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SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Softball team improving skills for 2011 season

By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
   The South Brunswick High School Varsity Girls Softball Team will work to improve their skills for the 2011 season, according to head coach Danielle Matlack.
   ”This season will be different”, Ms. Matlack said. “We lost our catcher Kaitlyn Jansson who was a tremendous asset to our team. We have six returning players from last year, and we need to improve our outfield, catching and shortstop positions.”
   Ms. Matlack said that three returning seniors; Megan Grocholske, Rachel Vogel, and Jillian Blaine were promoted to team captains because they have the most varsity experience.
   This year, the team has three returning seniors and nine underclassmen combining for a total of 12 players.
   The team needs become more consistent during each inning, and stop “peaking too early,” according to Ms. Matlack. During games, the girls will come out strong their first few innings, but then they will begin to decrease in skill as the game continues.
   ”We all want to have less mental mistakes during the game, have smarter at bats and out-smart the other teams,” Ms. Vogel said. “If we play hard and stay strong all the way to the end we will win our games.”
   Ms. Grocholske and Ms. Blaine said that a lot of girls have the desire to win and have a lot of skill, but as a team they need to overcome adversity better in order to win the Red Division Championship.
   Ms. Matlack said that the team’s two biggest competitors are East Brunswick High School and J.P. Stevens High School in Edison because of their pitching skills.
   Both East Brunswick and Edison have strong feeder programs, which teach and condition the students at an earlier age so they are fully prepared to play when they reach the high school level.
   The South Brunswick Athletic Association (SBAA) has enhanced the South Brunswick feeder programs as well, Ms. Matlack said.
   At the end of the 2010 season, the team finished with a record of 14-9 with one of their wins coming against Edison. At the time, Edison was undefeated and one of the top 20 teams in the state.
   Ms. Matlack said that it was a huge accomplishment to win against Edison. Another win was against Woodbridge High School which allowed the team to advance in the County Championships.
   Although, the team must rebuild this year, and have their underclassmen improve, the team has an optimistic view, strong senior leadership, and great team chemistry. The girls are determined to play their best and all of the players show dedication according to Ms. Matlack.
   ”Our goal is always to play the best we can each game, and if we do that, then we should win,” Ms. Matlack said.