Barrons expecting to have another solid year
Woodbridge girls hope to compete with GMC's elite
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - With a handful of starters back from last year's 13-10 lineup, the township high school girls softball team is looking forward to another winning season.

After opening the season with a 3-0 loss to East Brunswick, the Barons righted the ship with a 9-2 victory over Piscataway to head into this week's action 1-1. Senior pitcher Kelly Reidy picked up the win going the distance with just two walks and eight strikeouts.

The Baron offense was led by senior third baseman Courtney Kuevas. A two-time all-area selection, Kuevas heads the list of returning players. Against Piscataway, her base-clearing, three-run triple was one of the Barons' big hits.

"She's one of the better hitters in the county," Woodbridge head coach Stew Jago said. "She batted over .350 for us last year, and we're counting on her to have another big season."

Teammates Megan Bruno and Brittney Lewis also turned in solid performances at the plate. Bruno connected for a solo home run while Lewis went 2-4 on the day.

The potent offense was a welcome sign after being shut out by East Brunswick in the season opener. The Barons managed just two hits in the loss.

"It was a really good game and we played very well defensively," Jago said. "We had a couple of chances but we didn't get any clutch hits. They went up 1-0 on a sac fly and they scored two more off a big clutch hit. That's the way it goes."

While Reidy's arm has been in top form, the defense behind her is expected to be a major strength of this year's team.

Joining Bruno and Lewis in the outfield is center fielder and No. 2 hitter Amanda Small.

"Amanda has good speed and a solid

arm," Jago said. "She has good bat control and should do a nice job batting behind leadoff hitter Rachele Weidele."

Weidele is a returning starter at second base and is joined in the infield by first baseman Alicia Pichalski, shortstop Beth Senton and Kuevas.

"Beth will be the team's cleanup hitter and she brings a solid glove to the field," Jago said. "Alicia is new to varsity and she'll bat behind Beth."

Like Pichalski junior catcher Erin Johnson is another new addition to the varsity lineup.

"Erin has a good arm behind the plate," Jago said. "She's doing a nice job both offensively and defensively."

After opening the week against Perth Amboy, the Barons welcome Edison and North Brunswick to town this week. Edison is scheduled to pay a visit at 3:45 p.m. today while North Brunswick is on the schedule for 3:45 p.m. tomorrow. The team will close out the week with a double-header Saturday in the Woodbridge Township/Union County Invitational.

Diamond notes... While a few of the local teams - Bishop Ahr (0-2), Metuchen (0-2) and Edison (0-1) - were looking for their first wins this week, the rest of the locals fared a bit better in their openers.

Colonia, ranked third in the GMC, is 2-0 early on, while J.P. Stevens is 1-0. JFK has played three games already, and is 1-2 following Saturday's 2-1 loss to North Hunterdon.

Colonia and JFK will meet today in a 3:34 p.m. showdown, while Edison and Woodbridge will battle in Woodbridge at 3:45 p.m. J.P. Stevens will also be in action when the Hawks host East Brunswick at 4 p.m.