The seventh-grade Fair Haven Monmouth Youth Lady Lightning won the Inaugural Rebounds Thanksgiving Holiday Basketball Tournament over the Thanksgiving weekend. The team beat Millstone Township and Neptune City in pool play, while losing to Wall Township. However, they won their bracket and were able to hold off Millstone Township in the championship game. The players are Aileen Pearman, Elizabeth Morea, Amy DiReda, Chloe Ambrose, Megan Culligan, Jillian Dinger, Sam Haskell, Tara Smith, Abby Rumph, Shannon McNally, Morgan Benney, Shannon Rigby, Lisa Tegen and Carlie Spencer. They are coached by Ducky Smith.
The 2005 13U Fair Haven Hurricanes had a very successful season. Led by the strong pitching of Sam Strasser, Pat Moody and Frankie Aurichio, who threw a no-hitter in a summer league game, the Hurricanes won their regular season division championship. They went on to win their divisional playoff game. The Hurricanes advanced to the National League Championship game where they defeated Old Bridge.
The team backed its excellent pitching with timely hitting and sharp defense. Outfielders were Aurichio, Tommy Ladd, Kevin Graf and Taylor Brown. The infielders were Matt Sinopoli, Jessie Young, Colin Lang and Tucker Smith. The catchers were Chris Hofer and Ryan Maloney.
The head coach is Frank Aurichio. The assistant coach is Ken Hofer.
“During practice we concentrated on pitching and defense. We held one batting practice the entire season. I can only instruct the kids on the part on the game that I know something about,” Aurichio joked.
The Fair Haven Fire Department “paraded” the team around the city in celebration of their outstanding season. The team is sponsored by Flexcraft.

