Harabedian, Matthew commit to D-I

Two local softball players have signed National Letters of Intent to Division I college programs this winter.

Hunterdon Central senior shortstop Jenny Harabedian, who helped the Red Devils to their eighth Hunterdon/Warren Tournament title in the past 10 years last season and their 21st straight conference crown, will play for Rutgers University, while Westfield third baseman/pitcher Cyndil Matthew has committed to the University of Massachusetts.

Harabedian batted .467 with 33 RBIs as a junior last season, and blasted 9 home runs to tie a Hunterdon Central record.

Her keynote address came in the bottom of the sixth inning of the Hunterdon/Warren final against North Hunterdon when she hit a 3-run home run to dead-center field to turn a 1-0 lead into a 4-0 cushion.

As a sophomore, Harabedian hit .400, with 5 doubles, 7 triples, 6 home runs and 27 RBIs.

Matthew, who was named first-team all-Area by the Courier News in each of the past two seasons, hit .625 for Westfield with 7 home runs, 27 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

In the circle, Matthew went 9-4 with a 0.88 ERA, and struck out 117 hitters in 79 2/3 innings.

Matthew hit .642 with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 8 home runs and 34 RBIs her sophomore year, playing exclusively third base.

***

Just over three months left until softball season, folks!!

On behalf of myself and the Courier News sports staff, here's wishing you and yours a very happy holidays and a prosperous new year.

All-Area is here

The 2008 Courier News All-Area package is out today and is available in its entirety in the print edition of the paper.

Most of it is also available online at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/

Here are some direct links:

For the final notebook CLICK HERE

For the feature on 2008 Courier News Coach of the Year, Jeff Steele of North Hunterdon, CLICK HERE

For the feature on 2008 Courier News Player of the Year Lauren Fitzsimmons CLICK HERE

For a capsule look at the other 2008 first-teamers CLICK HERE

Here are the All-Area teams and honorable mention, followed by the season's final Top 10:

FIRST TEAM
P-Lauren Fitzsimmons, Bridgewater-Raritan, Sr.
P-Jenna Gonzalez, North Hunterdon, Sr.
P-Megan McInaw, Hillsborough, Sr.
P-Alyssa Sutherland, South Plainfield, Jr.
C-Erica Gaeta, Hunterdon Central, Sr.
1B-Lindsay Durant, Bridgewater-Raritan, Sr.
2B-Colleen Trecartin, North Hunterdon, Sr.
SS-Jenny Harabedian, Hunterdon Central, Jr.
3B-Cyndil Matthew, Westfield, Jr.
OF-Meghan Everett, Hunterdon Central, Sr.
OF-Hilary Murray, North Hunterdon, Sr.
OF-Jeanette Ragucci, Voorhees, Sr.
DH-Katelyn Derewecki, Hillsborough, Sr.
Util-Jenna Carmon, Hunterdon Central, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
P-Lydia deMartino, Watchung Hills, Sr.
P-Lindsay Lehman, Somerville, Sr.
P-Kaitlyn Piazzolla, Immaculata, Sr.
P-Courtney Yard, Hunterdon Central, Fr.
C-Erin Siejk, Watchung Hills, Sr.
1B-Megan Alexander, Hillsborough, Sr.
2B-Stephanie Goines, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Sr.
SS-Katie Occhipinti, Pingry, Sr.
3B-Katie Watts, Ridge, Sr.
OF-Lindsey Ciresa, Somerville, Sr.
OF-Ally Hanlon, Hunterdon Central, Sr.
OF-Kristen Sheft, RutgersPrep, Jr.
DH-Blair Curzi, North Hunterdon, So.
Util-Alex Campanaro, Rutgers Prep, Fr.

THIRD TEAM
P-Jennifer Goldberg, Warldaw-Hartridge, Jr.
P-Casey Niper, Montgomery, So.
P-Gina Richardella, Gill St. Bernard's, Fr.
P-Alex Tragno, New Providence, Sr.
C-Megan Kryeling, Dunellen, Sr.
1B-Kaylee Fry, BoundBrook, Sr.
2B—Shannon Deegan, Union Catholic, Jr.
SS-Katie Zolli, Union Catholic, Jr.
3B-Katie Muglia, South Plainfield, So.
OF-Laura Burger, Watchung Hills, Jr.
OF-Katie Pires, Governor Livingston, Sr.
OF-Katie Abruzzo, Westfield, So.
DH-Jen Disch, South Plainfield, Jr.
Util-Liz Miller, Dunellen, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION
Bernards: Nicole Fresella, Kelly Lallis, Rebecca Sewell, Meghan Sundberg;
Bound Brook: Kristen Longo, Kasey Ludwig, Jillian Mondrone;
Bridgewater-Raritan: Maria Cano, Carianne D'Allessandro, Sammy DeSimone;
Delaware Valley: Amy Mesce;
Dunellen: Michelle Pakenham, Alex Ruskuski;
Franklin: Arielle Liotine;
Gill St. Bernard's: Katie Carbone, Alyssa Creegan;
Governor Livingston: Nicole Koszowski, Christina Kushner, Cat Sacco;
Hillsborough: Margaret Gilroy, Kristi Ann Ivone, Tara Van Doren;
Hunterdon Central: Annmarie Forenza;
Immaculata: Kat Cannell, Ali Cullen, Ariel Doering, Ashley Hartshorn;
Manville: Sam Aichele;
Middlesex: Michelle Casale, Jackie Ferraro;
Montgomery: Elora Daniele, Abby Gray, Taylor Zahn;
Mount St. Mary: Tori Breen, Julia Kennedy, Gina Quartorolo, Alex Russomagno, Marisa Villa;
New Providence: Michelle Ciarrocca, Kelly Marchisio, Caitlin Sneeden;
North Hunterdon: Caitlin McGourty, Sam Rayhon, Rebecca Schaefer, Jenna Taylor;
North Plainfield: Amanda Costello, Tiffany Murphy;
Plainfield: Aliya Davis, Devyn Hale;
Ridge: Sam Fama;
Rutgers Prep: Kelly Prendergast, Anna Steinman;
Scotch Plains-Fanwood: Kelly Cianciotta, Nikki Mineo, Saxoney Neilsen;
Somerset Tech: Jessica Popik, Rebecca Popik;
Somerville: Janelle Jegou, Kim Sacchi, Korri Thompson;
South Hunterdon: Corrine Hart, Amanda Nielsen, Tori Smeigocki;
South Plainfield: Stephanie Szeliga;
Timothy Christian: Sara Poole, Ashley Sivo, Courtney Soucek;
Union Catholic: Angela Sessa;
Wardlaw-Hartridge: Nicole Kopidakis, Alison Monte, Tara Pretty;
Westfield: Katie Esler, Alex Pecora.


FINAL SOFTBALL TOP 10
1. Hunterdon Central 26-2
2. North Hunterdon 25-4
3. Hillsborough 19-6
4. Bridgewater-Raritan 22-7
5. South Plainfield 21-6
6. Westfield 17-6
7. Immaculata 16-12
8. Watchung Hills 12-11
9. Montgomery 15-12
10. Somerville 21-5

ALL-AREA DATE

After some editorial issues, it has been determined that softball All-Area will run in the Friday, June 20 edition of the Courier News.

I don't expect this to change again.

Sorry for the confusion.

This is the end...

The final podcast of the season was recorded Tuesday night and is now up at www.mycentraljersey.com, and features, among other things, a look back at the season, as well as a glance at the postseason awards, including the hotly contested battle going on in the polls on this blog.

For a direct link, CLICK HERE

Five awarded scholarships

ZONED Sports Academy Inc., a training and teaching facility for baseball and softball, has announced the winners of its second annual $10,000.00 Baseball/Softball Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Award, and five local players have been recognized.

According to the press release, scholarships are given to athletes in recognition of their athletic accomplishments, educational success, and community service work, and are applicable to each individual’s first year of matriculation.

This year’s winners for softball are: Katie Watts of Ridge; Megan McInaw and Katelyn Derewecki of Hillsborough; Sarah Pangia of Montgomery; and Jenna Carmon of Hunterdon Central.

Baseball winners are Patrick Doyle of Watchung Hills and Robert Colucci of Immaculata.

“These scholarships recognize athletes who have succeeded in far more than baseball and softball,” said Duke Baxter of ZONED Sports Academy. “They recognize each of these athletes as well rounded individuals whose accomplishments reach well beyond the diamonds they play on. They are true champions in their schools, homes and communities.

“These scholarships provide a way for us at ZONED to recognize and give back to these young role models as well as for those who will follow in their footsteps in years to come.”

ZONED Sports Academy Inc. can be reached on 732-537-1770 or on the web at www.zonedinc.com.

PODCAST: WEEK 10

The latest edition of the BATS and BALLS podcast was recorded Thursday night and is up at www.MyCentralJersey.com.

For a direct link CLICK HERE

Bittersweet symphony

It was another exciting, very enjoyable season of varsity softball that has now come to an end. And for me, the most difficult phase of the season has come: Choosing the postseason awards and picking the All-Area teams.

Sure, it's fun to look back on the season and compile stats and performances. But, like every year, certain very deserving people are going to be inevitably left out simply because of the numbers crunch, and I feel a lot of pressure to get it as right as I possibly can.

As usual, I will be selecting a Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, first, second and third team All-Area, as well as Honorable Mention for the 2008 All-Area Softball teams scheduled for release on Wednesday, June 18.

Each team consists of four pitchers, three outfielders, a catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop and third baseman, as well as a designated hitter and a utility player (the latter two can be from any position).

I have already begun calling coaches, getting their nominees, stats, as well as their opinions on other players in the area, and I extend the same question to you, the readers:

The Courier News area consists of all of Somerset County and all of Hunterdon County, as well as Westfield, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Plainfield, Governor Livingston, New Providence and Union Catholic in Union County, plus Dunellen, Piscataway, Middlesex, Wardlaw-Hartridge, Timothy Christian and South Plainfield in Middlesex County.

I have narrowed Coach of the Year and Player of the Year to a few candidates, my only criteria being that the team won something (county, conference, section), and I am very interested in opinions on those awards as well as the All-Area teams, so feel free to comment here or send me an email at CourierSoftball@aol.com.


PLAYER OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES
Not all of these players are guaranteed to make first team. Like I said, numbers crunch.

Jenna Carmon, Hunterdon Central, senior, pitcher/first base
Undefeated in 16 decisions as a pitcher, one of the big bats in the lineup for the Hunterdon/Warren and co-Skyland Delaware West champs.

