PV comeback overtakes Tenafly 5-3



PV comeback overtakes Tenafly 5-3

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

BY J.C. BAUMULLER

Northern Valley Suburbanite

SPORTS EDITOR

Hillsdale - Nikki Bischoff smacked a two-run single to break a 3-3 tie and propel No. 1 seeded Pascack Valley past No. 8 Tenafly, 5-3.

"I tried to be as relaxed as I could," Bischoff said. "You can’t sit back; you have to make something happen."

The Tigers had taken a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Indians pitcher Nicole Schneider walked leadoff batter Jackie Clifford but Clifford was erased on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Emma Taylor. Michelle Koles followed with a double to left center, scoring Taylor. On the play Koles was allowed to go to third due to an obstruction call against a Valley infielder. She scored on Julie Siegler’s grounder to short.

PV cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second. Dana Amato received the first of her four intentional walks in the game, moved to second when Schneider walked and scored on a base hit by Jess Prinzi.

‘Executed better’

Tenafly got that run back in the third. Lizzy Shevins singled to right, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Clifford and to third on Taylor’s single to center. Koles lifted a deep fly to center and Shevins scored easily as the Tigers regained a two-run lead, 3-1.

"We scored more often with runners on [today]," said Tigers coach Megan Williams. "We were able to string things together."

"They executed better than we did for the first four innings," said Valley coach Craig Nielsen. "They got hits. They bunted runners over. We didn’t."

Meanwhile Tigers pitcher Jess Shevins got in and out of trouble in the third and fourth innings.

Shelby DeMaio and Jenny Arcello reached with back-to-back, one-out singles in the Indians’ third. Then Williams opted to again walk Amato, even though it loaded the bases.

"She (Amato) played with our seniors (on travel teams) since they were kids," said Williams. "She was going to put the ball over the fence. We wanted to pick our battles. Jess would have been willing to pitch to her, but it was my decision."

The strategy paid off when Shevins induced Schneider to pop out and Prinzi to ground out to second.

In the fourth Jaime Perlmutter led off with a base hit up the middle. One out later Melissa Messina walked. But Shevins settled down and got Bischoff and Brittany DeMaio to ground out to short.

The coach speaks

Nielsen gathered his team together for a talk before the bottom of the fifth inning.

"I told them that if you were a spectator you would think that they (Tenafly) were the No. 1 seed," said Nielsen. "I said we are number one for a reason. We always come back. We have to start right now".

"It definitely helped," Bischoff said. "If we didn’t get something going it would have been the end of our season."

Arcello began the fifth by reaching on an infield single. Amato was intentionally walked and Schneider singled to left to load the bases. Prinzi’s infield single scored Arcello and Permutter’s single to left scored Amato with the tying run.

Shevins got Ashley Delaney and Messina to ground to Taylor and both times the junior shortstop fired home to Siegler to force the Indians’ runners. Then Bischoff came through with what turned out to be the game-winning hit.

Schneider retired the Tigers in order in the sixth and seventh and Valley moved on to the next round, while the season ended for Tenafly.

‘Played fantastic’

"Pascack Valley is a team we admire," said Williams. "Their offense is dominant and they have a smart pitcher."

After the game Williams told the team that they "played fantastic."

"We played good against a team expected to win the counties and the states," she said. "We fought and put forth a most amazing effort."

Tenafly finished with an 18-7 record.

"I’m proud of our team," said Williams. "We played a great game against one of the best teams. I think we surprised ourselves to come out [today] and be on top. We gave them a game. I always tell the girls that win or lose if they tried their best they can be satisfied. There are not too many tears. We ended the season with our heads up."

The Indians improved to 27-3 and played Sparta May 25.

"The goal every year is to play in June," said Nielsen. "Are we tired? Yes. Are we sore? Yes. Are we hurt? Yes. But it’s not June yet."

E-mail: baumuller@ or call 201-894-6702

Hillsdale - Nikki Bischoff smacked a two-run single to break a 3-3 tie and propel No. 1 seeded Pascack Valley past No. 8 Tenafly, 5-3.

