Teams are being sought for the Middlesex County Parks and Recreation Department’s fall slo-pitch softball leagues. Mens’ single- and double-header game leagues and women’s single-game leagues begin play in August and September. Rosters and payments are now being accepted. Up to five team members may be non-county residents. Deadline for roster and payment is Aug. 5. Opening day is scheduled for late August, and games are scheduled through October or into November, depending on rainouts and playoff schedules. The men’s single-game league plays 6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The men’s double-header league starts at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with second games to follow immediately. All games are played at Thomas Edison Park in Edison or Warren park in Woodbridge. Entrance fee is $330 with an additional $75 refundable forfeit fee. Umpire fees are $18 per team, per game. Teams are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ladies’ slo-pitch softball league’s games start at 10:30 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. Sundays at Warren Park. The entrance fee is $155, plus a $75 refundable forfeit fee. Umpire fees are $18 per team, per game. Teams are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited to eight teams.
For information, or to join, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (732) 745-4222 or (732) 745-3900.
The Metuchen Blazers U14 girls traveling soccer team defeated the Cranford Chaos 3-1 at home on Sunday to end their spring season. This win earned the Blazers second place in their flight with a record of 7-2-1.
Early in the first half, the Chaos scored their first and only goal on a hard, fastball placed just out of goalie Jamie Daugherty’s reach. The Blazers came back almost immediately when forward Casey Valerie booted a ball from 20 yards out that sailed over the goalies head. Both teams battled tough physically and went into the second half tied up. Metuchen’s defense made up of Tayler Valerie, Amanda Mattis and Kate Meehan shut down Cranford’s offense the rest of the game not allowing any shots on goal.
On offense, Reavey D’Alfonsi and Amanda Wallace used footwork and agility to keep the ball in Cranford territory. Late in the second half, on a pass from Bobbi Akers, Casey Valerie scored the go-ahead goal. Meehan then added a solo shot to give the Blazers a secure lead.
Coached by Don Wallace, the Blazers will compete next week in Soccerama and then their tenure in the Metuchen Traveling Soccer Association will end, as all the girls are moving on to high school.
The Central Jersey Hot Shots U16 girls travel soccer team is looking for dedicated and serious players to join their team next season when they play as a U17 team. The team is comprised of many talented high school players from Middlesex, Hunterdon and Union counties. The team plays in the Maps league and competes in many premier tournaments each spring season. The team practices at Vo-Tech school on Rues Lane in East Brunswick.
Interested players should contact Brad Caruso at (732) 397-2746 or (732) 257-3738.