Jenna Gonzalez, North Hunterdon, senior, pitcher
Ace righty had a great year for the North 2, Group IV and co-Skyland Delaware West champs and showed to be more than resilient when she didn't have her best stuff.

Lauren Fitzsimmons, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior, pitcher
Did not allow a run in the Somerset County Tournament -- throwing a near-perfect game in the semis and a no-hitter in the final. Did not allow a run in the state tournament until North Hunterdon's late-inning comeback, and even then, did not allow many hard-hit balls.

Jenny Harabedian, Hunterdon Central, junior, shortstop
The top bat in Central's lineup tied a school record with nine homers. Hit a game-breaking three-run blast in Hunterdon/Warren final

Lindsay Lehman, Somerville, senior, pitcher
Emerged as the Pioneers' ace and pitched Somerville to the Raritan Division crown

Megan McInaw, Hillsborough, senior, pitcher
Used her bat and her arm to lead Hillsborough to the Skyland Delaware East championship. Came within one extra inning, international-tiebreaker loss of the Raiders seventh straight trip to SCT final, and lost 1-0 to the eventual Central Jersey Group IV champs in the semifinals.

Did I miss someone? Let me know.



COACH OF THE YEAR
Criteria: Team must have won something. Must not have won the award in previous five seasons (i.e. Hillsborough's Cheryl Iaione was 2003 Coach of the Year, and South Plainfield's Don Panzarella was Coach of the Year in 2005, and are ineligible).


Sandy Baranowski, Bridgewater-Raritan
Led the Panthers to their first county crown since 1998 and first-ever sectional final. B-R won 22 games -- most in school history.

Heidi Kearnan, Rutgers Prep
Returning to the Argonauts bench after an 11-year hiatus, Kearnan has taken big steps toward building Rutgers Prep into a program that can not only continue to dominate the Patriot League and the Prep B Tournament -- Argos won their third straight title this season -- but can be a force in Somerset County and the NJSIAA, which they're reportedly scheduled to join in 2009-2010.

Regina Rossi, Somerville
Balancing a three-arm pitching staff in her second year at the helm, Rossi led the Pioneers to the Raritan Division crown

Jeff Steele, North Hunterdon
The Lions won a share of the Skyland Delaware West and won the North 2, Group IV title for the third straight season. Team showed a refusal to ever give up, pulling off an eye-popping comeback to win the sectional title, and almost repeated the feat in the Group IV semis.

Did I miss anyone? Let me know.

All-Skyland Conference teams

Here are the complete All-Skyland Conference teams, by division

The teams were picked today by conference coaches at a meeting at North Hunterdon High School on Monday.

You will notice each division has its own format as far as how many players and teams were picked and what positions they were assigned.

Some of it strikes me a bit odd, but you get the idea.


SKYLAND CONFERENCE DELAWARE EAST DIVISION
Division champ: Hillsborough

FIRST TEAM
P: Lydia deMartino, Watchung Hills, senior
P: Lauren Fitzsimmons, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior
P: Megan McInaw, Hillsborough, senior
P: Kaitlyn Piazzolla, Immaculata, senior
C: Sammy DeSimone, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior
C: Margaret Gilroy, Hillsborough, sophomore
C: Abby Gray, Montgomery, freshman
C: Erin Siejk, Watchung Hills, senior
1B: Megan Alexander, Hillsbrough, senior
1B: Lindsay Durant, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior
2B: Carianne D’Alessandro, Bridgewater-Raritan, junior
SS: Kat Cannell, Immaculata, senior
SS/P: Casey Niper, Montgomery, sophomore
OF: Laura Berger, Watchung Hills, senior
OF: Katelyn Derewecki, Hillsborough, senior

SECOND TEAM
P: Arielle Liotine, Franklin, senior
2B: Katie Beegle, Watchung Hills, junior
SS: Maria Caro, Bridgewater-Raritan, junior
SS: Kristi Ann Ivone, Hillsborough, freshman
3B: Alexis Manuel, Watchung Hills, senior
3B: Tara Van Doren, Hillsborough, senior
3B: Taylor Zahn, Montgomery, sophomore
OF: Lauren Fair, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior
OF: Katie Jones, Bridgewater-Raritan, junior

HONORABLE MENTION
Elora Daniele, P/SS, Montgomery, senior
Jordan Helman, 3B, Bridgewater-Raritan, senior


SKYLAND CONFERENCE DELAWARE WEST DIVISION
Division champ: Hunterdon Central/North Hunterdon (tie)

FIRST TEAM
P: Jenna Carmon, Hunterdon Central, senior
P: Jenna Gonzalez, North Hunterdon, senior
C: Erica Gaeta, Hunterdon Central, senior
1B: Courtney Yard, Hunterdon Central, freshman
2B: Colleen Trecartin, North Hunterdon, senior
SS: Jenny Harabedian, Hunterdon Central, junior
3B: Katie Watts, Ridge, senior
OF: Meghan Everett, Hunterdon Central, senior
OF: Sam Fama, Ridge, sophomore
OF: Hilary Murray, North Hunterdon, senior
OF: Jeanette Ragucci, Voorhees, senior
DP: Blair Curzi, North Hunterdon, sophomore
At Large: Nicole Cruz, Warren Hills, senior
At Large: Ally Hanlan, Hunterdon Central, senior
At Large: Sam Rayhon, North Hunterdon, sophomore

SECOND TEAM
P: Lindsay Gibbons, Ridge, senior
C: Hannah Rimar, Voorhees, senior
1B: Julia Povolny, Ridge, senior
OF: Jenna Taylor, North Hunterdon, senior
2B: Katie Ciecwisz, Voorhees, sophomore
2B: Krysten Rosamelia, Warren Hills, sophomore
OF: Kelly O'Dell, Warren Hills, junior
3B: Shawnee Bernstein, Voorhees, junior
SS: Rebecca Schaefer, North Hunterdon, junior

HONORABLE MENTION
Ann Marie Forenza, Hunterdon Central, senior
Caitlin McGourty, North Hunterdon, senior
Lexi Conglione, Warren Hills, senior
Sam Birr, Ridge
Andi Schell, Voorhees, freshman
Rachael Raabe, Phillipsburg, senior


SKYLAND CONFERENCE RARITAN DIVISION
Division champ: Somerville

FIRST TEAM
P: Lindsay Lehman, Somerville, senior
P: Liz Tillou, Hackettstown, sophomore
C: Amy Mesce, Delaware Valley, senior
1B: Laura Nevar, Somerville, junior
2B: Melissa Volkert, Hackettstown, senior
SS: Gina Quartarolo, Mount Saint Mary, junior
3B: Julia Kennedy, Mount Saint Mary, senior
OF: Tori Breen, Mount Saint Mary, junior
OF: Lindsey Ciresa, Somerville, senior
OF: Taylor Thorp, Hackettstown, freshman
At Large: Nicole Fresella, Bernards, junior
At Large: Janelle Jegou, Somerville, senior
At Large: Alex Russomagno, Mount Saint Mary, senior
At Large: Megan Sundberg, Bernards, senior
At Large: Rebecca Sewell, Bernards, freshman

SECOND TEAM
P: Kaitlyn Johnson, Delaware Valley, freshman
P: Marissa Vila, Mount Saint Mary, senior
C: Ashley Iannone, Hackettstown, freshman
2B: Dana Stevenson, Bernards, junior
2B: Korri Thompson, Somerville, sophomore
SS: Kim Sacchi, Somerville, sophomore
SS: Ali Wagner, Hackettstown, sophomore
3B: Samantha Bonaduce, Somerville, sophomore
OF: Kelly Lallis, Bernards, freshman


SKYLAND CONFERENCE VALLEY DIVISION
Division champ: Belvidere

FIRST TEAM
P: Corrine Hart, South Hunterdon, junior
P: Megan Roncoroni, Belvidere, senior
C: Amanda Nielsen, South Hunterdon, freshman
C: Kate Ruby, Belvidere, senior
IF: Kaylee Fry, Bound Brook, senior
IF: Melissa Garris, Belvidere, senior
IF: Nicole Howell, Belvidere, senior
IF: Tori Smeigocki, South Hunterdon, freshman
IF: Megan Vakes, Belvidere, senior
OF: Kristen Longo, Bound Brook, senior
OF: Guistina Lorusso, North Warren, junior
OF: Jillian Mondrone, Bound Brook, freshman
At Large: Michelle Cecchetti, North Warren, junior
At Large: Kasey Ludwig, Bound Brook, senior
At Large: Courtney Wood, Bound Brook, senior

SECOND TEAM
C: Rebecca Hoey, Bound Brook, freshman
C: Lynn Weiss, North Warren, junior
IF: Megan Baloy, Bound Brook, senior
IF: Ashley Leiggi, South Hunterdon, senior
IF: Emily Marley, South Hunterdon, freshman
IF: Hilary Reilly, North Warren, junior
IF: Codie Schaffer, Belvidere, senior
OF: Carly Bigos, North Warren
OF: Amanda Davalos, North Warren

HONORABLE MENTION
Lyndsey Becker, North Warren
Brittany Ennis, South Hunterdon
Melissa Metcalf, Belvidere
Caitlin Shubick, Bound Brook

Never Say die

The first text message arrived from Whippany Park High School from my colleague, Keith Sargeant, at 4:32 p.m. Tuesday letting me know North Hunterdon was down 5-0 in the bottom of the third inning.

As I relayed the news to one of my co-workers sitting at a desk adjacent to mine, I added, "This one is far from over."

After watching the Lions' miraculous comeback against Bridgewater-Raritan in the sectional final last week, I knew North Hunterdon had plenty of fight left in it. And even after I got a phone call from Harry Frezza, who was at the Hunterdon Central baseball game and received a report that North now trailed Ridgewood 7-2 in the sixth, I again turned to my co-worker and said, "Watch. North's gonna tie it in the seventh inning."

At 5:36 p.m. I got the following text from Keith: "Down 7-2, North rallied w/ 5 in top of 7th."

My reply: "Deja-(expletive deleted)-Vu."

Sure, the Lions would eventually lose in nine innings, but for a team to turn in unlikely comebacks in back-to-back game this deep in the state tournament, well, that's just a phenomenal feat and it speaks volume as to the intestinal fortitude of the young ladies that wear the green and gold of North Hunterdon.

Kudos to the Lions and coach Jeff Steele, who has obviously instilled in his players that never-say-die attitude that is a must-have for a championship ballclub.