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STAFF PHOTO BY ROY CARATOZZOLO III

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Emma Taylor slides home safely with the first run of the game. The Tigers took an early 3-1 lead, but Pascack Valley fought back to win 5-3.

"I tried to be as relaxed as I could," Bischoff said. "You can’t sit back; you have to make something happen."

The Tigers had taken a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Indians pitcher Nicole Schneider walked leadoff batter Jackie Clifford but Clifford was erased on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Emma Taylor. Michelle Koles followed with a double to left center, scoring Taylor. On the play Koles was allowed to go to third due to an obstruction call against a Valley infielder. She scored on Julie Siegler’s grounder to short.

PV cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second. Dana Amato received the first of her four intentional walks in the game, moved to second when Schneider walked and scored on a base hit by Jess Prinzi.

‘Executed better’

Tenafly got that run back in the third. Lizzy Shevins singled to right, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Clifford and to third on Taylor’s single to center. Koles lifted a deep fly to center and Shevins scored easily as the Tigers regained a two-run lead, 3-1.

"We scored more often with runners on [today]," said Tigers coach Megan Williams. "We were able to string things together."

"They executed better than we did for the first four innings," said Valley coach Craig Nielsen. "They got hits. They bunted runners over. We didn’t."

Meanwhile Tigers pitcher Jess Shevins got in and out of trouble in the third and fourth innings.

Shelby DeMaio and Jenny Arcello reached with back-to-back, one-out singles in the Indians’ third. Then Williams opted to again walk Amato, even though it loaded the bases.

"She (Amato) played with our seniors (on travel teams) since they were kids," said Williams. "She was going to put the ball over the fence. We wanted to pick our battles. Jess would have been willing to pitch to her, but it was my decision."

The strategy paid off when Shevins induced Schneider to pop out and Prinzi to ground out to second.

In the fourth Jaime Perlmutter led off with a base hit up the middle. One out later Melissa Messina walked. But Shevins settled down and got Bischoff and Brittany DeMaio to ground out to short.

The coach speaks

Nielsen gathered his team together for a talk before the bottom of the fifth inning.

"I told them that if you were a spectator you would think that they (Tenafly) were the No. 1 seed," said Nielsen. "I said we are number one for a reason. We always come back. We have to start right now".

"It definitely helped," Bischoff said. "If we didn’t get something going it would have been the end of our season."

Arcello began the fifth by reaching on an infield single. Amato was intentionally walked and Schneider singled to left to load the bases. Prinzi’s infield single scored Arcello and Permutter’s single to left scored Amato with the tying run.

Shevins got Ashley Delaney and Messina to ground to Taylor and both times the junior shortstop fired home to Siegler to force the Indians’ runners. Then Bischoff came through with what turned out to be the game-winning hit.

Schneider retired the Tigers in order in the sixth and seventh and Valley moved on to the next round, while the season ended for Tenafly.

‘Played fantastic’

"Pascack Valley is a team we admire," said Williams. "Their offense is dominant and they have a smart pitcher."

After the game Williams told the team that they "played fantastic."

"We played good against a team expected to win the counties and the states," she said. "We fought and put forth a most amazing effort."

Tenafly finished with an 18-7 record.

"I’m proud of our team," said Williams. "We played a great game against one of the best teams. I think we surprised ourselves to come out [today] and be on top. We gave them a game. I always tell the girls that win or lose if they tried their best they can be satisfied. There are not too many tears. We ended the season with our heads up."

The Indians improved to 27-3 and played Sparta May 25.

"The goal every year is to play in June," said Nielsen. "Are we tired? Yes. Are we sore? Yes. Are we hurt? Yes. But it’s not June yet."

Varsity Aces BLOG Articles

May 26: Excerpt from “The All County Debate”

Pitchers….they usually pick three, but its in tandem with the 3 At-Large spots because pitchers are usually the best athletes and best players on the team. When they come up with 3 pitchers, usually there is a fourth or fifth one who should be considered and they are put in the at-large spot.

