HHS softball set to make run at playoffs

Rams have solid group of veteran leaders.

By: Sean Moylan
   "I like for us to get down and dirty and battle and create runs," said Tim Kalick, who is entering his 4th season as the Hightstown High girls’ varsity softball head coach.
   Last year the Rams battled hard, bunted, slapped, took walks and stole bases and, consequently, they were still in contention for a playoff spot going into the state tournament cutoff week. While Hightstown fell a little short of qualifying for the post season, it did post a respectable 10-12 record. And this season, with most of its best players back, Hightstown should do even better.
   "Last year we only graduated four seniors," added Kalick, who has his pitching ace, Erika Juricic, back for her junior season.
   Juricic, who posted an 8-10 record last season, throws an array of pitches which she mixes up quite well.
   "Basically, she gets the job done," said Kalick, who can play Juricic, a team captain, nearly anywhere on the field when she needs a day off from pitching.
   This season, the Rams have a solid group of veteran leaders including talented senior center fielder Elyssa Swern. Brianne Teichmann is a skilled senior co-captain who can play anywhere in the outfield. A great fielder, senior Caitlin Fallon gives the Rams some flexibility in the infield because Kalick could use her at second base or shortstop.
   Tara Bower, a 12th grader who played lacrosse last season, will be the Rams’ first baseman this season.
   In all likelihood, junior Gabby Velasquez will move over from second base and be the Rams’ starting shortstop this season, which means Fallon will probably see most of her action at second. Junior Jen Pikus, who is coming off an ACL injury, will play third base for the Rams. Hightstown also has two very talented junior outfielders in Danielle Dolan (primarily left field) and Jinny Lu. Sophomore Emily Ladd can play anywhere on the infield while 10th grader Brianna Byrne will be used as a pitcher and outfielder.
   Sophomore Brianna Scheid has looked very good at second base in the early scrimmages and practices. Although she is only in her sophomore season, Cara Montferratt is so good Kalick has already picked her as his starting catcher. And freshman Erica Kurey made the varsity squad as a pitcher and a utility player.
   "Obviously we have our goals set on making states and beating the teams we are supposed to beat," said Kalick. "Hopefully our strength (once again) will be that we never give up and we always fight and we battle every game."
   Last season, despite having a dozen losses, Hightstown was rarely blown out. However, a team mission for this season is to win the close ones.
   "Last year we didn’t win a lot of the games we were leading in," said Kalick, who is assisted by Carolyn Donnelly (Andrew Elko is the junior varsity head coach). "Last year we struggled to get that big hit."
   However, this season Hightstown appears to have a nearly perfect blend of veterans and young players. And having a junior starter with varsity experience in the circle like Juricic is a major plus. The Rams’ defense is very good so if they get a few clutch knocks expect the Hightstown Rams to have a very good season and make the playoffs.
   NOTES: Hightstown has 19 games on its schedule, starting with a home contest on Tuesday, April 10 against Princeton Day School. Hightstown is also schedule to take part in the Mercer County Tournament. The addition of state tournament games would also be very welcomed by the team.