Three straight sectional titles is nothing to scoff at, and though North came two games short of a state title this time around, the Lions have to be very proud of their accomplishment as the senior-heavy squad wraps up their high school softball careers.

Well done, ladies. Well done.

For complete coverage of Tuesday's game, check out Keith Sargeant's game story HERE

GROUP IV SEMIFINAL: Deja Vu.. almost

RIDGEWOOD 8, NORTH HUNTERDON 7 (9 inning)

North Hunterdon got down 5-0 in the third inning and trailed 7-2 headed to the top of the seventh.

The Lions got five in the top of the seventh to tie it 7-7, but Ridgewood got a run in the bottom of the ninth to send North Hunterdon home.

Keith Sargeant was on the scene in Whippany Park. To read his story CLICK HERE

North Hunterdon preview

My preview of today's North Hunterdon-Ridgewood Group IV semifinal is up at mycentraljersey.com, as well as in today's Courier News.

For my feature on Lions ace Jenna Gonzalez, click HERE

For a preview of the game -- complete with my prediction -- click HERE

Also online are previews of today's group semifinals involving Middlesex County teams by Home News Tribune softball writer Mark Spivey. Check those out HERE

Also, in case you missed it, the latest podcast was finally posted late Monday afternoon. You can find it HERE

Better late than never – plus All-Skyland Delaware East teams

Nearly four full days after it was originally recorded, the latest edition of the BATS and BALLS podcast is finally up at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/.

For a direct link, click HERE

In fairness to our fine multimedia staff, there was some technical difficulties with the original edit of the recording and it had to be reconfigured today. Thanks for your patience.

In less frustrating news, the Skyland Conference Delaware East Division teams are out.

The teams were picked today by conference coaches at a meeting at North Hunterdon High School.


FIRST TEAM
Seniors
Lydia deMartino, P, Watchung Hills
Lauren Fitzsimmons, P, Bridgewater-Raritan
Megan McInaw, P, Hillsborough
Kaitlyn Piazzolla, P, Immaculata
Sammy DeSimone, C, Bridgewater-Raritan
Erin Siejk, C, Watchung Hills
Megan Alexander, 1B, Hillsbrough
Lindsay Durant, 1B, Bridgewater-Raritan
Kat Cannell, SS, Immaculata
Laura Berger, OF, Watchung Hills
Katelyn Derewecki, OF, Hillsborough

Juniors
Carianne D’Alessandro, 2B, Bridgewater-Raritan

Sophomores
Margaret Gilroy, C, Hillsborough
Casey Niper, SS/P, Montgomery

Freshmen
Abby Gray, C, Montgomery


SECOND TEAM
Seniors
Tara Van Doren, 3B, Hillsborough
Lauren Fair, OF, Bridgewater-Raritan
Arielle Liotine, P, Franklin
Alexis Manuel, 3B, Watchung Hills

Juniors
Katie Beegle, 2B, Watchung Hills
Maria Caro, SS, Bridgewater-Raritan
Katie Jones, OF, Bridgewater-Raritan

Sophomores
Taylor Zahn, 3B, Montgomery

Freshmen
Kristi Ann Ivone, SS, Hillsborough


HONORABLE MENTION
Elora Daniele, P/SS, Montgomery
Jordan Helman, 3B, Bridgewater-Raritan



PROGRAMMING NOTES
Check out Tuesday’s edition of the Courier News for a complete preview of North Hunterdon’s Group IV semifinal meeting with Ridgewood.
Of course, we will have full coverage of the game on MyCentralJersey.com, as well as in Wednesday’s paper.

And then there was one

It was utter carnage for our local teams Thursday in the state tournament, as three of the four remaining teams were beaten, with just one, North Hunterdon, left standing.

The Lions pulled off the most dramatic, unlikely, amazing comeback I have ever seen or heard of on a varsity softball field in my 10 years on the beat, as they overcame two separate five-run deficits, as well as a one-run hole in the ninth inning, to beat Bridgewater-Raritan 9-8 in nine innings.

This game was a total contrast of emotions for each team in both the outcome, as well as from the first half of the game to the second.

Bridgewater-Raritan came out firing against a rusty Jenna Gonzalez, who hadn’t pitched in over a week as she recovered from an allergic reaction. The Panthers clobbered the Lions ace for five runs in the first four innings to take a 5-0 lead, and after Blair Curzi doubled in a run in the bottom of the fourth, B-R made it 6-1 with a run in the top of the sixth.

Lauren Fitzsimmons, meanwhile, was cruising, retiring the first nine hitters she faced – including seven via strikeout – and did not allow a hit until Curzi’s double in the fourth.

North looked dejected, Gonzalez looked exhausted, and though Bridgewater-Raritan was probably counting the outs left until a sectional title, coach Sandy Baranowski said she kept looking at the scoreboard and thinking it was not enough runs.

She turned out to be a prophet.

Gonzalez settled down and the North bats finally got a bead on Fitzsimmons as they started making contact and strung together five straight hits in the bottom of the sixth inning – six overall – and scored four runs to cut the deficit to 6-5.

The Panthers added a run in the top of the seventh to take a 7-5 lead, but the Lions got two in the bottom of the frame to tie.

Bridgewater-Raritan scored a run in the top of the ninth, but North got two in the bottom of the frame to win it and capture its third straight sectional crown.

For North Hunterdon, it was an amazing, exhilarating, thrilling comeback. The Lions proved to be as resilient as any team can be at this level, doing to unthinkable in a sport where a game is often out of reach against a team like Bridgewater-Raritan and a pitcher like Fitzsimmons at 2-0 or 3-0 – especially at this stage of the season.

Not so Thursday. And it wasn’t Fitzsimmons’ or the Panthers’ fault. Them hits had eyes, so to speak, as seemingly ever ball North hit over the final few innings found a hole and very few were hit hard.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, did not relent, even though she was tagged for more runs in the first four innings Thursday than she had allowed in any one contest all season.

Congratulations, Lions. You definitely earned it.

For Bridgewater-Raritan, this is the kind of loss that can stay with you for a while. They don’t get much tougher than this.

But the Panthers cannot hang their heads. They had an amazing season and played a great game Thursday. It’s just one of those things that you can’t explain.

The universe works in mysterious ways, and Thursday’s game was as strange as they come.

I guess I had it backward when I anointed BR the team of destiny.

Still, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to the Panthers on a phenomenal season, especially coach Sandy Baranowski, who is one of my favorite coaches in any sport, as well as the senior class of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School softball team, led by tri-captains Sammy DeSimone, Lauren Fitzsimmons and Lindsay Durant (you’re right, you are “a beast!”).

It’s been a genuine pleasure covering the final two years of your varsity careers since my return to the beat last season, and I wish you the best in college.

The Panthers exemplify the true meaning of “team,” and they have done great honor to their uniform as well as the sport of softball.

For complete coverage of all three local sectional finals, as well as some of the other games from around the state, go the http://www.mycentraljersey.com/ or click HERE

Also, the latest BATS and BALLS podcast was recorded Thursday night, complete with in-depth coverage and analysis of North’s win, as well as Hunterdon Central’s 2-1 loss to Old Bridge in the CJ IV final.

Jerry Carino was there at Central on Thursday, and he and I both chimed in on what was a very questionable decision by Red Devils coach Pete Fick to start freshman Courtney Yard in the circle instead of undefeated senior right-hander Jenna Carmon.

The podcast should be up sometime Friday afternoon at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/.

I will link to it here when it’s up.

Elsewhere Thursday, Dunellen checked out of the state tournament in the CJ I final, getting blasted by Florence 10-0.

I can’t say I’m surprised.

Immaculata, meanwhile, saw its state tournament run come to an end with a 4-1 loss to Paramus Catholic. We touched on that game on the podcast, too.

Check out Tuesday’s Courier News for a preview of North’s state group semifinal game with Ridgewood, complete with my pick of the game.

That is all. Enjoy your weekend, I’ll be celebrating a birthday Saturday, so I know my weekend will be both celebratory and mournful as I watch my age tick up another notch.

I will be starting my All-Area calls Monday, so coaches, have those stats ready!

Thursday's state results

North 2 Group IV final
North Hunterdon 9, Bridgewater-Raritan 8 (9 innings)

Central Group IV final
Old Bridge 2, Hunterdon Central 1

Central Group I final
Florence 10, Dunellen 0

Non-Public A North semis
Paramus Catholic 4, Immaculata 1

ALSO OF NOTE:
Hillsborough 13, Montgomery 8 (Regular season) -- Raiders officially clinch Skyland Delaware East title.

Sectional finals preview (and some other stuff)

There’s a two-time defending champ looking for a three-peat against a local power making its first-ever sectional finals appearance. There’s a perennial state-powerhouse looking to reclaim its place among the elite, as well as a Gold Division giant with something to prove.

Four local public school teams have advanced to today’s NJSIAA sectional finals, and sit two victories from Toms River and a shot at a state group championship.

Here’s my take on the sectional finals, with picks.



NORTH 2, GROUP IV FINAL
WHO: No. 6 seed Bridgewater-Raritan (20-6) vs. No. 1 seed North Hunterdon (23-3)

WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m. today/North Hunterdon High School

OUTLOOK: Bridgewater-Raritan is making its first appearance in a sectional final since Bridgewater-Raritan East and Bridgewater-Raritan West merged to form one high school in 1991, while North Hunterdon is looking to win its third straight sectional crown.

Of course, these Skyland Conference Delaware interdivision teams are no strangers to each other, playing at least once per regular season since the Delaware split into two divisions – they played twice a year prior to that. North Hunterdon not only beat the Panthers 3-0 when they played April 10, but the Lions also ousted Bridgewater-Raritan in last year’s sectional semifinals.

North Hunterdon has been without ace Jenna Gonzalez this week as the senior has been recovering from an allergic reaction, coach Jeff Steele said, that kept her out of Tuesday’s semifinal victory over Linden, as well as Wednesday’s regular-season game with Voorhees, though that might have been precautionary. Luckily for the Lions, senior Jenna Taylor has filled in admirably, with a one-hitter against Linden, and a five-hit, one-run performance against the Vikings. Gonzalez is expected back today.

North’s offense is second only to Hunterdon Central in this area, and it starts up top with seniors Jenna Taylor and Hilary Murray and finishes with the big bats in the middle, led by Becca Schaefer.

Gonzalez can do the rest.

Bridgewater-Raritan ace Lauren Fitzsimmons, meanwhile, has not allowed a run in tournament play, which includes the Panthers’ run to the Somerset County Tournament championship. If the right-hander is on her game, which she should be, Bridgewater-Raritan simply needs to find a way to get Fitzsimmons a run or two and they’ll add another title.

