Metuchen girls sweep Parkway League titles

The Metuchen U10 and U12 girls softball tournament teams had a one-two punch last week, with the Metuchen U10 girls defeating Roselle Park in Tuesday's Parkway League championship game, 10-3, and the U12 girls defeating Union in Wednesday's championship game, 16-2.

Both games were played at Metuchen's Hoyer Field.

The U10s were led by the pitching duo of Emily Hoagland and Nicole Camera, who tag-teamed pitching duties throughout the year and the for championship game. In Tuesday's game, the duo pitched a total of nine strikeouts over the six-inning game. The offense was led with a triple by Gabby Jordan, which started the scoring in the second inning, and was quickly followed by a double from Kaitlyn Hueston. The hitting continued in the third and fourth innings with a total of 10 more hits - Olivia Volpe and Nicole Camera with two singles apiece and Emily Hoagland, Gabby Jordan, Emily Trezza, Kaitlyn Hueston, Christine Tackach and Allie Chalker also adding on singles. The offense and defense were further supported by teammates Sam Hoffman, Lindsey Papalardo, Olivia Dale, Melissa Leardi and Kelly Eustace.

In Wednesday's U12 game, pitchers Jessica Lange, Fallon Melillo and Halle Pineiro pitched a no-hitter through five innings of play, throwing eight strikeouts and receiving nearly flawless support from the infield and outfield.

Some of the key defensive plays included: shortstops Kacie Herity and Joscelyn Poll's throws to first basemen Halle Pineiro and Emily Kulesza, ending the first and fourth innings, and a double play to end the third inning by pitcher Jessica Lange's throw to first base then home to catcher Katie Perullo.

After a string of walks by the team, Bridget Thomas earned the first hit in the third inning. Kacie Herity, Maddie Huggins and Felicia Czochanski added singles later in the game. Katelyn Forte (three runs) and Kelsey Hutchison (one run) rounded out the team, with injured Maggie Gossiaux supporting from the bench.

This is the second consecutive year that the Metuchen girls have succeeded in capturing the Parkway League Championship.

The Metuchen softball program has benefited over the past several years from the vision of former commissioner Paul Pineiro and current commissioner Mark Camera.

Their work along with the dedication of managers and coaches Kevin Lange, Doug Forte, Mike Perrulo, Mark Czochanski and Gordon Hoagland has brought new life to girls softball in Metuchen. They have increased participation by creating a fun atmosphere and have worked to improve skills with winter clinics and informal "throw-a-rounds."

Keep an eye out for all of these girls as they move into middle school and high school play.