By Warren Rappleyea
With most of its lineup back after winning the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament last spring, Sayreville War Memorial High School’s softball team is poised for another strong season.
The Bombers went 18-6 a year ago and also reached the finals of the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group IV tournament before falling, 6-2, to Hunterdon Central Regional High School. After dropping a pair of regular-season games to East Brunswick High School, Sayreville rebounded with a 7-0 win over the Bears to bring the GMC title to the borough. Mary Kate Kersting’s two-run single in the first inning got her team off on the right foot, and Erin Fitzsimmons tossed a two-hit shutout to give the Bombers their first conference championship since 1978.
“Everything just seemed to come together for us at the right time,” Sayreville coach Christa DeLucia said. “Different girls stepped up at the plate; team-wide they made the plays in the field, and Erin [Fitzsimmons] was at her best.”
While Sayreville has plenty of experience, the Bombers will feel the loss of Fitzsimmons, their ace in the circle, who graduated last June after allowing just 15 earned runs and going 16-4. Junior Kelly Duffy, who tossed about 14 innings last season, could contend for the job. Duffy is also a valuable field player who hit .328 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Outfielder Brianne Parisio, a .279 hitter, also graduated.
In addition to Duffy, second baseman Emily Cabrera is also back. The senior is a top-notch table-setter as evidenced by her .416 average and team-leading 27 runs scored. Back at the hot corner is Christina Misiur, who is coming off a .342 campaign with a home run and 21 RBIs.
Another senior, versatile Rebecca Wehrle, had a stellar campaign batting .364, second on the team, with four home runs and 14 RBIs. Kersting, who hit .296 with 11 RBIs, is back in the outfield.
Shortstop is in the capable hands of junior Ryane Brush, who led the team with seven home runs and also drove in 20 runs. Kayla Stvan, who batted .281 with 14 RBIs, will be at first base.
While DeLucia acknowledged that the Bombers have some big shoes to fill, the coach expects her team’s overall experience from playing in and winning big games gives the Bombers a strong foundation to build on.
Sayreville is set to open the season at East Brunswick April 4.