But offense hasn’t always come easily for the Panthers this season, and while the big bat in the order -- senior first baseman Lindsay Durant -- has had her share of big knocks, lately the big hits have come from unexpected sources, especially right field Katie Jones, who bats at or near the bottom of the B-R order.

The junior has delivered game-winners in both the county final (hitting ninth) and the sectional semifinals (hitting No. 8), so you never know who’s going to jump up and take a bite out of an opposition in this lineup.

The Panthers have the edge in big-game experience this season, and Fitzsimmons has sparkled at every turn down the stretch, but North’s offense tops any in the Delaware East or Somerset County. At the same time, Gonzalez has only been hit hard once this year – by the mighty bats of Hunterdon Central, which scored four runs off Fitzsimmons two weeks ago. And though North possesses the firepower to beat anyone, they are capable of being shutdown, as Central’s Jenna Carmon proved twice in the past two weeks.

I think you can throw out B-R’s loss to North early this season. The Panthers have come along way and been through the wars in Somerset County and the Delaware East. Of course, North is undefeated against those teams.

I’m really on the fence on this game, but here is what it comes down to:
A-Bridgewater-Raritan has shone in big games and might not only have momentum, but also destiny on its side. Also, North has stumbled lately in the few tough matchups they’ve faced, including a 5-0 blasting by Central in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament final.
B-Gonzalez hasn’t pitched in a week and there’s no way to tell if she’s at full strength.

Look for another lights-out performance from Fitzsimmons and a big hit in a big spot from someone in the Panthers lineup -- not necessarily during the first seven innings.

My Pick: Bridgewater-Raritan 1-0


CENTRAL GROUP IV FINAL
WHO: No. 2 seed Old Bridge (21-2) vs. No. 1 seed Hunterdon Central (26-1)

WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m. today at Hunterdon Central High School

OUTLOOK: Hunterdon Central has one loss – one month ago to North Hunterdon – and the Lions are one of only two teams (Watchung Hills) to even play the Red Devils to a one-run game.

While freshman righty Courtney Yard has had a phenomenal rookie season, senior ace Jenna Carmon has pitched like the veteran she is, posting a perfect 16-0 record, and she should get the ball the rest of the way.

But while Carmon isn’t dominant -- she rarely breaks double-digit strikeouts, hovering more around the five or six-mark per game -- the Red Devils defense is second to none, led by junior shortstop Jenny Harabedian and Dartmouth-bound senior center fielder Meghan Everett.

Those defensive stars, along with a cast that includes senior catcher Erica Gaeta and Carmon, herself, also provide the offensive punch for a team making its first sectional final appearance since 2005 and looking for its first sectional title since 2003.

The speedy Everett bats leadoff, while Harabedian and her nine home runs hit third and carries one of the quickest, most lethal bats in the state. Gaeta and Carmon, who have delivered big hit after big hit this season, clean up behind them.

But the Red Devils certainly have their work cut out for them as Old Bridge is one of seven Middlesex County squads in the sectional finals and might be the best of the bunch.

The top seed and defending champ of the GMC Tournament will play in Saturday’s county semifinals, but first the Knights will look to win a sectional championship.

Ace Maureen O’Kane struck out 18 and fired a one-hit shutout at Hillsborough in Wednesday’s semifinal, and she’ll need a near-identical performance to have a shot against Hunterdon Central’s vaunted attack.

Offensively, the Knights are no murderer’s row, but they are resilient and know how to win big games, so beware, Red Devils.

Old Bridge shouldn’t be anything Carmon and the Central defense can’t handle, while the Red Devils have hit every pitcher they’ve faced this season, including GMC powerhouses Edison, East Brunswick and J.F. Kennedy in the regular season.

And I while this one is not to be taken lightly, I don’t think this will be as close as you might think.

My Pick: Hunterdon Central 4-1



CENTRAL GROUP I FINAL
WHO: No. 2 seed Florence (15-6) at No. 1 seed Dunellen (18-8)

WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m. today/Gavornik Park in Dunellen

OUTLOOK: If Dunellen had something to prove after beating up on tech schools in the GMC Gold all season, the Destroyers did just that, legitimizing themselves as a true contender with their 6-5 victory over Bound Brook in the semifinals Tuesday.

Megan Kreyling, who scored the winning run against the Crusaders on an Alex Ruskuski single in the bottom of the seventh, is the big bat for the Destroyers, while Kelli Doremus has been getting the ball lately in the circle.

But Florence has owned this tournament of late and it’s going to take something I don’t know if Dunellen is capable of for it to advance – like not making four errors and giving up a 5-0 lead as it did against Bound Brook.

Then again, I didn’t think the Destroyers had a shot against the Crusaders, so what do I know?

My Pick: Florence 6-2

***

NON-PUBLIC A NORTH SEMIFINAL OUTLOOK
After Mount St. Mary’s 7-2 loss to Immaculate Heart on Wednesday, Immaculata remains the only local non-public team still alive.

The ninth-seeded Spartans will face fourth-seeded Paramus Catholic in today’s NP A North semi, and will need to bring the noise against the team they beat 1-0 in last season’s sectional quarterfinals.

The formula remains the same for Immaculata: Kaitlyn Piazzolla has to not only pitch her game – and she has time and time again in big spots for the Spartans -- and needs to take advantage of any pitches she sees at the plate – and she has time and time again – but Immaculata must support her offensively from elsewhere in the lineup, which the Spartans haven’t always done.

This is no Morris Catholic that Immaculata is facing today.

My Pick: Immaculata 2-1



THE DEPARTED

Bound Brook: The Crusaders run fell to Dunellen 6-5 in the CJ I semifinals, ending an inspired run. If Bound Brook can find a pitcher to replace the graduating Courtney Wood, it’s going to be a very happy season in southeast Somerset County next year.

Gill St. Bernard’s: The seventh-seeded Knights, who were knocked out by second-seeded Eastern Christian in the first round of the Non-Public B North Tournament, enjoyed a solid 12-10 season, with three of those setbacks coming in county, Prep B and NJSIAA games.

Governor Livingston: Nothing was going to top the state Group II title of a year ago, but The Highlanders showed they weren’t dead after graduating eight of nine starters, including the state’s all-time strikeout leader in Capri Catalano. G.L. was edged by Bordentown 1-0 in Tuesday’s CJ II semifinals.

Hillsborough: Always one to prove everyone wrong, the young Raiders came up a game short of a sectional final, falling to second-seeded Old Bridge 1-0. Megan McInaw should pitch Hillsborough to a conference title sometime in the next week, needing one victory in the final two games (Montgomery and Franklin).

Mount St. Mary: A year removed from the best season in program history, the Mount Lions did better than many expected and it took a perennial juggernaut in Immaculate Heart to end their run.

New Providence: Also hit hard by graduation, the Pioneers defied Mother Nature and made the state tournament, playing the qualifying game indoors on a rainy Friday, but ran into Group I powerhouse Florence in the first round of Central Group I.

South Plainfield: Like Governor Livingston, the Tigers returned just one starter from last season yet still managed to go to the sectional semis, bowing out to Colonia 2-1 on Tuesday. South Plainfield will vie for a trip to the GMC final Saturday against Old Bridge.


PROGRAMMING NOTES:

I will, of course, post results of Thursday’s games on The Inner Circle as soon as I am able, but for complete coverage of all three sectional finals, as well as Immaculata’s game with Paramus Catholic, check out Friday’s edition of the Courier News, or go to http://www.mycentraljersey.com/ as early as Thursday evening.

I will be covering the North Hunterdon/Bridgewater game, and my colleague and fellow clown Jerry Carino will be out at Hunterdon Central/Old Bridge.

Our sister paper, the Home News Tribune, will handle coverage of the Dunellen/Florence tilt.

The ninth edition of the BATS AND BALLS podcast will be recorded Thursday night and will contain an in-depth looks at the sectional finals, as well as previews and picks of next Tuesday’s state group semifinals involving local teams and a look at the Non-Public North A final, should Immaculata advance.

Of course, we will also have the standard sophomoric shtick and mindless references to unimportant matters, and even possibly some other topics of actual substance.
The podcast should be up Friday afternoon at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/.

Tuesday and Wednesday's state tournament scores

Central Group IV
Hunterdon Central 8, South Brunswick 2
Old Bridge 1, Hillsborough 0

Central Group II
Bordentown 1, Governor Livingston 0

Central Group I
Dunellen 6, Bound Brook 5
Florence 5, New Providence 4

North 2, Group IV
Bridgewater-Raritan 1, J.P. Stevens 0 (10 innings)
North Hunterdon 2, Linden 0

North 2 Group III
Colonia 2, South Plainfield 1

Non-Public North A
Immaculata 1, Morris Catholic 0 (5 innings)
Immaculate Heart 7, Mount St. Mary 2

Non-Public North B
Eastern Christian 8, Gill St. Bernard's 3

Hillsborough at Old Bridge postponed

The Hillsborugh at Old Bridge state game scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until Wednesday.

I will post final scores from todays games as they come in

State Tournament roundup and sectional semifinal preview

It started with 19 teams, and after two rounds, an amazing 12 have survived.

Sectional semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday, while the Non-Public teams will play the quarterfinals.

Here’s a look at what was, and what will be, complete with picks:



GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN:

While all five of our local teams that were in action Friday won, seven teams left the proverbial building in Wednesday and Thursday’s first round:

Westfield, which was seeded third in North 2 Group IV, lost 1-0 to sixth-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan on Wednesday, while eight-seeded Watchung Hills dropped a 4-1 decision to top-seeded North Hunterdon.

Montgomery, which was seeded ninth in Central Jersey Group IV, lost to eighth-seeded Middletown North 3-0 in the first round.

North 2 Group III has seen the demise of two locals, as 14th-seeded Voorhees was no-hit by J.F. Kennedy and Heather Corica 6-0 in the first round, while seventh-seeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood was blasted by 10th-seeded Fort Lee 19-1

Bernards, which was seeded 10th in Central Group II, was edged 9-8 by seventh-seeded Madison in the first round Wednesday.

The biggest shocker of the first two rounds was in Central Jersey Group II where fourth-seeded Somerville was ousted by 13th-seeded Jackson Liberty 5-0. The Pioneers loss raised another eyebrow Friday when Jackson Liberty was beaten by 12th-seeded Governor Livingston 3-2.



