WW-PS outfielder selected for inaugural softball event
By: Justin Feil
Ashley Sarstedt had read about the Baseball Carpenter Cup Classic and knew that the Mercer County all-star team won it last year.
The West Windsor-Plainsboro South junior couldn’t have known about the Softball Carpenter Cup Classic that she was selected to play in because it’s the first year for it.
"I had no idea what it was," Sarstedt said. "I wasn’t even sure what the tournament I was going to play in was all about. It’s actually a really big deal. It’s a great opportunity because I get to play with these amazing players from all around. And there are supposed to be a lot of college coaches coming to game."
Designed like the baseball version that began in 1986, the Softball Carpenter Cup features 16 teams from the tri-state area. Sarstedt’s Mercer County all-star team was scheduled to play the very first game of the tournament Monday morning against Olympic Colonia with the loser playing 9:30 a.m. today and the winner playing the Lehigh Valley vs. Delaware North winner 1 p.m. today. All games of the double-elimination tournament are in FDR Park in Philadelphia.
The baseball all-star tournament has been a stepping stone for area players to showcase their talents. Last summer, Steve Garrison of Hun made himself a pro prospect by stockpiling wins for the Mercer County all-star team. Others showcase their talents for college teams. The softball tournament hopes to be able to produce the same sort of success stories.
"Most important," Sarstedt said of her goals, "is to go out and have fun and enjoy the experience. I would be nice to be recruited, but that’s not my main priority."
Sarstedt put together quite a junior season as one of the big hitters in the Pirates’ lineup. She had 19 runs batted in to give WW-P South four players with at least 19 RBIs. She also played a solid outfield.
"It was a great year," Sarstedt said. "I worked really hard during the winter. Sophomore year wasn’t as successful. The work paid off. I did better batting and fielding. I got noticed for it.
"Next year will be very different. I missed out on pitching for high school for the last three years. Katy Hubbard was the main pitcher."
Sarstedt figures to take over at pitcher next spring for the Pirates. She’s continues to pitch for the West Windsor Wildcats U-16 softball team. She’ll play outfield during the Carpenter Cup as she hopes to be a part of the first championship team crowned.
"I know we’re playing teams from Pennsylvania, and softball in Pennsylvania is very competitive," Sarstedt said. "We also have some strong players on the team. We have some players good at hitting, pitching and fielding.
"It’s almost similar to playing in nationals," she added. "Teams are taken from a large area, so there’s a lot of talent on the team. It’s a higher level of competition and you see how you match up to that level."
Two summers ago, Sarstedt and her Wildcats teammates matched up just fine in the 2003 National Tournament. That experience gives Sarstedt confidence as she takes on some of the best players from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
"We saw some amazing teams and we were very successful," she said. "We were 4-2, which is really good. You definitely noticed a higher level of playing ability."
Sarstedt expects the same of the Mercer all-star team. At the initial team meeting, she started to meet the girls that will be her teammates for what they hope is a one-week run. The championship game is slated for Monday, June 27.
"I actually didn’t really know anyone there," said Sarstedt, who is the only Packet-area player on the team, which has Princeton’s Steve Eisenstein as one of the coaches. "I recognized them from their reputation. The only one I knew at all was Toni Matlack, the pitcher for Ewing, who I played with in travel ball 12-and-under for the Wildcats. There are a lot of girls from Steinert and Hamilton West and Peddie. It’s an honor to be on the team."
It’s a chance to make history for the Mercer County all-star team as it looks to win the very first Softball Carpenter Cup Classic. Ashley Sarstedt is thrilled to be a part of the chase.