SBHS softball learns how big small mistakes can be

By: Carolyn M. Hartko
   The J.P. Stevens High School softball team demonstrated how they have risen to the top of the Greater Middlesex Conference in this past Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over visiting South Brunswick. The Lady Hawks (8-2) manufactured a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, then held on to the slim lead. It was the third 1-0 win for the Hawks in their last four outings.
   Caitlyn Seamster, Stevens’ sophomore catcher, led off the fifth with a double, then advanced on a fielder’s choice and a sacrifice fly. She scored on a South Brunswick error after an infield grounder, beating the throw home.
   "Our girls are learning that one small mistake makes a 1-0 game," Viking head coach Danielle Matlack said. "(J.P. Stevens) is ranked top in the county, and they’re ranked seventh in the state. But there are no easy games for us."
   The Hawks’ veteran pitcher, senior Becky Garibotto, struck out six and gave up three hits with no walks to secure the win. Sara Steepy (4-2) took the loss for the Vikings, allowing just two hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
   South’s senior first baseman, Sam Littlejohn, was the most successful Viking hitter against Garibotto, going 2-for-3 at the plate.
   Tuesday’s loss dropped the Vikings to 4-3. That was on top of last Thursday’s 2-0 loss at Old Bridge, and Saturday’s 10-2 blowout win at West Windsor-Plainsboro South. In the latter game, the Vikings had been patiently building a lead, and were up 4-2 after four innings. But senior outfielder Stefanie Sframeli shut the door on WW/P with a grand slam homer in the top of the fifth. Jess Mastronardi added two RBI and she scored once. Steepy went the distance, fanning six batters, and scattering seven hits.
   Last Thursday, South Brunswick had been expecting a tough game against Old Bridge, and they got it.
   "They’re good hitters, and they always have good pitching," Matlack said.
   The Knights’ got the game-winner in the bottom of the third inning when Jen Vitorino drew a bases-loaded walk. Kayla Warman (2-for-3) followed with a single to left field that scored the insurance run. Junior Amy Sievert pitched a shutout for Old Bridge with nine strikeouts and no walks. Sophomore Amanda Singer recorded the loss in her first start on the mound for the Vikings this season.
   In spite of the fact that no likes to lose, Matlack feels that the experience of the close ones against good teams like Old Bridge and Stevens will help her team come tournament time.
   "We just have to continue being aggressive on offense, like we are," the coach said. " And we have to clean up one or two mental mistakes, or physical mistakes, a game, and we’re good. We’re there."
   Next up for the Vikings is today’s (Thursday’s) home game against Piscataway. They will be at West Windsor-Plainsboro North on Friday, and at Middlesex Saturday before a home game with Edison Monday.