WHERE WE STAND

Now that the departed have been remembered, let’s focus on who’s still alive:


CENTRAL GROUP IV
Hillsborough, the No. 6 seed, is rolling. After edging 11th-seeded Manalapan 1-0 in the first round, the Raiders flattened Freehold Township 11-1 Friday to advance to the semis against second-seeded Old Bridge.
This is going to be a tough one for Hillsborough against the team seeded No. 1 in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. Megan McInaw has been on fire for Hillsborough, with her bat and her arm, but she’s not going to be able to do it alone. If Hillsborough’s offense can perform like it did Friday, the Raiders will advance, but I think Hillsborough will find that Old Bridge is an entirely different animal than the Raiders saw Friday.
MY PICK: Old Bridge 2-1

On the other side of the bracket, top-seeded Hunterdon Central cruised past Middletown North 6-1 after a first-round bye, and shouldn’t have any trouble with 13th-seeded South Brunswick on Tuesday.
MY PICK: Hunterdon Central 7-1


CENTRAL GROUP II
So far, No. 12 seed Governor Livingston, is the story of this section, as the Highlanders parlayed a 3-0 upset over No. 5 Roselle Park in the first round – the same team that ousted G.L. from the Union County Tournament – into a 3-2 win over 13th-seeded Jackson Liberty in the quarters Friday.
The Highlanders will face top-seeded Bordentown in the semifinals Tuesday, and, well, I don’t see that one ending well for Rick Iacono’s team.
MY PICK: Bordentown 4-0

Third-seeded Carteret, which barely snuck past sixth-seeded Johnson in the quarters, will face second-seeded Shore Regional in the other semifinal, and I’m sticking with my original pick.
MY PICK: Shore Regional 5-2


CENTRAL GROUP I
Metuchen snuck into this tournament at the last minute as the eighth seed, and though top-seeded Dunellen had lost twice to the Bulldogs this season – including a 17-5 shellacking in the first week of the season – the Destroyers got it done Thursday with a 9-8 quarterfinals victory.
Fifth-seeded Bound Brook, meanwhile, edged No. 4 Brearley 2-1, and will face Dunellen on Tuesday.
I’m officially on the Crusaders’ bandwagon, and I ain’t getting down until the wheels come off.
MY PICK: Bound Brook 7-5

Sixth-seeded New Providence took full advantage of a fortunate first-round draw, and pasted third-seeded South Amboy 13-0 in the Friday’s opening-round tilt.
The Pioneers, who suffered an obscene number of losses to graduation, will not be enjoying the same success Tuesday against second-seeded Florence.
MY PICK: Florence 4-1



NORTH 2 GROUP IV
Top-seeded North Hunterdon is angry, and fourth-seeded Linden, which beat Bayonne 7-1 Friday, is going to be the one that suffers because of it. After handling eighth-seeded Watchung Hills in the first round, the Lions dropped a 3-2 heartbreaker to Hunterdon Central in a regular-season game Friday, with the Red Devils scoring their second run on a wild pitch and third run – the game-winner – on another wild pitch plus and two errors, on the same play. The lost cost North a chance at winning a conference title outright, and I have a feeling the Lions won’t be in a very generous mood come Tuesday’s semifinals.
MY PICK: North Hunterdon 6-1

Sixth-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan edged Westfield 1-0 in Wednesday’s opener, and might have caught a break with seventh-seeded JP Stevens upsetting No. 2 Union, which the Panthers lost to earlier this season, on Friday. Problem is that JP Stevens didn’t just beat Union; the Hawks won 10-0.
The fact is, if Bridgewater-Raritan plays its game, if Lauren Fitzsimmons pitches like she’s capable, and the offense gives her support, the Panthers should win. But beware, JPS has proven it’s no pushover.
MY PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 2-1



NORTH 2 GROUP III
Fourth-seeded South Plainfield is in a similar position as Bridgewater-Raritan after getting through Union Hill and Morristown. Ninth-seeded Colonia, which has 10 losses, shocked top-seeded Cranford, which was undefeated, by an astonishing margin of 5-1. That sets up a meeting between the Patriots and the Tigers, who have already beaten Colonia twice this season -- 10-0 on April 17 and 7-6 on May 6.
I think South Plainfield has learned not to take Colonia lightly after only winning by one run in their last meeting, so I don’t think I have to state the obvious.
MY PICK: South Plainfield 5-2

Third-seeded J.F. Kennedy will meet second-seeded Nutley in the other semifinal, and considering Heather Corica hasn’t allowed a hit through two rounds of this tournament, I don’t think out friends from the north are quite prepared for what’s about to hit them – or, perhaps, no-hit them.
MY PICK: J.F. Kennedy 4-0


NON-PUBLIC A NORTH
This bracket is still in the quarterfinal round, so I’m not going to make a pick, but here’s a rundown on our locals:
Sixth-seeded Mount St. Mary got the jump on the whole state, playing their first-round game with St. Dominic last Monday, and will now have an eight-day wait before it can face third-seeded juggernaut Immaculate Heart in Tuesday quarterfinals after beating St. Dom’s 3-2 on some heroics by Gina Quartorola.
Immaculata, seeded ninth, shrugged off its first attempt at this game, which was called off by rain in the first inning Wednesday with the Spartans holding a 2-0 lead, by handling Pope John XXIII 3-1 on Friday. Apparently, people in Sparta don’t read The Inner Circle, as the Lions pitched to Kaitlyn Piazzolla up 1-0 with one out and runners on second and third in the sixth inning, and the Immaculata senior made them pay with a three-run home run over the left-field fence.
Top-seeded Morris Catholic is up next for Immaculata, and I think the Spartans will still be standing come Thursday’s semifinals.


NON-PUBLIC NORTH B
This tournament hasn’t even started yet, but allow me to reiterate: MKA, MKA, MKA, plus a first-round exit for seventh-seeded Gill St. Bernard's.


**

Enjoy your holiday weekend everyone. Things get nasty starting Tuesday!

Friday's state results

Nice to be back. I’ve been away the past couple of days. So thanks to whoever it was posted those state tournament scores yesterday.

Here are today’s state results. I will post a complete roundup of what’s happened so far in the tourney later this evening.

Every local team that played today, won!

FRIDAY’S RESULTS:

Central Group IV
HILLSBOROUGH 11, FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 1
Senior right-hander Megan McInaw threw a one-hitter and went 3-for-3 with five RBIs and a home run that ended the game in the bottom of the sixth inning as sixth-seeded Hillsborough advanced over No. 14 Freehold Township.

The Raiders will travel to second-seeded Old Bridge at 4 p.m. Tuesday.


Central Group II
GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON 3, JACKSON LIBERTY 2
Sophomore center fielder Katie Pires led off the bottom of the seventh inning of a tie game with a single, she stole second, and after an out, sophomore third baseman Nicole Koszowski singled her in to lift 12th-seeded Governor Livingston over 13th-seeded Jackson Liberty.

The Highlanders who will travel to top-seeded Bordentown at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the semifinals.


Central Group I
NEW PROVIDENCE 13, SOUTH AMBOY 0
Sixth-seeded New Providence got out to a 6-0 lead after two innings in the Central Group I quarterfinal contest and third-seeded South Amboy never recovered.

New Providence will face second-seeded Florence in Tuesday's semifinals.



North 2 Group III
SOUTH PLAINFIELD 7, MORRISTOWN 2
Alyssa Sutherland allowed three singles, no walks, and struck out 10 as fourth-seeded South Plainfield cruised into the semifinals.

The Tigers will face ninth-seeded Colonia, which shocked No. 1 Cranford today, at 4 p.m. Tuesday.


Non-Public A North
IMMACULATA 3, POPE JOHN XXXII 1
Senior pitcher Kaitlyn Piazzolla smacked a three-run home run over the left-field fence with one out in the top of the sixth inning and ninth-seeded Immaculata held on to beat eighth-seeded Pope John XXIII in the first round of the Non-Public A North Tournament.

The Spartans will face top-seeded Morris Catholic at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the quarterfinals.


***

Also note, Hunterdon Central beat North Hunterdon 3-2 today to clinch at least a share of the Skyland Delaware West and its 21st straight conference title.

PODCAST IS UP

The latest edition of the BATS and BALLS podcast is up at www.mycentraljersey.com

Here's a DIRECT LINK

Catalano's in the Corner

In case you missed Jerry Carino's story on former Governor Livingston pitcher and New Jersey all-time strikeout queen Capri Catalano in the Collegiate Corner in today's Courier News, you can check it out online HERE.

TUESDAY'S STATE TOURNAMENT SLATE WASHED OUT
Rain has postponed all of Tuesday's scheduled first-round state games to Wednesday. Here's hoping the fields recover in time.


PROGRAMMING NOTES
The latest edition of the BATS and BALLS podcast will be recorded Tuesday night and should be up at www.mycentraljersey.com sometime Wednesday afternoon.

I will post a link when it's up.

STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

It’s state tournament time, as the 2008 NJSIAA sectionals are getting underway, and, as promised, here is a section-by-section look at how I see things shaping up in the brackets containing our local teams.

I won’t be making any official picks until the sectional semifinals at the earliest, so consider these overviews.

For complete tournament brackets, go to http://www.njsiaa.org/ and click on “tournament brackets” at the top of the page.


(Seeds in parenthesis)
CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP IV
The Favorite:
Hunterdon Central (1) – If there was any question how the Red Devils would do against the elite, Central answered it Saturday with an impressive 5-0 victory over North Hunterdon in the Hunterdon/Warren Tournament final.

The Darkhorse:
Old Bridge (2) – The top seed in the GMC Tournament, the Knights will pretty much need to win that title for me to even take them seriously here.

The Sleeper:
Hillsborough (6) – There are several lower-seeded teams in this bracket that are capable of a run, but I’m going to go with the Raiders because they’ve proved they can play with anyone. Two wins over Bridgewater-Raritan is impressive, plus Megan McInaw is as good as any pitcher I’ve seen in the state this season.

Outlook:
Middletown North, Rancocas Valley and West Windsor-South, all of which are on Hunterdon Central’s side of the bracket, have, historically, always had good teams, so the Red Devils’ run to the final will be anything but easy. Montgomery, even if it does get past Middletown North in the first round, will be hard-pressed to beat Central in the quarters. Hillsborough also has some tough nuts to crack on its side of the bracket, but, interestingly, probably has an easier road to the championship game than Central.


CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP II
The Favorite:
Shore Regional (2) – Shore beat Bordentown in last year’s quarterfinals before being blanked by Capri Catalano in the semis, and the Blue Devils won’t have the state’s all-time strikeout queen to deal with this time around.

