The Sayreville Storm 14U softball team is off to a 5-1 start in its summer schedule in theAll Shore Softball League.
After losing its first game, 3-0, to the Howell Heat, the Storm bounced back to beat the Heat, 3-2, and has kept on winning ever since.
“This is a pretty solid team,” coach Darci Carnevale said. “We have solid pitching and excellent hitting. In one game we scored all of our runswith two outs. The girls can also play small ball when we need to get an extra run or two.”
Sayreville has also benefited from the solid pitching of Erin Fitzsimmons and Miranda Wade, who, combined with a solid defense, have held all opponents to three runs or less. Carnevale noted that the Storm defense has turned several double plays.
“I move the girls around; most of them play several different positions,” the coach said. “This is a very versatile group of girls.”
Fitzsimmons, who usually bats at or near the top of the order, is a perfect example. When not on the mound, she may be found at any position except catcher. Outfielder Brianna Parisio is a stellar defensive player who has helped the pitching stand up. Both Fitzsimmons and Parisio will be freshmen this fall, and they expect to play for the Bombers this spring. Carnevale, who serves as the Sayreville Middle School softball coach as well, mentored most of the girls this spring when that team posted a 10-2 mark. Wade, who resides in Old Bridge, is the lone team member who resides in another town. The Middle School team and the Storm’s success bodes well for the future of softball at the high school.
Other key players include power-hitting catcher Christina Misiur, whose strong arm also discourages would-be base-stealers, and Emily Cabrera, an infielder/outfielder who has a knack for coming up with timely hits from the top of the order.
The infield usually includes Wade, a strong defensive player at first base, and Rebecca Wehrle at third base or shortstop, although Carnevale does move the players around. Eryn Handy and Mary Kate Kersting patrol the outfield. Wehrle is also the backup catcher.
The Storm roster also includes three players who will enter seventh grade this fall: shortstop Ryane Brush, second baseman Kelly Duffy and infielder/pitcher Paige Fernandez, all of whom see significant playing time.
The Storm were scheduled to close out the regular season on Monday evening with a doubleheader against the Staten Island Saints. Afterward, they will prepare for the league playoffs, which begin on Aug. 1.
Carnevale is assisted by Jim Duffy and Janet Misiur.