By: Carolyn M. Hartko
There wasn’t a big inning, or any spectacular plays on defense, just good solid work all around as the South Brunswick High School varsity softball team earned a 5-0 win under the lights at Woodbridge High School on Monday night.
This was a rematch for the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division rivals. The Barrons (6-6) took the first game earlier in the season 5-2. The victory puts South Brunswick’s Lady Vikings a step closer to the .500 mark at 6-7. According to Viking head coach Danielle Matlack, the difference between winning and losing for her squad turned out to be a few successful bunts.
"We got people on," the coach said. "We had a couple of base hits, which were good. And this time we moved the runners a lot better by executing our bunts."
Sophomore Heather Domotor and senior Colleen Cresci shared the pitching duties. Domotor struck out three with no free rides. Cresci came in to close, registering six strikeouts and three walks.
Junior Nicki Monfasani led the offense, going 2-for-3 with one run scored. Kim Ryan (1-for-3) and Pam Weiss (1-for-1) each added an RBI.
As of Tuesday, the Vikings had a three-game winning streak going. The cut-off to qualify for this year’s NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV tournament is Friday, May 10, and teams must have a .500 or better record by that date. There are five games left for South Brunswick before the cutoff and, at 6-7, the Vikings need to win three if they want a berth. Matlack feels her squad has a reasonable shot at making states, if they keep their heads in the games.
"If we play like we did Monday night, we should be all right," she said. "But we need better base running. And we need to execute the bunt and the slap like we did last night, and just keep playing good defense."
Matlack would like to see her runners more aggressive. She feels that they’re hesitating too much. But things are finally starting to fall into place for the 2002 Vikings.
"Last night was the first game that we felt like things clicked," the coach said. "I think we should be further than we are, but it’s a good sign that last night we played well."
The Vikings were due to host J.P. Stevens on Wednesday (after press time), and they will be at Piscataway on Friday.
