New Egypt High School’s young softball lineup had a smooth transition early in the season as six players moved to new positions.
But that came apart in the NJSIAA Group I semifinals, where the defending state champion Warriors lost, 8-2, to Henry Hudson Regional High School at Bordentown Regional High School June 3.
Coach Kevin English, the NJSIAA Softball Coach of the Year, called it an uncharacteristic day for his team, which had put together a 21-6 season toward a Burlington County Scholastic League Liberty Division championship and a South Jersey Group I title in its previous game before Henry Hudson cut short New Egypt’s bid for a sixth trip to the state finals. New Egypt has won four state titles. English also acknowledged the team’s achievements behind the solid pitching of junior Faith Weber but felt on June 3 that Henry Hudson “completely outplayed” his team. Weber also led her team at the plate with three hits in the game. The outcome snapped a 12-game winning streak that started after a 3-1 loss to Northern Burlington County Regional High School May 4. The Warriors came in with a 112-19 scoring edge during that streak and a 172-49 margin with eight shutouts overall leading up to the Group I showdown.
Cedar Grove High School beat Henry Hudson, 10-1, for the state title.
The good news for New Egypt is that only two starters are graduating.
New Egypt’s uncharacteristic play, which included three pivotal errors while Henry Hudson played without any, was evident from the early innings.
After Henry Hudson (21-3) opened the second inning with two singles, New Egypt’s infield misplayed a bunt in which the tag was not applied as the bases were loaded for a run-scoring groundout and an RBI single.
Three run-scoring singles and an RBI groundout in the fourth inning widened Henry Hudson’s lead to 6-0.
New Egypt finally answered back in the home half of the fourth on a basesloaded walk drawn by junior Samantha Goetz and a fielder’s choice by sophomore Alyssa Zarriello, both outfielders hitting in the bottom of the lineup. Henry Hudson tacked on two insurance runs in the last inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, New Egypt threatened with two runners on base before Henry Hudson dramatically ended the game with a diving catch in the outfield.
Meagan Smith, Gabby Medina and Rebecca Lombardo, all returning next season, each smashed two hits as New Egypt finished the day with 11 hits — the same as Henry Hudson. Weber struck out three and walked two.
But there is a talented nucleus returning, as middle infielders Danelle Lewis and Sarah LoRicco are the lone departing players.
Players coming back surrounding Weber include freshman first baseman Chloe Lewis; sophomore leadoff hitter and second baseman Lombardo, who batted over .500; sophomore center fielder and No. 3 hitter Smith; and sophomore catcher and cleanup hitter Medina, along with Zarriello and Goetz.
Other underclassmen on the team this season were junior first baseman Kirsten Homeny and sophomores Kylie Hatt and Elayna Lohkamp.