The Darkhorse:
Bordentown (1) – Two losses is impressive, but who has Bordentown played?

The Sleeper:
Somerville (4) – The Pioneers definitely have what it takes to make a run here, it’s just going to be a question of their draw.

Outlook:
I expect Roselle Park to handle Governor Livingston in the first round, setting up a Panthers meeting with Somerville. If the Pioneers can get past Roselle Park, I don’t see them having any problem with Bordentown in the semis, even if the Scotties have just two losses. The final will be another story.


CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP I
The Favorite:
Florence (2) – The Flashes have faced little resistance in this tournament in recent years.

The Darkhorse:
Bound Brook (5) – You all think I’m nuts, but I’m telling you, I could totally see the Crusaders winning this section, and I pretty much expect Bound Brook will be playing in the final.

The Sleeper:
Dunellen (1) – The Destroyers have dominated the GMC Gold over the past couple of seasons, but there are no Tech schools in this tournament.

Outlook:
As much as a Florence vs. Bound Brook final is a near-certainty in my mind, the Crusaders cannot overlook Brearley in the first round. After that, it’s just a question of whether Courtney Wood can throw strikes and stymie Florence’s bats because Bound Brook definitely has the bats to swing with anyone. New Providence should get through South Amboy in the first round, but that should be as far as the Pioneers go.


NORTH JERSEY GROUP IV
The Favorite:
North Hunterdon (1) – The Lions are vying for their third straight sectional title, but should have plenty of competition this time around.

The Darkhorse:
Union (2) – The Farmers, who will be playing in the Union County Tournament this weekend, beat Bridgewater-Raritan earlier this season, but lost to Westfield.

The Sleeper:
Bridgewater-Raritan (6) – The Panthers got off the tournament schnide by winning the Somerset County title, and definitely have what it takes to add another trophy.

Outlook:
This should be one of the most exciting brackets in the state, as six of the eight teams all have a shot – fifth-seeded Bayonne is not gong to be able to run with these Central Jersey powerhouses, and I don’t see JP Stevens making much noise, either. I don’t see North Hunterdon having much trouble getting to the final, though Watchung Hills and Lydia deMartino are not to be overlooked. The other side of the bracket should be a war and whoever emerges will definitely have earned it. I think Bridgewater-Raritan will beat Westfield in the first round, setting up a rematch with Union.


NORTH JERSEY GROUP III
The Favorite:
Cranford (1) - The undefeated Cougars have shown they are a force to be reckoned with and will face Union in the Union County Tournament final this weekend.

The Darkhorse:
J.F. Kennedy (3) – It’s all about pitching, and the Mustangs have one of the best in Heather Corica, who no-hit North Hunterdon earlier this season.

The Sleeper:
South Plainfield (4) – The Tigers are on an amazing run, having won 16 of 17 through Monday’s dramatic victory over A.L. Johnson. But South Plainfield is young and inexperienced, and when push comes to shove in the state tournament, the Tigers might find themselves a little overwhelmed.

Outlook:
J.F Kennedy should waltz into the final. Voorhees, meanwhile is just happy to be there, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood has struggled mightily in the latter half of the season and is unlikely to survive the first round. South Plainfield should make the semifinals, but I don’t see the Tigers getting past Cranford.


NORTH JERSEY GROUP II
The Favorite:
Mountain Lakes (1) – Hey, they’re the top seed, so I guess that makes them the favorite, right?

The Darkhorse:
Chatham (2) -- Ditto (no, I'm not getting lazy. There's a point to all this, I promise).

The Sleeper:
West Essex (5) – Always good, so, yeah, sleeper.

Outlook:
This one‘s a Colonial Hills Conference free-for-all, so the seeds pretty much tell the tale. The only thing I can say with any certainty is that I don’t expect former Colonial Hills member Bernards to survive the first round.


NORTH NON-PUBLIC A
The Favorite:
Immaculate Heart (3) – Say what you will about the Eagles’ record; This is their tournament.

The Darkhorse:
Mount St. Dominic (2) -- MSD is always good, and whatever team emerges from its likely meeting with IHA in the sectional semis, should win the title.

The Sleeper:
Immaculata (9) – I’m sure the Spartans’ prospective opponents have heard that pitching to Kaitlyn Piazzolla is not a great idea in big spots, but maybe they don’t realize how bad of an idea it really is.

Outlook:
While most teams won’t play their first-round game until Tuesday, Mount St. Mary already played its semifinals contest and won it in dramatic fashion on a double by Gina Quartorola on Monday with a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat St. Dominic Academy. Enjoy it, Mount Lions, because I don’t see you getting through Immaculate Heart. Immaculata, meanwhile, definitely has the pitching to win this tournament; it’s just a question of whether the Spartans can find some offense to support Piazzolla. Sound familiar?


NORTH NON-PUBLIC B
The Favorite:
Montclair-Kimberly (3)—MKA has won the state Non-Public B title in four straight seasons, and while anyone wearing a Cougars uniform is still breathing, I’m not picking against them.

The Darkhorse:
St. Mary’s-Rutherford (5) – Another traditional Non-Public B powerhouse, the Gaels have shown their ability to run with the big dogs.

The Sleeper:
Eastern Christian (2) – The Eagles’ girls soccer team won a state title this year, perhaps the softball squad can build on it.

Outlook: Blah, blah, blah…. Montclair-Kimberly. Oh yeah, seventh-seeded Gill St. Bernard’s = one and done.

Central wins HWT

Senior right-hander Jenna Carmon threw a two-hit shutout and delivered an RBI single in the first inning, and junior shortstop Jenny Harabedian blasted a three-run home run over the center-field fence in the sixth inning, and Hunterdon Central claimed its second straight Hunterdon/Warren Tournament title with a 5-0 blanking of North Hunterdon on Saturday at HealthQuest Park.

It is Hunterdon Central’s eighth title in the past nine years and its 12th since 1994.
Check out Sunday’s Courier News for complete coverage, as well as online at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/

Podcast is up (and other tidbits)

The seventh edition of the BATS AND BALLS softball and baseball podcast is up at www.mycentraljersey.com

For a direct link, click HERE

Tune into the podcast for a preview of the Hunterdon/Warren final, as well as my pick for the game, and a look at the upcoming state tournament.

Also, the start time for Saturday's Hunterdon/Warren final at HealthQuest in Flemington has been pushed back an hour to a noon start in an effort to give the grounds crew as much time as possible to prepare the field after Friday's heavy rains.

Check back here at The Inner Circle for updates, including possible postponement of the contest.


PROGRAMMING NOTE:
I will be posting a state tournament preview Monday night or Tuesday morning, including analysis and picks of all the brackets that include any of our local teams.

State tournament set

The pairings for the 2008 NJSIAA Softball Tournament were released today.

I will be posting a complete analysis of the sections featuring local teams. Look for that Monday night or Tuesday morning here on The Inner Circle.

Also, the latest edition of the BATS AND BALLS podcast will be recorded Thursday night. Look for that to be up on MyCentralJersey.com sometime early Friday afternoon.

Also, check out a preview of the Huntedon/Warren Tournament final in this week's softball notebook in Saturday's VARSITY section of the Courier News, as well as online.

Here are the state pairings:


GROUP IV
North 1
9-West New York Memorial at 8-Montclair, winner at 1-Ridgewood;
5-Livingston at 4-Morris Knolls
6-Bloomfield at 3-North Bergen
10-West Orange at 7-Clifton, winner at 2-Belleville.

North 2:
8-Watchung Hills at 1-North Hunterdon;
5-Bayonne at 4-Linden;
6-Bridgewater-Raritan at 3-Westfield;
7-J.P. Stevens at 2-Union.

Central:
9-Montgomery at 8-Middletown North, winner at 1-Hunterdon Central;
12-Colts Neck at 5-Rancocas Valley;
13-South Brunswick at 4-West Windsor-Plainsboro South;
14-Freehold Township at 3-Steinert;
11-Manalapan at 6-Hillsborough;
10-Jackson Memorial at 7-East Brunswick, winner at 2-Old Bridge.

South:
9-Millville at 8-Washington, winner at 1-Toms River East;
12-Cherry Hill East at 5-Eastern;
13-Cherokee at 4-Absegami;
14-Egg Harbor at 3-Vineland;
11-Toms River South at 6-Lacey;
10-Oakcrest at 7-Cherry Hill West, winner at 2-Williamstown.


GROUP III
North 1:
9-Jefferson at 8-West Milford, winner at 1-Mount Olive;
12-Lakeland at 5-Demarest;
13-Teaneck at 4-Ramapo;
14-Old Tappan at 3-Wayne Valley;
11-High Point at 6-Paramus;
10-Northern Highlands at 7-Sparta;
15-Morris Hills at 2-Montville.

North 2:
9-Colonia at 8-Mendham, winner at 1-Cranford;
12-Morristown at 5-Rahway;
13-Union Hill at 4-South Plainfield;
14-Voorhees at 3-J.F. Kennedy;
11-Parsippany Hills at 6-Millburn;
10-Fort Lee at 7-Scotch Plains-Fanwood, winner at 2-Nutley.

Central:
9-Red Bank at 8-Westampton Tech, winner at 1-Wall;
5-Middletown South at 4-West Windsor-Plainsboro North;
6-Monroe at 3-Nottingham;
7-Point Pleasant Boro at 2-Ocean Township.

South:
5-Delsea at 4-Triton, winner at 1-West Deptford;
6-Central Regional at 3-Hammonton;
7-Shawnee at 2-Kingsway.


GROUP II
North 1:
9-Ramsey at 8-Hawthorne, winner at 1-Tenafly;
12-Newton at 5-Dumont, winner at 4-Indian Hills;
11-Hopatcong at 6-Pascack Valley, winner at 3-Kittatinny;
10-Wallkill Valley at 7-River Dell, winner at 2-Pequannock.

North 2:
9-Parsippany at 8-Caldwell, winner at 1-Mountain Lakes;
5-West Essex at 4-Rutherford;
6-Hackettstown at 3-Hanover Park;
10-Bernards at 7-Madison, winner at 2-Chatham.

Central:
9-Raritan at 8-Ewing, winner at 1-Bordentown;
12-Governor Livingston at 5-Roselle Park;
13-Jackson Liberty at 4-Somerville;
11-Allentown at 6-A.L. Johnson, winner at 3-Carteret;
10-Spotswood at 7-Matawan, winner at 2-Shore.

South:
9-Burlington Township at 8-Audubon, winner at 1-Sterling;
5-Haddon Township at 4-Cinnaminson;
6-Buena at 3-Haddonfield;
10-Gateway at 7-Woodstown, winner at 2-Delran.


