The U16 Cranbury Cyclones girls soccer team opened their spring season with a 5-0 win over the Cranford Banshees. Sue Westock opened the scoring, while Emily Kotowski, Katy Paxton, Erin Higgins and Alyssa Giono also tallied. Danielle Cokeley, Alessandra Mercuro, Higgins, Gioino and Westock were all credited with assists. Kristyn Pesci had a strong game in the midfield. The defensive four of Stephanie Grubb, Katie Burke, Katie Lindberg and Mercuro played exceptionally well, helping Chelsea Wittman get the shutout in goal.
Sophomore catcher Tara DeMarzo (East Brunswick) is off to a good start with the Muhlenberg College softball team. DeMarzo caught half of the Mules’ 10 games on the season-opening trip to Florida and Georgia, and was used as a designated hitter or pinch hitter in the games she didn’t catch. DeMarzo hit .278 with one RBI and was perfect behind the plate, fielding 36 chances without an error. She threw out three of six runners attempting to steal.
The Mules went 7-3 on their southern trip, including a 3-3 mark at the Leadoff Classic in LaGrange, Ga., a prestigious tournament that featured 15 nationally ranked teams.
The Monroe Revolution U11 boys scored a 2-0 win over the Piscataway Condors. Sebastian Oros scored the first goal of the game when he fired a goal past the Piscataway keeper on a penalty shot. That set the tone for the rest of the game. Team work was the word of the day. The offense, Dan Marchese, Jeremy Shields, Danny Sullivan, Sebastian Oros and Patrick Campagne, out-shot the Condors and had some great crosses. Mid-fielders Alex Lazzaro, Craig Manlas, Michael Shamy, Bobby Mucciolo, John Guerino and Andrew Pereira had some awesome plays to set the front line up. Craig Manlas scored the second goal in a wild scramble in front of the net off an assist from Danny Sullivan. The defense of Khair Bowen, Campagne, Kyle Mike, Brian Nale and Travis Powell looked like solid veterans in front of the goal, as they played a perfect opening game. Keepers Andrew Pereira and Michael Shamy stopped every shot on goal for the shutout.
The South River Pop Warner will be holding registration for football and cheerleading at South River High School on March 18 from 7-9 p.m. and March 20 from 9-10:30 a.m. for ages 5-14 (must be 5 on or before July 31). Cost is $75 for one child, $105 for two, and $125 for three or more. A $75 work bond is also required (separate check or cash due at registration). Child’s birth certificate from Bureau of Vital Statistics and current wallet-sized photo is required. Parent or legal guardian only must sign registration form. For more information, call Bill Ryan at (732) 390-0894 or visit the Web site www.srknights.org.
Fast Break Basketball Inc. (FBBA), a non-profit youth basketball program, is proud to announce its trophy ceremonies to celebrate the inaugural season of Buddy Ball, a basketball program for children with special needs. The ceremony, which begins with a basketball session and ends with ceremonies and refreshments, will be held on March 20 at 9 a.m. at the Chittick Elementary School in East Brunswick. For more information, contact Ward Byrne at (732) 390-7625.
Monroe Township’s 9-Year-Old travel basketball team advanced to the Central Jersey League Championship Game with a victory over the East Brunswick Grizzlies (62-20). Monroe was lead by Victor Sorrento (five steals), Ryan Genevieve (four steals) and Danny Brix (11 rebounds, 10 assists, eight steals) as they delivered on a combined 40-point performance. Other offensive contributors included Tyler Cushman, Ryan Germano (six rebounds), Chris Viani (five steals), Brian Nale and Robby Scardilli as they poured in an additional 22 points. On the defensive side of the ball, the 9s were lead by Chris Laino, Mike D’Ambrosio, Mike Fitzgerald and Peter Gulick as they produced one steal, four defensive rebounds and a blocked shot. The Central Jersey Championship game will be played on Saturday at South Amboy High School. Game time is 3 p.m.