rahway. Amber Maher contributed to the family affair with three hits, including two doubles and a run for the Indians, while Stephanie Mora notched three hits, including a double, an RBI and two runs. Kayla Lebers allowed one run on five hits, two walks and struck out three for the win. Allyson Padavano drove in a run for Linden, which got two hits from Molly McDonald.
Old Bridge 11, Woodbridge 10 (8 innings): Gianna Velez finished with four hits, including a double, two RBIs and a run, and Zoe Milonopoulos homered and knocked in a pair as Old Bridge won a wild one on opening day. The Knights led 4-1 headed to the bottom of the sixth inning, before Woodbridge scored a run in the sixth and three in the seventh to tie it. Old Bridge put up six in the top of the eighth inning, before the Barrons responded with five in the bottom of the frame, falling a run short. Emma DiMartini and Amanda Jupinka each pitched in two RBIs in the win. Vanessa Morales doubled and drove in two runs for Woodbridge, while Samirrah Ortiz homered for the Barrons.
Somerset Tech 16, New Brunswick 6 (6 innings): Melissa McEnroe singled twice, scored three times and drove in three runs, and Delilah Bergman notched two RBIs and Somerset Tech won on opening day. Isabella Granzwetto and Kalina Trent each notched two hits and a run for the Jags, while Sabrina Abella walked four times, stole three bases, and scored three runs in the win.
Perth Amboy Tech 18, Woodbridge Academy 5 (5 innings): Arlette Batista tripled and drove in five runs, and Jalena Santiago notched three hits, including a double, and two runs, as Perth Amboy Tech rolled. Amanda Batista scored four tuns in the win, while Kiara Tapia crossed three times, walking four times. Eva Patel went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, and Kiah Parekh doubled, walked twice, and scored three runs for Woodbridge Academy.
Union Catholic 22, Roselle Catholic 0 (4 innings): Jessica Sot singled, doubled, homered, scored four runs and drove in five, and Isabella Cruz single, doubled, homered, scored three and knocked in four to propel Union Catholic. Cameron Kelly homered in her first game with the Vikings since transferring from North Plainfield, finishing with two hits. Hannah Buniak chipped in two hits and four RBIs in the win. Lilah Reidy allowed just two hits and three walks, striking out eight in four innings for the victory.
Hunterdon Central 8, Monroe 0: Emily Van Cleef and Brielle Staskavage combined on the no-hitter, as Hunterdon Central got its second going in style. Van Cleef went the first five innings, earning the win, allowing just two walks, hitting a batter, and striking out five. Staskavage finished up with two hitless innings, walking one and fanning three. Super senior Sam DelHoyo led the offense with three hits, a run and an RBI, while Riley Failla added two hits and a run, driving in another. Van Cleef helped her own cause with a single, double and RBI. Ava Kwitoswki walked and stole a base for Monroe.
Edison 5, Somerville 4: Kaylin Kline picked up two doubles and two RBIs, while Kelly Roe and Cassandra Della Fave each pitched in a single, run and an RBI to power Edison. Lindsay Yascko helped out with a single and an RBI in the win, while Ava Austin allowed four runs on nine hits, walked six and struck out eight in the circle for the Eagles. Ella Schueler went 4-for-4 with an RBI for Somerville, while Nicole Fitzgibbon notched two hits and scored two runs. She also struck out eight and walked just one in the circle.
Immaculata 12, North Plainfield 0 (5 innings): Mollie Ferreira went 2-for-3 with a homer, two RBIs and three runs scored, and Caroline Duffey pitched in two RBIs, and Immaculata won at Diamond Nation. Julia Gallo and Caroline Colitti each singled twice and drove in a run in the win, while Colitti earned the victory in the circle, allowing just one hit and striking out 11 in five innings. Naylani DelValley doubled for the Canucks’ lone hit.
Hamilton West 13, South Hunterdon 3 (5 innings): Kaitlin Srivastava singled and drove in two runs for South Hunterdon, which also got an RBI from Anika Balog.
Cranford 9, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 1: Angelina Valente picked up two hits, including a second-inning home run, accounting for all Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s run production. Siarah Llano, Samantha Friscia and Julia Friedrichs also singled for the Raiders.
East Brunswick Tech 5, Highland Park 4: Aralyn Torres-Perez singled, scored a run and knocked in a pair, and Nicolena Giddis added two hits and an RBI and East Brunswick Tech used a four-run top of the seventh inning to secure the win. Makayla Caban added a single, double and run in the win, while Torres-Perez went the distance for the victory, surrendering the four runs on five hits, walked two, hitting two and striking out 12. Flor Queseda singled and drove in a run for the Owls, who got all four of their runs in the fifth inning.
Governor Livingston 12, Union 0 (6 innings): Alina Murad and Katie DeBello combined on the one-hit shutout, and Kelly Hanratty paced the offense with two doubles, a homer and four RBIs to send Governor Livingston. Chelsea Kiesewetter pitched in a home run, two runs and two RBIs in the win, while Vanessa Popola helped out the Highlanders’ cause with two hits, two runs and an RBI.
South River 15, Carteret 4 (6 innings): Melanie Oliveira collected two hits, two runs and two RBIs, and Leigha Borusovic notched two hits, two RBIs and a run and South River rolled. Aniya Johnson added a double, triple and three runs for the Rams. Arianna King, Gloria Sanchez and Kira Sliziewicz each drove in a run for Carteret.
Wardlaw-Hartridge 19, Dunellen 0 (5 innings): Sophia Roccio singled, tripled and drove in four runs, and Elyssa Ortega added three RBIs and Wardlaw-Hartridge cruised to the win. Devin Coleman finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs in the victory.
Josh Rosenfeld’s live game coverage, 4/3
Spotswood 6, Colonia 0
WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP — It didn’t take long for Spotswood to become acclimated after being elevated to the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division
Alex Diaz led off with a triple and Jenn Pokropinski followed with a double that sent the fifth-ranked Chargers (1-0) on their way to a 6-0 shutout of Colonia in their season opener Monday in Colonia.
Karina Jennings and Cynthia Rucinski each singled home a run and Emily Yatsko tripled in another to highlight a four-run salvo in the fourth that broke the game open.
Ava Mormile struck out five and walked three in twirling a seven-hit shutout.
Marisela Cardona went 3-for-3 and Lyela Nieves had a single and a double for No. 10 Colonia, which put two runners on in the sixth before Spotswood defused the threat with a triple play on a liner to Diaz shortstop.
J.P. Stevens 7, East Brunswick 5
EAST BRUNSWICK — Faith Fiumaro stroked a two-run single as eighth-ranked J.P. Stevens (1-0) scored three times in the first inning and never trailed In East Brunswick.
Emma Clemens added a two-run single in the fourth that extended the lead to 5-2. Julia Thiel had a pair of run-scoring singles for East Brunswick (0-1) and led off the bottom of the seventh with a towering solo home run to center for a three-RBI morning.
Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He
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