Here is who I think should be considered: Enright, obviously, Nicole Hroncich of Ridgewood, Nicole Schneider of Pascack Valley, Chloe DeSanctis of River Dell, Jen Capazzi from Old Tappan, Rachel Cannata from Paramus Catholic, Jessie Shevins of Tenafly, Liz Karash of Dumont, Sam Weyant of Midland Park, Brooke Garlick of Ramsey, Tori Feorenzo of Paramus.

Who were the best pitchers I saw this season?

Ok, well throw Enright right in. The discussion on her probably lasted all of 2 seconds. The question I have posed lately has been, who is the 2nd best pitcher in the county? And I have received a wide array of answers, Garlick is one, one person told me that when Rachel Cannata is good, she is just as good as Enright. Weyant carried her team to a bunch of good wins, Capazzi had a sensational season, Schneider is backed up by a tremendous defense.

But ok, if I were picking, it would be Enright, Schneider and DeSanctis. Here is why, Schneider can say she has a win over Enright, and her team reached the county semifinals. I know Ramapo beat Indian Hills as well, but you look at what Schneider has done this year…and its obviously pretty special. Of course, the most controversial pick here is DeSanctis, but let me ask you a question, what other pitcher in the area (aside from Enright) can say what she can say, which is, she pretty much dominated her league. Her team dominated its league. Ok, say what you want, about leagues and all that and which one is better, but the point is to win. Also, I saw Chloe against Pequannock just last week, the girl is good, she is. Granted River Dell has some ugly losses, 2 to Old Tappan come to mind right away, but my 3rd pitcher would be DeSanctis.

Ok, who do I think will be picked?

I think everyone in the room is just going to follow the company line and go with Enright, Schneider (I think) and Hroncich from Ridgewood. You have 3 of the 4 county semifinalists.

Catcher - 2 are picked

Here is who I think should be considered: Well, Trippi is a no brainer coming back as a 1st teamer last season, Melissa Phelan from Saddle Brook has had a breakout season for the Falcons. Ally Vergona has had her moments for IHA. Alison Brown of Old Tappan is a real good one (she was 2nd team All County as a 1B last year). I’m going to talk about how good Erica Pulford is at Glen Rock until someone listens to me, Claire Dennis of Ridgewood had a real good season, and who won’t forget her HR off of Enright in the county final? Speaking of Indian Hills, Ashley DeYoung is up there too. Julie Siegler of Tenafly is a gamer.

Who were the best 2 catchers I have seen? Trippi for sure, and I tell you, I think PC is just salivating at getting another shot at IHA this season. And its time to crown Melissa Phelan as the next Big Thing. Since Saddle Brook moved her to leadoff, the Falcons season has taken off.

Ok, who do I think will be picked?

Honestly, I think I have this one dead on. Phelan and Trippi. As much as I like Pulford, she’s never going to get the push over Phelan in her own league, so its going to be tough for her to make it. Dennis is a dark horse though, remember what I said about the county tournament.

Infield - they pick 4

Here is who I think should be considered: Ok, are you kidding me, you could pick 4 second basemen this year (not SS) but second basemen. Here, here are 4 second basemen who could be it with no complaint - Kelly Strittmatter, Christina Bicks of Ridgewood, Carly Piccinich from IHA and Erica Machi from Glen Rock. You want more second basemen? How about Jamie Kalafut and her 154 career hits for Park Ridge, ToniMarie DePaolo for Emerson, heck, Shayna Brock from Paramus is a one-woman offense. I just listed 7 second basemen without having to look anyone up. Here is 8, because I just remembered Christine VonCappeln, who may be Rutherford’s MVP this season at 2B….Then you go to SS, Lexi Knief from Ramsey, Flo Borova from Cresskill, Jenny Arcella from Pascack Valley, Nicole “Who Dat” Fleck from Wood-Ridge, Cailyn Lavender from Park Ridge, Paige Goldsack from Rutherford, Kristina Meier from Paramus, Kirsten Savage from Old Tappan, Fran D’Amato from Immaculate Conception ....Look over at 3B, Chelsea Benjamin from Fair Lawn, Michelle Koles, the Mondo Award winner for Tenafly, I will throw a good 3b at you that no one knows, Christina Minieri of Wallington, Katie Boucher of River Dell, freshman Nicole Paoitti from Indian Hills deserves a look, Jorrdin Miller from Immaculate Conception is The Future, I’m telling you. Wow, I wish I had as much talent as a writer as some of these girls on their worst day, how do you possibly, possibly, choose?