GROUP I
North 1:
16-Wood-Ridge at 1-Pompton Lakes;
9-Cresskill at 8-Wallington;
12-Sussex Tech at 5-New Milford;
13-Midland Park at 4-Cedar Grove;
14-Emerson Boro at 3-Park Ridge;
11-Boonton at 6-Waldwick;
10-Belvidere at 7-Becton;
15-Leonia at 2-Saddle Brook.

North 2:
5-Hudson County Prep at 4-Whippany Park, winner at 1-Hoboken;
6-McNair Academic at 3-Secaucus;
7-North Arlington at 2-High Tech.

Central:
5-Bound Brook at 4-Brearley, winner at 1-Dunellen;
6-New Providence at 3-South Amboy;
7-Keansburg at 2-Florence.

South:
9-Penns Grove at 8-Point Pleasant Beach, winner at 1-New Egypt;
5-Woodbury at 4-Gloucester Tech;
6-Burlington City at 3-Pennsville;
10-Salem at 7-Pitman, winner at 2-Gloucester City.


NON-PUBLIC A
North:
9-Immaculata at 8-Pope John XXIII, winner at 1-Morris Catholic;
12-Roselle Catholic at 5-Mother Seton, winner at 4-Paramus Catholic;
11-St. Dominic at 6-Mount St. Mary, winner at 3-Immaculate Heart;
10-Holy Angels at 7-Kent Place, winner at 2-Mount St. Dominic.

South:
9-Paul VI at 8-Holy Spirit, winner at 1-Red Bank Catholic;
5-Monsignor Donovan at 4-Camden Catholic;
6-St. John Vianney at 3-Notre Dame;
7-Bishop Ahr at 2-Gloucester Catholic.


NON-PUBLIC B
North:
8-Immaculate Conception at 1-Holy Family;
5-St. Mary-Rutherford at 4-Newark Academy;
6-Dwight Englewood at 3-Montclair Kimberley;
7-Gill St. Bernard's at 2-Eastern Christian.

South:
5-Bishop Eustace at 4-Sacred Heart, winner at 1-St. Joseph-Hammonton;
6-Our Lady of Mercy at 3-Cardinal McCarrick;
7-Holy Cross at 2-Mater Dei.

Rutgers Prep crushes Wardlaw for Prep B title

Rutgers Prep scored at least a run in each inning, and freshman Alex Campanaro threw a two-hitter, as the Argonauts dealt Wardlaw-Hartridge its first loss of the season 11-1 in six innings to claim Rutgers Prep’s third straight state Prep B title.

Congratulations to coach Heidi Kearnan and the Argonauts on another championship season, and thanks for the beautiful sign!

WESTFIELD SHOCKED IN UCT!

Senior third baseman Erin Scialabba drove in two runs with a single with two outs in the third inning, and sophomore center fielder Katie Esler drove in a run in the fourth inning, but second-seeded Westfield was shocked by No. 10 Roselle Park 4-3 in the quarterfinals of the Union County Tournament.

Junior Cyndil Matthew singled, scored a run and walked three times, including twice intentionally for the Blue Devils.

I am very surprised, though not shocked by this one. Yes, I know, I had Westfield winning the whole thing.

What can I say, my streak had to end sometime.

Westfield-Roselle Park PPD again

The Westfield-Roselle Park Union County Tournament quarterfinal game originally scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed for the third time because of the softball field at Westfield HS still in poor condition after Monday's rain.

The game is now slated for 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Union beat Rahway 9-0 Tuesday in the other quarterfinal tilt that had been moved from Saturday.

GMCT set

The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament seeds are out and Old Bridge received the top seed.

J.F. Kennedy and pitcher Heather Corica, who no-hit North Hunterdon for the Lions’ only loss, is the second seed, with Carteret seeded third and South Plainfield seeded fourth.

The tournament gets underway Wednesday with preliminary-round game, with the first round scheduled for Saturday at South Plainfield High School.

The quarterfinals will be back at South Plainfield on Wednesday, May 21, with the semifinals Saturday, May 24 and the final Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day).

The latter two rounds will be held at Middlesex County College.

Here are the preliminary-round matchups and first-round opponents (the top six seeds have a bye into the first round:

No. 17 North Brunswick at No. 16 Mother Seton, winner vs. No. 1 Old Bridge
No. 18 Spotswood at No. 15 Cardinal McCarrick, winner vs. No. 2 J.F. Kennedy
No. 19 Metuchen at No. 14 Woodbridge, winner vs. No. 3 Carteret
No. 20 Middlesex at No. 13 Sayreville, winner vs. No. 4 South Plainfield
No. 21 Piscataway at No. 12 Edison, winner vs. No. 5 East Brunswick
No. 22 South Amboy at No. 11 South Brunswick, winner vs. No. 6 Bishop Ahr

No. 23 Perth Amboy at No. 10 J.P. Stevens, winner vs. winner of No. 26 New Brunswick at No. 7 Colonia

No. 24 South River at No. 9 Monroe, winner vs. winner of No. 25 Perth Amboy Tech at No. 8 Dunellen.

I’m not going to pretend to be overly familiar with all of these GMC teams, so I’m not going to make picks, but here’s how it could play out for our area squads:

We have four local teams in this tournament: South Plainfield, Dunellen, Middlesex and Piscataway:

I do not expect Piscataway or Middlesex to get past their preliminary-round opponents, and while Dunellen should have little trouble with Perth Amboy Tech on Wednesday, the Destroyers’ second-round game against defending champion Monroe should signal the end of Dunellen’s tournament run.

South Plainfield should cruise though whatever team it draws Saturday (Middlesex or Sayreville), setting up a likely quarterfinal game with East Brunswick, which is an interesting matchup.

The Tigers have played way better than most people expected this season after being mauled by graduation losses, while the Bears are perennial GMC Red and Group IV contenders.

If the Tigers survive East Brunswick, South Plainfield would then likely play top-seeded Old Bridge, which is obviously going to be anything but easy.

A potential final against Carteret would be a good matchup for the Tigers, as those teams split their regular-season meetings, but a date with J.F. Kennedy is probably more likely and the Mustangs have already blanked South Plainfield twice this season -- 1-0 and 3-0.

That said, I think South Plainfield has a good a chance as any of the top five or six seeds to win this thing, but no matter who the Tigers face after the first two rounds, it won’t be easy.

South Plainfield played in the final last season, falling to Monroe 5-1, and also played in the championship game in 2003 and 2000, losing both times.
The Tigers have not won the title since 1998.

Lapicki in the Corner

The latest edition of the Courier News' College Corner is out today, featuring a great story by Jerry Carino on former Immaculata star and current University of Tennessee freshman Jen Lapicki.

You can find the story online HERE.

And speaking of Carino, who has been talking smack about Bridgewater-Raritan for two years now, you can be sure I will make him get up and take the heat he deserves when we record this week's podcast. Perhaps I'll make him sing the Panthers' fight song (do the Panthers have a fight song?) I'll have to look into that.

We're scheduled to record this week's episode Thursday evening, so look for it sometime Friday afternoon.

UCT update

With all the excitement of the Somerset County Tournament final, don't think I've forgotten about you, Union County fans.

Two of the four quarterfinal games were played Saturday, as top-seeded Cranford housed No. 9 Roselle Catholic 10-1 (missed the final score by one Cranford run); while fourth-seeded Linden blanked No. 5 A.L. Johnson 4-0 (wow, was I off on this game!)

Westfield vs. Roselle Park and Union vs. Rahway will be played Tuesday.

Living up to the hype

Ok, so our early Saturday deadlines at the Courier News really stinks.

As expected the Somerset County Tournament game story did not make Sunday's paper, and it won't get in Monday, either (you know, the whole timely thing).

But there is good news: You can find complete coverage of the game at www.mycentraljersey.com -- for a direct link, click HERE.

But in case you weren't one of the estimated 700 or so gathered at North Branch Park on Saturday night, or, if for some reason, my opinion really, really matters to you, here's my take on Bridgewater-Raritan's 2-0 victory over Immaculata.

It's amazing how year after year the championship game of the Somerset County Tournament is always a classic. Always a great game. And this year's was no difference.

B-R's Lauren Fitzsimmons and Immaculata's Kaitlyn Piazzolla are two of the best, and they both performed as such.

But someone had to win and someone had to lose.

The knock on Fitzsimmons at times has been her tendency to get rattled in certain situations and let a minor jam turn into a major catastrophe.

She totally shed that label tonight, not only throwing a no-hitter and striking out 12 in a county championship game, but keeping poised and composed even in the situations when Immaculata did start the beginnings of what could turn into a rally.

Credit Bridgewater co-captains catcher Sammy DeSimone and first baseman Lindsay Durant for helping keep their teammate calm and cool.

And of course there's left fielder Katie Jones, the Panthers' ninth-place hitter, who delivered what proved to be the game-winning hit.

The true sign of a good team is when it's not just a player or two that does all the damage, but when a big knock or a stellar defensive play can come from anywhere in the lineup, that's the sign of a true champion and that's exactly what Bridgewater showed they are this week.

In Wednesday night's semifinals it was Carrianne D'Alessandro with the big hit, tonight it was Jones.

Congratulations to coach Sandy Baranowski and her staff, Athletic Director John Maggio, and to the players and fans. Well played, indeed.

But let's not forget Immaculata.

Many people counted the Spartans out at every turn -- myself included -- whether it be against Watchung Hills, Hillsborough, and again tonight.

But Immaculata and Kaitlyn Piazzolla also did a great job. The Spartans showed they are never to be taken lightly, and Piazzolla has proven to be one of the gutsiest hurlers I've ever seen toe a rubber, and it's truly a pity someone had to lose.

Oh, and while we're handing out accolades, allow me to pay myself on the back. Did anyone else notice I nailed the final score in my prediction in Saturday's newspaper?

I'm quite proud of myself, especially after all the abuse I took last year. :-)

North vs. Central for the Hunterdon/Warren crown next Saturday, plus state tournament brackets are coming out this week.

Plenty more softball to come.

For now, happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there. I know some proud parents in Bridgewater and Raritan that will be especially enjoying the day.

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN WINS SCT!

Lauren Fitzsimmons threw a no-hitter, walking three and striking out 12, and Katie Jones delivered the game-winning hit in the third inning, as Bridgewater-Raritan claims the Somerset County title with a 2-0 victory over Immaculata.

Log onto MyCentralJersey.com at around 11pm tonight for complete coverage.

