Tenafly Takes Charge

July 12, 2006

Tenafly Takes Charge

First, I was informed by LaRezza that he is indeed, and avid blog reader. So my apologies to him. I still wonder who puts out all the fires in Newark when he is coaching all summer long.

But honestly, if any of my coaches want to drop me a line on some summer ball info, I would be happy to hear it. I also am planning on posting more often, I promise. I am actually working on a soccer story, but will keep the softball stuff coming.

May 3: Rutherford vs. Tenafly
This was the second meeting between these two teams, and Rutherford was sitting atop the BCSL American at this time by a game, Tenafly was right behind them. Tenafly had beaten them in the first meeting and was looking to tie 'em.

I took one of our interns, Sam, to the game and you can't pick a better spot to watch a game than at Tenafly. The field, like, goes on and on and on. The first time I sat there, I was in awe. I was jealous though, they had this great big TV tower set up behind home plate, I think for the student TV station doing the game, and I wished they had asked me to do color commentary or something! I would have liked that. Who is a better expert than me?

Of course, even the experts are wrong...a lot. Rutherford coach Helen Antzoulides wasn't supposed to have this good of a team this year, somehow, after losing standout pitcher Isa Mendez, the Bulldogs had climbed to the top of the league. She did, in my opinion, one of the best coaching jobs in the county.

The thing that impressed me the most about Rutherford was there defense. They didn't have an overpowering pitcher, but the Bulldogs made one outstanding play in the field after the other. Ashley Silver, a three-sport star, an increasingly rare breed (quick aside: I knew Ashley from swimming, and she was a swimming standout and yet, did not swim for a club team, this is like batting 600 in the HS softball season, but not playing summer ball) made one of the best plays I had seen all year in the fourth inning, falling down backward to catch a pop up with a runner on second base. Great play.

The game went to the seventh, and Emily Beck of Tenafly was super sharp that day. She was throwing beebees as my Uncle Bub would say. She gave up 2 meek singles. But Tenafly couldnt do anything against that good defense.

Which is what made the ending so ironic.

Ashley Thompson (and what a great story I will tell on her when we get to the county tournament stuff) of Tenafly led off the 7th with a shot to second. It's been a while and I don't remember the circumstances exactly, but it was misplayed into a double and I have Error written in my book. After getting moved over by Megan Birch, Brigette Cohan smacked a single up the middle to win the game, 1-0. Just like that. A walk-off single.

It was a big win for Tenafly, and a total case of dejavu, because last year, 2005, Cohan had hit a game-winning single to beat Rutherford at a game (I just looked it up, April 13) scoring Thompson. I had covered that game too.

Sadly, this would be the only time I saw Rutherford play all year, and despite the loss, they went on to win the league (Tenafly just couldnt beat River Dell and Beck's bad back would flare up). Then, in a total miscarriage of justice, they didnt get a single person on the AllCounty team, not 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

The whole game must have taken about 1:10, classic softball. Plenty of time to stop for ice cream, but I couldn't because I had Sam with me and I had to impress him.

July 12, 2006 in Darren Cooper|Permalink

RidgefieldPark vs. Tenafly

So, if I havent mentionned it already, I did predictions before the tournament in the paper, and I picked Park Ridge to make the semis, thought that Tenafly could get to the quarterfinals (but not the semis) and when I guessed who the breakout star of the tournament would be, I picked Amber Doran of the Scarlets.

RidgefieldPark was the real Cinderella of the tournament. No one knows if they were the lowest seed to ever make it (22) to the semifinals (how come no one keeps records like this??), but I am pretty sure they were. You couldn't help but like Mook Iannacone the Scarlets coach, who came over from River Dell. Anyone named Mook, anyone with the courage to go around with the name Mook is a cool dude.

Anyway, where I was sitting watching the Ramapo game, I was surrounded by the RP team. I remember saying to Mook, "you and Tenafly are each wearing white" and he said it was the only jersey they had.

Then before the game I went into the dugout to ask for the RP line-up and I asked Mook, jokingly, so what is your record anyway, like 13-10?? Then Amber turned and looked at me and scoffed. So I retorted, hey, I called you the breakout star! She had no idea who I was.

Anyway, I like that part of the job though, most of the kids have no idea who I am, but I know who they are. Not only that, but I get paid to know who they are.

This was the 3rd game of the season between these BCSL teams, Tenafly had won the first two. The third game was the Ashley Thompson show.

Thompson was one of those players who I wish I could have written about more, but the best story I got about her, I couldn't write, until now.

I was sitting next to her grandfather during the game, Ashley hit an RBI single in the first to give Tenafly the lead, then in the fourth, she smacked a solo homer. So instantly, her grandfather is up and shouting, "she won the money, she won the money!"

Apparently, by hitting the homer in the semis, she won a bet with her grandfather for 150 bucks. Pretty sweet, huh? I asked Ashley about it afterwards and she said it was true, but she didn't want it printed. Well, the season is over now, so I am writing it.