May 22: “Softball—Pascack Valley-Tenafly”

Wanted to post this the other day after the Pascack Valley-Tenafly game, but the server was down, so my apologies for the delay. One issue with that game was that Tenafly was a late arrival due to bus issues. It’s always a bit disconcerting to show up at the field and see only one team. When I arrived, the bus hadn’t even picked up the Tigers yet and it was closing in on 4 PM.

So the Indians went back inside the school to get out of the sun and just sat around and waited. There wasn’t much else they could do. But when the Tigers finally did show up, Pascack Valley left its game in the building. From the first pitch—which came nearly an hour late at 4:58—Tenafly was aggressive and crisp and had a 3-1 lead after four innings.

Then came what many Tenafly fans regarded as a bit of controversy.

A soft line drive hit by Pascack Valley shortstop Jenny Arcella was foul wide of first base. Tenafly first baseman Ana Brown bolted into foul territory in an attempt to catch the ball and crashed into the Pascack Valley first base coach. Anyone who has watched PV play has seen this coach, an older man who gets around with the aid of crutches. He went down pretty hard from the collision. Remember when Tom Lasorda was coaching third base and hit by the bat at the All-Star Game several years ago? It looked like that. But he had barely hit the ground and flipped over, when a very loud Tenafly fan screamed out “Interference!”

Besides being tasteless, it was also wrong.

Tenafly coach Megan Williams quickly raced out to make sure everybody was still in one piece. Nice job by her on that. With the Tenafly fans still grousing about what they considered a non-call, home plate umpire Pete Lukach turned to “the press box” and explained why it wasn’t interference. Brown’s glove had made contact with the ball before she made contact with the coach. In Lukach’s opinion, she had a chance to make the play, but the ball had ticked off the top of her glove. Therefore, it wasn’t interference. While I was concerned with the welfare of the coach, Lukach couldn’t worry about that aspect of the play in regard to making his call. His job, first and foremost, is to get it right. I believe he did.

Arcella wound up reaching on a bad-hop single. She was the first of five consecutive PV batters to reach base (single, walk, RBI single, single, RBI single). Tenafly almost got out of the inning with the score tied after two straight force plays at the plate by shortstop Emma Taylor, but Nikki Bischoff delivered a two-run single to give Pascack Valley the lead. Tenafly pitcher Jess Shevins (she’s going by “Jess” now) apparently was gassed after throwing 11 innings in the win over Lakeland on Wednesday and Kiki Cokorinos came on and retired three of the four batters she faced in the sixth.

Unfortunately, more than a couple of Tenafly fans chose to voice their displeasure with the call—loudly—as reporters interviewed Bischoff after the game. I understand being frustrated about losing, but that was not the time or place. At one point, I couldn’t hear Bischoff’s response to my question because people are yelling so loudly behind us and she was drowned out. Bischoff had nothing to do with the play, but she was subjected to this display of vitriol and poor sportsmanship. It was disgraceful.

Rather than being upset, Tenafly fans should have been proud of the way the Tigers played. Pascack Valley coach Craig Nielsen freely admitted that Tenafly—a team he coached prior to moving to Pascack Valley in 2001—was clearly the better team through four innings. The Tigers came out and took the game to Pascack Valley, scoring twice in the first inning. After the Indians got a run back in the third, Tenafly answered that with a run in its next at-bat to make it 3-1. Heading into that fifth inning, I was wondering when Pascack Valley was going to show up—or IF the Indians would show up. It had gotten to the point where I was beginning to wonder if we were on the verge of a massive upset.

