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.
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8 comments:
Well done Simeon, for once
Good job by Bridgewater, too
The game was a great one, but what game were you at? 700 people? The championship game I watched between Immaculata and Bridgewater had about 200, 250 tops, fans watching.
Anonymous. Please tell me who taught you math . just with parents of the team mate's you had 250 people.
My math? According to you there were 125 girls playing softball. Drink much?
Nice works with the picks. Who's up for a trip to Las Vegas?
Anonymous #1
My dad was right there's alway's an a$$ out their.
Yup the a$$ that can't count! Or maybe he has double vision that is why he saw all those people!
Guys, please, ixnay on the profanity and name-calling.
This is about the fine work of these student-athletes and there's no need for nastyness.
A count was done at the game, and including everyone all the way up both foul lines and those beyond the fences in the outfield, the estimated attendence was about 700 people.
If you disagree, I completely respect your opinion and we will agree to disagree.
Let's keep it friendly, folks.
It's a sad, sad state of affairs when I, of all people, have to be the voice of reason.
Ask anyone I work with; I'm not exactly known for my tact.
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