BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — It was a roller coaster ride for the Manalapan High School softball team.
"We had days when we were good and days when we were not so good," said coach Jeannette Bruno, whose team finished the 2004 campaign with a 14-12 record.
The ups and downs were expected of a young team relying on two freshmen in key positions and underclassmen scattered throughout the lineup.
"We exceeded everyone else’s expectations," said Bruno. "No one could have predicted we’d get to the semifinals of the state sectional and finish tied for second in A North."
When they had their up days, the Braves were very good. They saved their best softball of the season for the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs, where, from the No. 12 seed, they advanced to the semifinals. Included in the run was a big 2-0 win over Middletown North, the No. 4 seed, in the quarterfinals
"That was the pinnacle of the season," noted Bruno.
In the upset of the Lions, the Braves were flawless. Freshman hurler Ashley Rampino was wonderful, according to Bruno, and the defense behind her made all the plays. The Braves were able to claw their way to two runs and make that hold up.
Manalapan’s reward for upending North was a date with the state’s No. 1-ranked team, Rancocas Valley, in the semifinals. The Braves would see their postseason adventure end with a 10-0 loss to the No. 1-seeded Red Devils, who looked every bit like the best team in the state, on May 25. The Braves paid a price for the win over Middletown North and provided the young Braves with another learning experience.
"We were spent after beating Middletown North," Bruno said. "It was a lesson for the freshmen and sophomores, who are more up-and-down from game to game than seniors. They now know the mental preparedness it takes."
The other benefit of the going deep into the state playoffs was that the Braves got to see how they matched up against teams from outside the Shore area.
"It gives you a sampling of what else is out there," Bruno pointed out. "They realized they earned the right to be in the sectional final."
Having played St. John Vianney, No. 2 in the state, twice and No. 1 Rancocas Valley, the Braves got a very good idea of the level they have to take their game to.
Another positive for the Braves was how they overcame injuries during the season. Shortstop Aimee Prinzo and first baseman Jen Bruzzi missed large chunks of the season, as did April Daluise, a starting pitcher.
Rampino, who won seven games, and Jill Kwiatkowski were the impact freshmen whose futures are very bright.
"Jill surprised me," said Bruno. "She batted No. 4 in the lineup and was our big hitter. The girls on the team are inspired by her talent."
Rampino teamed with Daluise, a sophomore, to give Manalapan two No. 1 starters. A sprained ankle late in the season sidelined Daluise, and it was Rampino who pitched the club through the playoffs.
It was veteran leadership, however, that kept the roller-coaster season from its downward slide for very long.
"Our seniors did a great job," Bruno pointed out. "For our three seniors, getting to the sectional semifinals was very special and they felt it."
Captain Kelly Kwiatkowski, the older sister of Jill, was the team’s lead-off catalyst, a defensive standout in center field and an outstanding leader.
Right fielders Danielle Tutela and Brianne Jahn were the other seniors who made big contributions to the team during the season. Tutela was one of the most improved players on the team, and Jahn came up many big hits for the team during a season that became memorable for the seniors.
With all but two starters returning next year, Bruno knows that the accomplishments of this season bode well for the Braves.
"Things are looking extremely positive for the future," she said.