East Windsor Wins State Softball Championship

It took two years and a lot of hard work, but the East Windsor 12-year-old softball team finally gets to advance to the North East Regionals in Bristol, Conn.

East Windsor earned the right to play in Connecticut by winning the New Jersey state title on Sunday night. Playing at the host site of Lodi, East Windsor defeated Pequannock, 6-0.

"We were fortunate to do it again," East Windsor Manager Bill Giampolo said of winning the state title. "It felt great."

This same group of girls won the state title two years ago when they played as 10-year-old. At the time, 10-year-olds didn't play past the state championship.

"It was our main goal to at least repeat what we did in the past," Giampolo said. "It's almost kind of a relief to get this far."

Just as was the case two years ago, East Windsor played Pequannock in the state championship game. Two years ago, East Windsor won 12-2.

"They are a good team," Giampolo said. "They just made a few mistakes that you wouldn't expect and the game got out of hand two years ago. I knew it would be a much tougher game this time."

Fortunately, East Windsor has a very tough team.

Angela Giampolo pitched a one-hitter, walked just two batters and struck out nine while recording the win.

"She pitched very well in the game," Bill Giampolo said.

East Windsor scored three runs in the first and three more in the second to provide all of the offense in the game.

In the first inning, Angela Giampolo, Ally Huelbig and Nicolette Garthe walked to load the bases. Brighid Douglas followed with a two-run double. Kelli Swedish added a run-scoring groundout.

In the second inning, Kylie Olsen singled and Sam Castro went in to pinch run. Castro promptly stole second and went to third as Chrissy Mayer put down a sacrifice bunt.

"All of the girls are so unselfish," Bill Giampolo noted. "They all just do whatever they can to help the team win."

Angela Giampolo singled to score Castro. Huelbig doubled to score Giampolo. Huelbig also stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly by Holly Bridgman.

From there, Giampolo's pitching and East Windsor's stingy defense did the rest of the work.

East Windsor will have a couple of days to enjoy the state title. Then it will be back to work.

East Windsor is scheduled to arrive in Bristol on Thursday, which is when all the paperwork will be checked and the opening ceremonies will be held. East Windsor's first game will come against the Delaware champions on Saturday.

"Can't say enough about this group of girls, the coaches and the parents," Bill Giampolo said. "All the families had to make big commitments to be a part of this. This is every day. No one took a vacation, but you don't hear any complaints. Everyone has pitched in to help get us this far."

Which happens to be where the team left off two years ago.