Central, North prevail... and other county happenings

The Hunterdon/Warren Tournament semifinals were played today, and went off as expected.


HUNTERDON CENTRAL 5, VOORHEES 1
Jenna Carmon threw a three-hitter – allowing just one unearned run – and went 2-for-3 with a two-run double in Central’s win

Annmarie Forenza and Andrea Tarashuk also had RBI for Central.

Shawnee Bernstein had two hits for Voorhees.

Thanks to the anonymous reader who posted here that I nailed the score in my predictions. I probably wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it. As for the smile on my face when the game ended, that probably had more to do with the fact that I was relieved I would no longer have to deal with the gnat infestation that settled on and around the softball field at HCRHS.



NORTH HUNTERDON 4, WARREN HILLS 0
The Lions obviously learned their lessons after last year’s upset as Jenna Gonzalez posted her 11th shutout.

Sophomore catcher Sam Rayhon had two doubles and three RBIs for North Hunterdon, while sophomore designated hitter Blair Curzi also doubled twice and drove in a run.

It’s Hunterdon Central vs. North Hunterdon in next Saturday’s final (11 a.m. at HealthQuest).

It will mark the third time in the past five years these two teams met for the championship (they split the first two meetings).

Look for a preview of this game next Saturday in the Courier News and on MyCentralJersey.com


UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT NOTES

I haven’t confirmed the fate of the other three games, but the Roselle Park/Westfield tilt has been postponed until Tuesday.


SOMERSET COUNTY TOURNAMENT FINAL

In case your local newsstand was sold out of today’s Courier News and you missed the preview package on the county final, the second part of it can be found online at MyCentralJersey.com/sports

Don’t ask me what happened to the first half of the story, or the rest of what went with it. The new Web site is a work in progress and we’re still trying to work out the kinks.

The result of tonight’s game WILL NOT be in Sunday’s paper – due to early Saturday deadline – but we will have complete coverage on MyCentralJersey.com. Expect a game story to be up about an hour or two after it ends.

I will, of course, post a brief recap here as soon as I get back to the office from the game.

PODCAST IS UP

More than 24 hours after it was recorded, the latest BATS AND BALLS podcast is up on mycentraljersey.com

You can find it HERE.

HWT semis picks, UCT quarters picks, and other notes

While many of us will have our attention focused on Saturday night’s Somerset County Tournament final, there are still two other tournaments in action this weekend.

Here’s a look, complete with pick:



HUNTERDON/WARREN TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS


NO. 4 SEED VOORHEES at NO. 1 SEED HUNTERDON CENTRAL
12 p.m. Saturday at Central

The Vikings pulled off a nice little upset of Hackettstown in the quarters, and after losing to Warren Hills in a regular-season tilt Tuesday, came back and beat Immaculata 3-0 Thursday to qualify for the state tournament.
Enjoy it, Voorhees, because you’re about to see the difference between Imamculata and Hunterdon Central
MY PICK: Hunterdon Central 5-1


NO. 6 SEED WARREN HILLS at NO. 2 SEED NORTH HUNTERDON
1 p.m. Saturday at North

Warren Hills shocked North in last season’s semifinals, but I cannot see that happening again. The Lions’ only loss has been to J.F. Kennedy’s Heather Corica, who might just be the best pitcher in the state this season. This one could be ugly.
MY PICK: North Hunterdon 9-0



UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS
All games scheduled for 10:30 a.m. (subject to change)

NO. 10 ROSELLE PARK at NO. 2 WESTFIELD
The Blue Devils are the only remaining local squad left in this tournament, and after a 7-0 loss to South Plainfield on Tuesday – just the third loss of the season for Westfield -- the Blue Devils are itching to get back on track.
The Panthers are no pushovers, but if the Blue Devils play like they’re capable, I don’t see them having too much trouble here.
MY PICK: Westfield 6-2


NO. 9 ROSELLE CATHOLIC at NO. 1 CRANFORD
Say goodnight, Lions.
MY PICK: Cranford 11-0


NO. 5 A.L. JOHNSON at NO. 4 LINDEN
I don’t expect this one to be as close as most 4-5 games tend to be. Linden plays in a fairly weak Watchung Conference where Westfield is the only real powerhouse, while the Crusaders have been through the wars in the Mountain Valley Conference Mountain Division.
I wouldn’t rule out a Linden win, but I don’t see it.
MY PICK: A.L. Johnson 7-2


NO. 11 RAHWAY at NO. 3 UNION
Some might say the Rahway mascot, the Indians, is offensive. I think the people in southeast Union County might find the outcome of this one even more off-putting.
MY PICK: Union 8-0


**


PROGRAMMING NOTES:


PODCAST NEWS
The sixth edition of the BATS and BALLS podcast, believe it or not, was actually recorded Wednesday night. I swear. Don’t ask me why as of Thursday evening at 11:30 p.m. it still hasn’t been posted on MyCentralJersey.com.
I hope to remedy that tomorrow morning.

COMING SATURDAY
We’re going all out with a preview of the Somerset County Tournament final. Make sure to pick up Saturday’s edition of the Courier News and check out the package in the VARSITY section. The preview should also be available online at MyCentralJersey.com.

Also in Saturday’s VARSITY, the regular weekly softball notebook will be out, complete with the latest Athlete Spotlight, standings, a look at who’s in and who’s out of the state tournament and a new Top 10, which features a few shakeups.

COMING SATURDAY NIGHT
Game time for the SCT final is 7:30 p.m. at North Branch Park, meaning the best-case scenario is that it will end at around 8:45.
Too bad the Courier News’ deadline is about 8:10.
But don’t fret; we will have complete coverage of the game online at MyCentralJersey.com. A full game story should be posted about an hour or so after the game ends, and, of course, I will check in here on The Inner Circle after the game with a score and a brief recap.
SI hope to see you all out in Branchburg. I’ll be the good-looking guy, more than likely wearing a Mets cap, sitting at the press table behind the backstop. Feel free to drop by and say hello -- or just rip me for picking against your team.

SCT Semifinals game stories online

Here are the links to the game stories of both SCT semifinals games frm Wednesday evening:


For my story on Bridgewater-Raritan over Montgomery, CLICK HERE

For Jerry Carino's story on Immaculata's win over Hillsborough, CLICK HERE


Also, the sixth episode of the BATS AND BALLS podcast was recorded late Wednesday night, it should be up on mycentraljersey.com sometime Thursday afternoon.

I'll link to it here once it's up.

SCT SEMI: IMMACULATA 1, HILLSBOROUGH 0 IN 10 INNINGS

The Spartans use the international tiebreaker and score in the top of the 10th inning to end another classic SCT pitcher's duel, this one between Immaculata's Kaitlyn Piazzolla and Hillsborough's Megan McInaw.

Immaculata vs. Bridgewater-Raritan in final at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

For complete coverage of this game, as well as the BR-Montgomery semi, check out Thursday's Courier News, or go online to www.mycentraljersey.com

SCT SEMI: BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN 3, MONTGOMERY 0

Bridgewater-Raritan's Lauren Fitzsimmons flirted with a perfect game, finishing with a one-hit shutout, and Carrianne D'Alessandro and Lindsay Durant led the offense as the Panthers advanced to the Somerset County Tournament final for the first time since 2001.

Check out Thursday's Courier News and online at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/ for complete coverage of the game.

I will post the Hillsborough-Immaculata result as soon as it goes final.

Someset County Tournament semifinals preview and picks

The chips are down, the gloves are off, the helmets are fastened (or the screws loosened, depending on who you are), and it’s time for the battle royal known as the Somerset County Tournament semifinals.

For every classic the final of this tournament has produced, the semifinals have spawned just as many, and tonight should be no different.

Here’s a look -- complete with picks – of the games scheduled for tonight at North Branch Park.


GAME 1 – 6 P.M.

NO. 3 SEED MONTGOMERY vs. NO. 2 SEED BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN
My records for this tournament go back to 1999, the year I started covering softball for the Courier News. In that time, believe it or not, Montgomery and Bridgewater-Raritan did not meet in the tournament before now.
While the Cougars won the 2006 crown and went to the final in 2005, Bridgewater-Raritan has not won a county championship since 1998 – coach Sandy Baranowski’s first year at the helm – and have not played in the title game since 2001.
Here’s what it comes down to in my mind:
Bridgewater-Raritan has the experience factor in its corner, having graduated just one starter from last season’s team that fell to eventual-champion Immaculata in the semifinals. Senior pitcher Lauren Fitzsimmons knows what it takes to be successful in this tournament, and if she can keep her concentration and not get rattled, she can be near-unhittable.
Montgomery, meanwhile, will rely on the sophomore righty Casey Niper, who has pitched phenomenally since taking over as the Cougars’ ace in the early part of the season, but, let’s face it, she has never been through the wars in this tournament.
Bridgewater-Raritan won the only regular-season meeting between these teams, 2-1 on April 22.
MY PICK: Bridgewater-Raritan 3-1


GAME 2 -- 8 P.M.

NO. 4 SEED IMMACULATA vs. NO. 1 SEED HILLSBOROUGH
This one is a rematch of last year’s final between the defending champion Spartans and the Raiders, who have played in six straight county championship games and won three straight titles from 2003-2005.
And since I’m so fired up about getting my archives together, try this stat on for size: In the past 10 years, Immaculata is 3-0 against Hillsborough in the county tournament.
I expect that to change tonight.
Hillsborough has shown to be the team to beat in this tournament, going to the final year after year when, on paper, some might have though they should be watching from the bleachers.
Raiders ace Megan McInaw has, arguably, been the best and most consistent pitcher in the county this season and will be pitching in her third straight semifinal without a loss, while Hillsborough – despite having a young team without a lot of pop – has found ways to manufacture runs and dent the scoreboard in big spots against elite teams all season.
Immaculata’s Kaitlyn Piazzolla has gotten knocked around at times this season, but I don’t expect that to be an issue against the Raiders. What will be an issue, however, is that if Hillsborough is able to shutdown the top of the Immaculata order allowing it to pitch around Piazzolla, the Spartans really doesn’t have anywhere else to generate the offense it’s going to need against McInaw to advance.
Hillsborough won the teams’ meeting earlier this season, 1-0 on April 8
MY PICK: Hillsborough 2-0

***

If you can’t make it out to North Branch Park (right off Route 202 on Milltown Road on the Branchburg/Bridgewater border), check back here Wednesday night for results of this game.

Look for complete coverage of both games in Thursday’s Courier News and online at http://www.mycentraljersey.com/