By Kim Spinelli, Special Writer
The 12U Vikings softball team has had quite a season so far.
The 12-member team won four championships in four games, including three Second Place finishes in: the Union Memorial Day Classic Tournament, the Howell Eye of the Storm Tournament, and the Monroe Summer Classic Tournament, plus a First Place win in the Roxbury Runnin’ with the Rebels Tournament.
”You should all be very proud of your girls…this is quite an accomplishment,” Manager/Head Coach Matt DeKok, who has been managing softball for three years, wrote in an email to the parents. “I absolutely love it. These are the kind of kids anyone would love to coach. They are gutsy and gritty, with the fortitude to win close games. They are fundamentally sound, play good defense, and they always have their hearts and their heads in the game.”
The team plays at least four, but sometimes as many as six games per weekend, depending on whether or not they win and advance to the next level.
”The girls have executed the fundamentals that we practice extremely well and have persevered to win some close games,” Mr. DeKok said.
According to one parent, the girls played very well under pressure in recent extreme heat.
”They’re an amazing group of girls, very impressive,” said parent, Jody Knehr. , “They work hard and play hard, and they really do get along so well. There is definitely a strong camaraderie among the parents, as well. We spend a lot of time together, and the families have become really close.”
After each game, win or lose, they celebrate their efforts with a pool party at one of their houses.
Many of the girls have been playing together for four years, growing up and developing together, according to Mr. DeKok.
”This is a very close-knit group,” Mr. DeKok said. “The girls work extremely well together as a team. They are competitive, motivated, fun-loving girls who are always cheering for each other.”
The parents chip in for a new team banner every year, which they take to every game, home or away.
”It has the South Brunswick Vikings colors and logo, and the girls really like seeing their names and uniform numbers on it,” Ms. Knehr said.
Mr. DeKok said that parental support and involvement is key and greatly adds to the team’s success by creating a cohesive, fun environment.
”Recently, the 10U Black Vikings Softball Coach, Mr. Joe Scaletti, asked us to talk to his team. We were really touched and happy to talk to them,” Mr. DeKok said. “We told them what I always tell our team- I remind them that it’s a game- to have fun, to enjoy themselves and playing with each other, and to never give up.”
He praised the efforts of the entire South Brunswick Travel Softball organization, and said it is extremely close.
He said Director Lee Brancaccio has done a phenomenal job this year, and even came to some of the team’s games on his off-weekends.
Members of this champion team include: Alexis Adams, Emily Collins, Sydney Cortez, Nicole DeKok, Haley Grossi, Samantha Knehr, Julie Kurkela, Kate Mastro, Kelly Matuszewski, Caitlin Murawski, Jessica Risch, and Melissa Scaletti.
The games are seven-innings long and are mostly held at Reichler Park when they’re played at home.
”I also really appreciate the dedication of my Assistant Coaches, Charlie Collins, Rich Grossi, and Larry Risch. They do whatever’s asked of them, and I couldn’t do my job without them,” Mr. DeKok said. “They’re definitely another one of the reasons our team is doing so well.”
”We really like them. They’re a great bunch of guys,” Mrs. Knehr said.
A key moment in the season so far was a first-ever triple play in the Monroe championship game.
According to Mr. DeKok, Hayley was playing Shortstop when a ground ball was hit to her. She stepped on second base, and threw it to Samantha, who was playing First, nailing a double play. Samantha then threw it home to Melissa for the third out, knocking out three opposing team players in a single swoop.
”It was simply awesome. I think the girls stunned themselves as much as they did the crowd, which then went crazy,” Mrs. Knehr said. “It was definitely the highlight of a terrific season so far.”
Try-outs are held in the fall, and Mr. DeKok brings a personal approach by calling each girl at the beginning of the season, congratulating and welcoming them to the team.
”After the team is formed, there’s a short fall program with a few practices, then winter workouts, usually Sunday afternoons at Crossroads. Many of the girls are multi-sport athletes, and I encourage that,” Mr. DeKok said. “The workouts are less intensive until our official start in the spring. Their hard work has definitely paid off.”
The 12U Vikings Softball Team is looking forward to playing at the Forest Hill Frenzy Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland this weekend, Mr. DeKok said.

