SJV shortstop Jackie Gallagher (l) tries to put the tag on Immaculate Heart’s Abby Holmes.
The St. John Vianney softball team lost its final two games, both tournament championships, to close out an otherwise successful season.
The Lancers won their Shore Conference division and the Monmouth County Tournament, but fell toWall, 8-7, in the conference tournament title game three days before losing the NJSIAA Non- Public A championship to Immaculate Heart, 3-0, on June 9.
St. John Vianney edged Camden Catholic, 3-2, in the South A state sectional final. That was their third championship of the season .“ We fell short,” head coach Kim Lombardi said, “but we accomplished three of our five goals. I’m very proud of them.”
St. John Vianney (27-4) didn’t go down without a fight. The Lancers threatened with a chance to score in the sixth inning when Cailin Winokur and Taylor August each singled to left field. The two runners then advanced on an errant pickoff throw to second before Immaculate Heart registered three consecutive outs to end the rally.
The Lancers struggled throughout the game to score runners from third, failing to capitalize on four such opportunities.
“We didn’t come through with the big hit,” Lombardi said.
One of the most intriguing stories this season was that of Katie Beriont, the hard-throwing lefthander who went 21-3 this season. As a freshman last year, Beriont was the number two pitcher for the Lancers and went 13-0.
She began the spring with elbow trouble that lingered longer than expected, making her success even more notable. In a Shore Conference Tournament semifinal against Manalapan, Beriont tossed a one-hitter and had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 innings.
“Katie didn’t need as many strikeouts. Our defense this season was strong,” Lombardi said.
As for next year, the Lancers are set to lose four seniors but will retain strong performers such as Beriont.
“It’s not going to be a rebuilding season,” Lombardi said, “but we will have to work in some underclassmen and do a lot more work on the fundamentals.”
She added: “We still have a good nucleus coming back next season, so we should be strong.”
St. John Vianney second baseman Cailin Winokur (bottom) bends over backward to put the tag on Immaculate Heart Academy’s Stephanie Schultz during the NJSIAA Non-Public A state final played at Toms River High School East on June 9. The Lancers fell short in their bid for a state title, 3-0. PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff
Lombardi already has one thing in mind that the Lancers need to improve. The team lacked a vocal leader this season despite having positive senior leadership, and Lombardi would like to see someone fill the void.
“We had leadership this year, but no one person to look to,” the head coach said. “The team will see they have to be more vocal.”