By Matthew Rocco
The Red Bank Regional High School softball team bounced back from a challenging stretch to open the season, winning back-to-back games.
The Lady Buccaneers are looking to turn a corner after a rebuilding season in 2016, when the team went 6-16. This season, Red Bank Regional has more veterans at its disposal, in addition to an influx of up-and-coming freshmen who immediately took on starting roles.
Red Bank Regional’s first three games of the season were tight contests. The team lost by a 2-0 score to both Raritan High School and Matawan Regional High School. Facing Holmdel High School, the Lady Buccaneers fell short in a 2-1 loss.
The offense then kicked into gear. The Lady Buccaneers recorded an 8-3 victory over Shore Conference A Central Division rival Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School for their first win of 2017. Red Bank Regional scored another eight runs against Neptune High School in an 8-5 win.
With the first five games of the year in the books, Red Bank Regional head coach Alyssa Guderian sees plenty of potential on the field.
“The girls learned from last year as a rebuilding year,” Guderian said. “This group seems to be jelling very well, and team spirit is very high.”
The early results have given Red Bank Regional more confidence as it looks ahead to games against tough opponents. After moving to the A Central division, the Lady Buccaneers must overcome Shore Conference powerhouses in Raritan (5-1) and Saint John Vianney High School (6-0).
“Our first few games, we played some tough teams, and we lost by one or two runs. It seems like any game can be in our court. We have a stronger lineup and stronger defense. Every game, we go into it knowing we have a chance to win,” Guderian said, adding that she expects more production at the plate compared to last season.
One of the centerpieces of Red Bank Regional’s lineup is Abby Wagner, a freshman catcher who bats fourth.
Junior Kristin Dinglestedt, a three-year starter, plays shortstop. Senior Lauren Bevacqua starts at third base. The Lady Buccaneers also start freshmen Maggie Watson and Katie Jensen, who is a speedy outfielder.
Watson has brought more versatility to the lineup as a utility player, and she shares time in the circle with Red Bank Regional’s senior ace, Carly Keller.
Keller is the primary starting pitcher, while Watson is available to pitch in relief, Guderian said. The head coach added that both pitchers bring confidence and strong pitch selection to the staff.
Keller also has been instrumental in helping Wagner become acclimated behind the plate. The senior pitcher spent the past few seasons splitting her time between pitching and catching.
Red Bank Regional (2-3) was scheduled to play Shore Regional High School in an A Central matchup April 17. The Lady Buccaneers were also slated to face St. John Vianney on the road April 19.