Stevens softball falls to John F. Kennedy
Hawks have games against O.B., Gov. Livingston looming
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After Friday's 4-1 loss to John F. Kennedy High School, the J.P. Stevens High School softball team fell to 7-3 on the season. Against JFK, the Hawks were overwhelmed by Kennedy ace Heather Corica right from the start. Corica was dominant through the first four innings before Stevens switched its strategy and made things interesting.

The Hawks opted to put runners on the base paths via the bunt hit, and the move was successful. Unfortunately, Kennedy and Corica kept Stevens from crossing the plate despite ample opportunities.

"We had the bases loaded three different times, but we just couldn't finish," Stevens head coach Christine Nixon said. "Heather Corica is good, and she has a lot of movement on her pitches. Our bunt hit was working, but we just couldn't get that one hit we needed."

Earlier in the week, Stevens split its two games at the Pequannock Tournament with a 3-1 loss to Kittatinny and an 8-1 victory over Passaic Valley. After the split, the Hawks picked up wins over South Brunswick and Piscataway. After beating South Brunswick 7-1, Stevens blanked the Chiefs 10-0.

Leftfielder Leah Ferrante belted a home run and knocked in two runs while sister and right fielder Tori Ferrante went 3-3 in the win.

"It was a nice day for the Ferrante family," Nixon said. "They have both been playing pretty well of late."

Freshman pitcher Alexa Garrison picked up the win and improved to 4-0 on the season. Garrison has been sharing time in the pitching circle with junior Alyssa Errico.

"Alexa and Alyssa have done well for us," Nixon said. "Alexa has been a really nice addition."

With Garrison and Errico keeping the Hawks in games, the offensive prowess from the left side of the Stevens infield has helped the team stay near the top of the standings in the competitive GMC Red Division.

Shortstop Kim Shjarback and third baseman Caroline Vitale are both hitting well over .300 in addition to leading the team as captains.

"The two have done an amazing job defensively," Nixon said. "They are both starting to hit the ball hard and hopefully this will become contagious."

Freshman catcher DanielleMartin has also been one of the team's offensive stars this spring. With the exception of the recent loss to Kennedy, Martin has hit in every game this season.

"Danielle has a couple of game-winning RBIs already this year," Nixon said. "She's playing like a veteran."

The Hawks will hope the hot hitting of Martin, Shjarback and Vitale can help lift them over this week's competition. After opening the week against division rival Sayreville, Stevens will square off against Perth Amboy and Old Bridge. In its first meeting with Perth Amboy, Stevens won 10-0 in six innings, but was not as fortunate in an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Old Bridge.

"Although the score doesn't indicate it, our loss to Old Bridge was a tough one," Nixon said. "We weren't there mentally and the girls know they can play better. They've been looking forward to this rematch."

The two teams are scheduled to play at 3:45 p.m. April 24 at Stevens. The Hawks will close the week when Governor Livingston pays a visit to town for a noon contest April 26.