Williams pointed out after the game that there were no tears from her players as they got onto their bus. They knew they had played a very good game and pushed one of the best teams in Bergen County and the State for seven innings. Let’s hope, with some reflection, that’s what the Tenafly fans choose to remember, as well.

May 13 – “State Brackets are Out”

North 1, Group 3

Easily the Group of Death! West Milford coach Jim Dransfield said he thinks they should give a state title to the winner of this group. You’ve got Paramus, Pascack Valley, Sparta, Passaic Valley, Old Tappan, Tenafly….West Milford. Just a killer group. This one is so hard to call because with all of the teams still in county tournaments, and you never know how that impacts a team. I am almost starting to believe that West Milford struggles in states because they do so well in counties. This also has a great 1st round game in Old Tappan and Wayne Hills (the old NBIL rivals). I’m going to take a flier on Paramus-Sparta in the finals. This group is so deep, I just cant see the seeds holding.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Scoops: The 2010 Mondo Awards

It’s a tradition dating back to 2007 and named for the man who is still mad at me for pitching advice I gave him that year (I told him to pitch to Maggie Scarpelli of Ramapo). That’s right, the one and only Steve Mondadori of Emerson, who, for the first time, personally picked an award winner (you will have to see). One of his daughter’s also picked a husband and informed Mondo via cell phone text message. So next time you see Mondo answer his phone, he could be getting a scouting report on Cresskill, checking how West Essex is doing, or, maybe another daughter has a new ring.

Without further adieu….(even if these are about a week late)

These are the mid-season awards, completely unofficial, unauthorized and probably unfunny, but I will try. We just break them down by leagues.

Speaking of Thunder…

The BCSL American

Mondo Mid-Season Player of the Year: You can say the Goldsack twins from Rutherford, you can certainly tab Amanda Alvarez of Fort Lee, but River Dell junior P Chloe DeSanctis has pretty much done to the BCSL American what Katie Enright has done to the NBIL, shut it down. Of course, I have no input on All-County voting at all (seriously) but DeSanctis is going to have a pretty good case to be one of the pitchers on that team when her numbers are stacked up against everyone else.

Mondo is Pulling for You Award: Sad to say, I think there is only one team in the county without a win, Queen of Peace, (not sure about Saddle River Day). its the first year without long-time coach Sue Murden, and when I saw Mike Flynn and the Golden Griffins against Lodi in the Wallington Tournament, I was impressed, and even though reporters never root, I do hope they get one in the W column this spring.

Mondo Understands Major Surgery Award: Goes to Tenafly coach Rhys Williams who had double hip replacement a week ago. Rhys the father of current Tenafly head coach Megan Williams (Bonjour!) was always fun to chat with before games and I saw him before Tenafly’s win over Park Ridge a while back. Best wishes to him.

The Mid-Season Ashley Minervini Golden Nugget Award: Its fitting right now that this award stay in the BCSL American, Who is Ashley Minervini, why, only the NJAC Pitcher of the Year from Cliffside Park (you can search the archives). Ashley was one of my favorite players to ever cover, not just because she was good, but because she talked! Us reporters value good players who aren’t afraid to show some enthusiasm, humor and love of the game. Past winners include French Fry Legs Amber Doran from Ridgefield Park and Julie Shaw The Cheerleader, this time it gives me great pleasure to bestow the award on Jessie Shevins from Tenafly. Its kind of like a lifetime achievement award here, but Jessie was always a good player and a good quote. I will certainly miss having her around.

A while back I wrote about working with the guys for the Bergen-Passaic All-Star Game, coming June 9th to Back Beach. I even came up with rosters of the seniors that I would like to see play.

Well, long story short, its not going to work out, the format for the game is still the same, but I did pick my own rosters, just in case…..so here you go, these were my (for fun only) All-Star game rosters for Bergen and Passaic. Remember, these are seniors only.

