By: Lance Manion
On paper, South Brunswick had one of the most feared lineups in Middlesex County before the season. Through two games, the Vikings’ offense hasn’t done anything to hurt that reputation.
South Brunswick won its first two games, beating Edison, 5-0, last Saturday and Perth Amboy, 3-0, two days later. But even more impressive than the eight runs is the balance the Vikings have shown throughout their lineup.
Against Edison, six different players got hits in a six-hit attack.
Against Perth Amboy, seven different players got hits in a seven-hit attack.
"We’re getting contributions from players throughout our lineup," Vikings coach Danielle Matlack said, "and that’s always a good thing because teams can’t pitch around people. You want to have the ability to get hits one-through-nine in the lineup."
The Edison win was a good start for a Vikings team that has its sights on capturing a Greater Middlesex Conference-Red Division title this spring. Sara Steepy showed no ill effects from the injured wrist she suffered in the preseason. The senior right-hander tossed a two-hit shutout and also slugged an RBI double in the win.
Steepy, who notched 11 of the Vikings’ 13 victories last season, has received plenty of support so far this season from the likes of catcher Alicia Langone, first baseman Chaille Godinez, third baseman Jessica Mastronardi, shortstop Courtney Breese, second baseman Courtney Stephens and centerfielder Stephanie Zucker.
Godinez, a senior starting for the first time this season, provided the big hit against Edison, an RBI triple in the four-run sixth inning.
"Chaille is hitting the ball very well so far," Matlack said.
With eight returning seniors, Matlack’s squad features several players who have been contributing the past two or three seasons and that experience has been on display in the first week. While Matlack was concerned over the way her team fielded in the preseason, the Vikings’ defense has been superb in helping Steepy post back-to-back shutouts to open the spring.
"So far," Matlack said, "we’re doing all the things necessary to win games. We’re getting timely hits, good pitching from Sara and we’ve been fundamentally sound in the field. It’s a nice way to start the season."

