Girls excelled in all age groups
By: Rudy Brandl
Hillsborough’s off-season softball program continued to soar in the summer of 2004.
The Elites, the township’s top team, capped their most dominant campaign ever by winning the league title for the third consecutive year. Hillsborough pasted Delaware Valley (10-0) and Immaculata (9-0) to complete a 7-0 season with an unbelievable 54-2 run differential.
"Each year, they continue to play at a higher level," said Hillsborough High head coach Cheryl Iaione, who supervises and oversees the program. "We have a lot of kids who enjoy playing. The competition is better and the progression is better."
Pitcher Chrissy Yard and shortstop Candy Palumbo, regarded as the top players in the program, saw plenty of action on the local, regional and national level this summer. Both HHS varsity stars, who will be seniors this coming school year, joined Iaione at 18-and-under ASA Nationals in Fresno, Calif. The New Jersey Stars, one of six New Jersey teams in a field of 118, went 2-3 in the tourney.
"I think that’s pretty impressive," said Iaione, who felt the national experience made her players more effective and dominant against the local competition. "When you come from a national tournament, it’s a whole different ball game. There’s no letting up from 1-9 in the lineup. You really have to concentrate. Here, you can overpower people."
That’s precisely what Yard did in the Elite League championship game. The powerful lefty struck out 15 batters and didn’t allow a walk. Yard struck out the side in three different innings and only allowed one hit.
While Yard was happy with her performance and the title, she looked beyond the game and saw the long-range importance of the summer experience.
"I got a chance to play with a lot of girls I haven’t had a chance to play with," Yard said. "For all the returning (varsity) girls to come together and play with the younger girls, it helps us get to know each other. Now, we’re all used to each other for 2005."
Yard, Palumbo, catcher Christine Rash, second baseman Becky Sullivan, designated hitter Marissa Conard and outfielder Kristen Derewecki are the returning varsity players who led the Elites. Younger players like Kim Arbonies, Megan McInaw, Val Buccino and Christine Murphy also impressed Iaione.
"They haven’t played at the varsity level but they did what they were asked to do," Iaione said. "They made things happen."
Others who contributed to the Elite team’s summer of dominance included Christine Murphy, Nicole Derkacz, Lauren Salvatore, Courtney Barkey, Michelle Farrell, Michelle Cilenti, Vanessa Tumminia and Celia Maccini. Iaione regularly rotated any players who showed up on game night and even used as many as four pitchers in the same game. All the pitchers were dominant, holding opposing teams to one earned run the entire summer.
"The pitching overall was great," Iaione said. "We had a lot of people throw innings. Most people wish they had that."
The Elites weren’t the only local team to dominate or win a title. Several other Hustle teams, ranging from the 10-and-under level all the way up to the Elite team, won tournaments this summer. Others finished a close second. Win or lose, more than 100 young girls gained experience playing the game for various teams throughout the summer.
The Hustle 16-and-under team won the Mid-State League title, defeating Mendham Chester in the finals. The in-town 16-and-under squad rallied but lost to Dunellen in the championship game.
Bad weather proved to be the only hindrance for the teams. Many games had to be moved around or canceled. The Elites had six games wiped out by rain, but Iaione still got a good glimpse of some of her future high school stars.
"I got to see a lot of the kids and I was very impressed with some of the younger kids," Iaione said. "They’re all coming along and they’re all going to contribute to the program."