RidgefieldPark had its best threat in the seventh, and things got really interesting. They loaded the bases with one out, then Emily Beck, bad back and all, took it all on her shoulders, striking out the last two batters to end it.

It was a dramatic finish. Tenafly was headed to its first county final. Mook was disappointed after the game, he talked about how he had given Thompson batting lessons at one point, but really couldn't be too mad. His team had made an incredible run to get there.

So the final was all set Tenafly and Ramapo at Old Tappan. I was pretty sure Ramapo would win, I was more worried about getting lost driving back from OT for the third straight time.

April 26

Another score that caught my eye was this: Tenafly beat Fort Lee, 10-0, in five innings...for the first time this season, the Bridgewomen are under .500 (6-7). Could this three-game skid be cause for concern? Probably. Their last three losses have come against teams with at least eight wins and three losses or less (Tenafly, River Dell and Rutherford)...Is it panic time? Definitely not. It only takes a couple of wins to get a team back on track.

April 24

The Seen: Lots of people. Lyndsay Buehler this message is for you. I sat near your grandfather today and had the best time chatting with him. What a sweet guy, and he knows his softball too. Rosie Mathis from Park Ridge popped up, in full uniform, after her team's win. Mook Iannocone was there, like I said, his team played Tuesday morning. Congrats to Mook on his upcoming wedding. He's gonna be a 36 waist pretty soon. Tenafly coach Megan Williams was there. I almost got hit by 2 foul balls, one by Julie Shaw and one by Jessica Brennan, which is funny because the last time I did get hit by a foul ball it was at PascackValley.

April 9

Unofficial Softball Poll

24. Tenafly 2-0. Emily Beck who?

25. Fort Lee 3-0. Beating Dumont is a big deal. Welcome to the Top 25, Fort Lee.

IN: Fort Lee & Tenafly

OUT:

St.

Marys and Glen Rock

May 6

Great picture of Kim Prevedel throwing the ball yesterday. No one is hotter than her right now in the circle. Photo by Pete Monses of the record.

I was at Saddle Brook today for the doubleheader there. I asked Tenafly Coach Megan Williams, before the game, if Jessie Shevins was on a short leash, having pitched 3 games in 3 days and she said yeah, kinda. But it all just blew up on Tenafly early. They were down 2-0 in the first, then Saddle Brook loaded the bases in the 2nd and didn't score, and then they blew it open in the 4th with 5 runs.

The funniest moment of the afternoon though was in the 4th when a high foul ball by Amanda Bartels hit the rear windshield of teammate Lauren Gramegna's car. Shattered it completely. Everyone was talking about it.

Then in the fifth, Bartels hit a long solo homer to straightaway center field. I don't know why, but I had a feeling, right before she swung, it would be gone. The count was 3-1, and just everything was going Saddle Brook's way.

And it just seems like Kim Prevedel has figured something out on the mound. Tenafly is a good hitting team, but she shut them down, she allowed 2 hits, and in her last 5 starts, (starts!) has allowed 6 hits, all wins, of course. I have never seen her throw better.

May 4

BCSL American

The Mondo for Pitcher of the Mid-Season: Jessie Shevins of Tenafly has league coaches not happy that she is only a freshman. Also, if we ever get in a war, I hope Ridgefield Park P Amber Doran, ole French Fry Legs, herself, is on my side.

March 27

Spring Postcard: Tenafly

On a gorgeous afternoon like today, it would have been a crime not to go see a game. I looked at the Becton website and it said they were hosting Tenefly (note the extra E) at 4 p.m. Sounded good enough to me.

It was pretty competitive, Tenafly won 3-1. 72 degrees. Game started 20 minutes late. Still no ice cream :( although a girl had a cell phone ring that sounded like an ice cream truck.

The Tigers were a BergenCounty semifinalist last year, but have to replace graduated pitcher Emily Beck. I talked with Tenafly second-year coach Megan Williams after the scrimmage about the upcoming trip to Florida and season ahead.

Darren: What have you seen from your team so far that you like?

Megan: We are a mixed team this year, we have 5 veterans coming back and I am happy with the five we have back, they were some of our strongest players last year. They have a lot of experience and that will help all of the younger kids we have. We have 2 freshmen and a bunch of sophomores and juniors who only played JV, so one of our biggest challenges this year is playing together.

Darren: When do you leave for Florida?

Megan: Tomorrow. After school.

Darren: Who are you playing?

Megan: (schools from) Delaware, New York, Ohio. Its Thursday through Sunday we play.

Darren: What do you hope to take away from that trip?

Megan: When we went last year and what was nice was the teams we played played a different kind of softball then we see up here. The pitchers threw a lot more movement pitches. Just getting all kinds of practice at that was important. For us, to be able to play doubleheaders, because we missed so many games between moving the field, and the bad weather. Just being outside will be very important.

(NOTE: With construction around the HS, Tenafly has relocated their softball field)

Darren: Will (pitcher) Nicole Morano get the ball every game, or will Jessie get some games?

