Sports
Rain Sends East Windsor 12-year-old Softball Team to Sectional Finals
Win on July 11 would put team in state final four
The East Windsor 12-year-old softball team will play Lincroft on July 11 for the sectional championship and a spot in the state final four.
East Windsor reached the championship game via a forfeit win over Ocean Township on Saturday.
"It was miserable," East Windsor manager Bill Giampolo said. "We want to play."
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East Windsor got the forfeit over Ocean after the two teams were rained out on July 6, 7 and 8.
"It's been a mess," Giampolo said.
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The only break was the game got called off fairly early on July 7, before everyone drove to Wall for the games.
"We got a little lucky," Giampolo said. "Only half of us drove up there. I was still at home when I got the call."
East Windsor used the "off days" to get into the batting cages. Practice never hurts, but, as Giampolo noted, "The girls are getting anxious to play."
In the one game played, East Windsor defeated Lincroft, 10-1, on July 5.
Even that game didn't go off without a hitch. Because of some scheduling problems, East Windsor's game didn't start until 9:30 p.m., with the girls not getting home until around midnight.
Angela Giampolo earned the pitching win. She allowed just two hits.
"She spots the ball very well," Bill Giampolo noted.
East Windsor also provided a lot of offense, with Holly Bridgman going 3-for-4, with five RBI and two runs scored.
"Holly is our catcher and she just had a fantastic game," Bill Giampolo said. "Holly is a patient hitter. She takes what the pitcher gives her and then hits line drives all over the place."
Brighid Douglas had a hit, run scored and drove in a run.
"She has a hit in every game we played so far (East Windsor won the District 12 tournament)," Bill Giampolo said. "She has been our best batter in the postseason so far."
Chrissy Mayer had a hit, a walk, two runs scored and a RBI.
"She hit the ball hard all night," Bill Giampolo said.
Nicolette Garte had two hits, two walks and a RBI.
East Windsor is anxious to continue its great showing. If it defeats Lincroft on July 11, it will advance to the state final four. Because East Windsor is the only team without a loss in the double-elimination event, the two teams would have to play again if Lincroft wins.
The state final four will be held in Lodi, starting on July 14.
That's weather permitting, of course.
