By richard jerome
Staff Writer
VERONICA YANKOWSKI St. John Vianney’s Mike Powell tries to reel in a pop-up during the Lancers’ 8-6 loss to Colts Neck in the Monmouth County Tournament in Colts Neck on Saturday.
In her first year as coach of the Spotswood High School softball team, Stefanie Bromberg has seen her Chargers split six contests, the most recent of which was Tuesday’s 6-2 loss to South Amboy.
According to Bromberg, the team’s major plus also happens to be a mixed blessing.
"Our greatest strength is our defense," she said. "But it’s also our greatest weakness because we always have that one inning when we fall apart. We have yet to put together a complete game, offensively or defensively."
The Chargers have plenty of experienced players back in the fold this spring.
On the mound is ace starter Katie Falkowski, a junior who is 2-3 thus far. In addition to the basic fastball and changeup, she’s working on developing a drop and a curveball. Backing her up is junior Denise Huebler, who has won her only decision.
Behind the plate, senior Kerry McElhaney is also the team’s cleanup hitter, with junior Christine Bartlett available in a backup role. The first baseman is junior Kelly Secskovics, flanked by junior second baseman Noelia Romero, a first-year varsity player who has shown a potent bat. Leadoff hitter Jamie Kuhn is the strongest player defensively, Bromberg says, as well as a fleet base-stealing threat. The third sacker, senior Nicole Catenacci, has solid experience at the hot corner.
In the outfield, SHS has junior Amy Huston in left, center fielder Christina Conger, a senior, and newcomer Raina Gabriel, a sophomore, in right. Off the bench come sophomore Jill Dickinson, junior Kelly Bosworth and a transfer from Freehold, junior Amanda Sofield, who is eligible to start playing on May 1.
"I’m expecting some big things from her," said Bromberg, who is assisted by Wendy Perecka, Adrienne Skanes and middle school coach Suzanne Tardo.
The Chargers faced Metuchen yesterday afternoon.
"Our first goal is to place well in the division and make the states," she said. "But as far as the team, we want to have an error-free game."
Notes… As usual, most of the local softball teams are off to solid starts this spring, starting with Old Bridge and East Brunswick, the two top-ranked teams in the GMC.
Old Bridge entered the week at 5-1, coming off a shutout win over the Bears that allowed them to take over the top spot. However, they dropped a game to J.P. Stevens on Monday before coming back to post an 8-2 win over Piscataway on Tuesday to get to 6-2.
East Brunswick is 6-1 following Tuesday’s win over South Brunswick and will be anxiously awaiting their rematch with Old Bridge on May 5.
The Sayreville Bombers are also playing well at 5-1 following Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Colonia, as are the South River Rams, who improved to 6-1 with a 15-4 win over St. Peter’s on Tuesday.
The Monroe Falcons entered the week winless at 0-4, but got a pair of wins over Metuchen and North Brunswick on Monday and Tuesday to get in the win column.