Elite girls played solid softball

Team finished third in summer league

By: Rudy Brandl
   
   Although Hillsborough did not repeat as the Elite Softball League champions, head coach Cheryl Iaione still believes it was a successful summer for her team.
   A huge roster of almost 30 girls saw action on the Elite diamond, all contributing to Hillsborough’s third-place finish. While it would have been nice to knock off Flemington and win another summer title, Iaione was more concerned about using this league as a learning tool for the younger players who will shape the future of the Hillsborough High School program.
   "It’s been a great summer," Iaione said after the Raiders completed their season with a 4-1 victory over Clark in the tournament consolation game. "For some of the kids, it was their first time playing at this level. It was a learning experience. This was more relaxed so they could just play ball."
   The summer gave many younger players a chance to blend with varsity veterans like pitcher Megan McInaw, outfielder/pitcher Katelyn Derewecki and center fielder Caitlyn Katzelnick. Iaione’s lineups always featured a mix of returning varsity players and younger kids hoping to make the big team next spring.
   "It’s good for the younger girls to learn the customs of the varsity level," McInaw said.
   Iaione also enjoyed the opportunity to become more familiar with her younger players in a game atmosphere. While the Elite season wasn’t the official tryout for next year’s varsity team, it served a valuable purpose.
   "I got to know the kids I didn’t know," Iaione said. "The upperclassmen have been great with the younger kids, making everyone feel welcome."
   Every high school season is different because there are always new players coming in. Team chemistry can be an issue, depending on the mix of players. For Hillsborough, that camaraderie began this summer.
   "We pulled together and we’re finding people for the missing spots," McInaw said. "We’ll be young, but we’ll be OK."
   Iaione entered the summer with one major objective – to improve the team’s defense after an unusually sloppy spring on the high school diamond. Despite rotating many different players, the veteran coach was pleased with the defense.
   "Our defense definitely was better this summer," Iaione said. "The kids did a good job. They made the plays."
   Hillsborough hit well in spurts but was probably most consistent in the pitching department. McInaw and Derewecki, the varsity team’s 1-2 punch, were impressive in their summer work. Derewecki finished her Elite season by mowing down Clark with 13 strikeouts in the victory that clinched third place.
   Two younger pitchers – Kelly Bloom and Kristen Whitmore – also caught Iaione’s attention. While neither figures to log varsity innings next spring, they could be part of the program’s future plans.
   The Raiders finished fifth in the regular season with a 6-2 record but rolled into the semifinals with lopsided victories over Bernards (12-0) and Bound Brook (9-2). They couldn’t catch a break in the semifinals vs. undefeated Flemington and dropped a 5-0 decision.
   Hillsborough was primed for the upset when a handful of players who also compete in the summer girls’ basketball league at HHS opted to join their softball teammates in quest of a title. Rain had moved the Elite semifinals and finals to a Thursday night, creating a conflict with basketball.
   "The kids ultimately made the decision," Iaione said. "I didn’t expect the basketball players to show up, but it’s nice that they wanted to come out and try to win a championship. I like the effort and I’m proud of the kids that showed up."
   Hillsborough also held three softball camps this summer, with a total enrollment of around 100 girls. Former HHS standouts Chrissy Yard, Christine Rash and Kristen Derewecki worked the camps.
   The Hillsborough girls will take it easy for the rest of August and get ready for fall ball in September. Many of these players have been practicing or playing games for the last five months without a break.
   "It’s been a long run since March 1," Iaione said. "We all need a break now."