Megan: They are definitely both going to get the ball. Nicole has the experience behind her. She looked very good in our first scrimmage -- she threw a no-hitter -- she will be our first pitcher. Jessie throws hard and is an incredible athlete. She will get the ball a couple of games.

Darren: Offensively, you just want to piece some things together?

Megan: Yep. Its too early to say. We have a lot more speed than we have had. We have some tiny girls, I hope they can adjust to the varsity level of play. We are going to expand our game this year.

Darren: How do you possibly replicate the good time you had last year, it's a different team --

Megan: -- it is different. It will never be the same as last year, but the girls coming up in this program have played together for a long time, so tradition wise, I think it will spill over. We have enough girls back from last year and a very enthusiastic bunch this year. We will put something together.

Darren: So is it one of those situations where people might be thinking Tenafly will drop off, but you'll be pretty good?

Megan: I am hoping. It's too early to tell. We are a new mix. We haven't come into our own yet.

1. Ramapo (26-3)

2. Pequannock (23-5)

3. West Milford (25-5)

4. Clifton (24-3)

5. Paramus (19-5)

6. Indian Hills (23-7)

7. Immaculate Heart (22-8)

8. Saddle Brook (24-4)

9. PascackValley (20-7)

10. Ridgewood (20-7)

11. Paramus Catholic (18-8)

12. Pascack Hills (20-10)

13. North Bergen (21-4)

14. Rutherford (19-7)

15. PomptonLakes (18-5)

16.River Dell (21-5)

17. Hawthorne (19-7)

18. Secaucus (21-4)

19. Tenafly (20-6)

20. Park Ridge (19-9)

21. RidgefieldPark (19-8)

22. Ramsey (19-10)

Wallkill upsets Tenafly

TENAFLY -- Stephanie Romano allowed one run on four hits, walked none and struck out nine as 12th-seeded WallkillValley surprised fifth-seeded Tenafly, 7-1.

Romano also drove in a run and Stacey Kerstner had three RBI as the Rangers chased Nicole Morano by scoring all their runs in the first two innings.

Freshman Jessie Shevins pitched five innings of one-hit ball with two walks and six strikeouts for the Tigers. Michelle Koles drove in Tenafly's run in the seventh.

SADDLE BROOK 10, TENAFLY 0: Falcons senior catcher Amanda Bartels crushed a solo homer to dead center field as Saddle Brook rolled on in six innings.

Bartels also hit a foul ball in the fourth inning that shattered the rear windshield of Saddle Brook outfielder Lauren Gramegna's car parked on the third base side.

"I feel so bad," said Bartels after the game. "Lauren is one of my best friends. I had no idea that happened until someone told me about it later."

TENAFLY 5, FAIR LAWN 0 (at Tenafly): The 10th-seeded Tigers jumped on the Cutters early as Megan Birch cracked an RBI triple in the first inning. Freshman Jessie Shevins struck our four and scattered five hits.

"We started off hitting right away," said Tigers coach Megan Williams. "After tough games against Rutherford and RidgefieldPark, the kids just executed on every at-bat."

Shevins wins 10th

RIDGEFIELD PARK – Tenafly pitcher Jessie Shevins gave up just one hit and fanned nine as No. 16 Tenafly squeaked by No. 20 Ridgefield Park, 1-0.

The Tigers (13-3) scored in the sixth when sophomore Marisa Silber doubled to left to score center fielder Julia Barrett, who led off the inning with a single.

Tenafly in 10

TENAFLY – Marisa Silber and Laura Ackerman each scored on passed balls as Tenafly came from behind to defeat Holy Angels, 4-3, in 10 innings.

Nicole Morano pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs off five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. She is 7-0.

Liz Best allowed only two earned runs on eight hits and struck out 10 for the Angels.

Softball: Around the leagues

March 28

BCSL American

RidgefieldPark: Seven senior starters return from a team that made a historic run as the 22nd seed to the BergenCounty final four. Look for pitcher Amber Doran to start almost every game, while Melissa Sinclair and Danielle McArow have shown the ability to come through in the clutch.

Rutherford: The Bulldogs always seem to rise to the top and are seeking a record fifth straight league title. They bring back seven letter winners, including senior shortstop Caitlin Murphy, who batted .348 last season, and senior pitcher Veronica McGorry, who won 13 games.

Cliffside Park: The Red Raiders, as usual, are intriguing. Senior catcher Alyssa Guido is one of the best all-around players in the county, coming off a season where she batted .418 and swiped 20 bases. Cliffside Park has experience in Josie Chmielewski and Vanessa Worthington and will look to junior Alexa Rama to be the No. 1 starter.

River Dell: The Hawks, one of the hottest teams in North Jersey at the end of last season, are looking to pick up where they left off. Senior pitcher Jessica Accardi went 8-3 in the circle, while senior Nicole Kufel showed she is one of the best center fielders around.