Bergen County:

Christina Miquel, IHA P

Katie Enright, Indian Hills P

Jen Capazzi, Old Tappan P

Lindsay Runge, Demarest P

Sara Brescia, Dwight-Englewood C/1B

Christine Karash, Dumont C

Caitlyn Dys, North Arlington C

Candice Beards, Paramus Catholic 1B

Dana Amato, Pascack Valley 1B

Jamie Kalafut, Park Ridge 2B

Flo Borova, Cresskill SS

Kirsten Savage, Old Tappan SS

Michelle Koles, Tenafly 3B

Chelsea Benjamin, Fair Lawn 3B

Taylor Cosentino, IHA CF

Jenni Zymet, Paramus OF

Amanda Alvarez, Fort Lee CF

Alyssa Banca, Becton CF

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Scoops: Bergen Softball Scores - updated with schedule

I did my best to post all the scores on twitter as they were coming in, but in case you missed it

16 Fair Lawn 5, 17 Demarest 2

8 Old Tappan 7, 25 St. Mary 0

9 River Dell 3, 24 No. Highlands 2, 10 innings

12 Tenafly 7, 21 Midland Park 6, 9 innings

13 Park Ridge 7, 20 Fort Lee 6

4 Paramus Catholic 7, 29 Teaneck 1

3 Ridgewood 11, 30 Lodi 1, 5 innings

19 Ramsey 8, 14 Dumont 0

6 Paramus 10, 27 New Milford 0, 5 innings

22 Cresskill 3, 11 Saddle Brook 1

7 Imm. Conception 11, 26 Wood-Ridge 1

2 Pascack Valley 7, 31 Hackensack 1

15 Rutherford 3, 18 Ramapo 1

So, obviously only 2 upsets, the biggest being by Cresskill, and remember, we kind of thought the Cougars were seeded too low and Saddle Brook a bit too high. Give Cresskill a lot of credit too for coming back after a heartbreaking loss to Park Ridge yesterday.

Ramsey was a big sleeper pick, and Im not surprised they won, but I am surprised by the margin. Also, kudos to Tenafly for battling back after trailing 6-2 in the 6th and winning it in extra innings.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Scoops: All Mixed Up

This was one of those days where I looked at the schedule and just thought, there are too many good games. You had River Dell-Tenafly, West Milford-Clifton, IHA-Wayne Hills, Park Ridge-Cresskill….plus the BCT first round game between Emerson-Glen Rock.

And I don’t know what has happened, but in the last 48 hours, Passaic County has been turned on its head. Today, Bergen got a dose of madness as well. Does this mean we are going to see upsets galore in the next 48 hours?

One of the best moments of the day had to be in Tenafly, where the Tigers suddenly made the BCSL American a lot more interesting beating River Dell today 1-0. Thats the first loss in the league for River Dell….and a big hello to Tenafly assistant coach Rhys Williams, who had double hip replacement surgery Thursday. Tenafly head coach (and daughter) Megan Williams called her dad as soon as the game ended.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Scoops: Bergen County first rounders….

The 31-team Bergen County Tournament begins today with IHA vs. Waldwick at 4 p.m. Let’s break it down, all 15 games, who is lurking, and some notable facts and figures about the 37th annual event.

21 Midland Park at 12 Tenafly, 3 p.m.

Chance of Upset: 25 percent

MP coach John Follo texted me Tuesday night and asked “Can we win?” I wrote back, yes, but you will have to play well. I don’t know of a team that has been more up and down than Midland Park, they looked bad against Saddle Brook and Garfield, and then played well to beat Newark Academy and almost knocking off River Dell. If the good Panthers show up, Tenafly could have its hands full.

Bonus BCT fact: Midland Park hasn’t won a BCT game since 2003. This is the 11th straight year Tenafly has qualified for the event.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Scoops: Bergen County Tournament Prospectus, Part 4 - first guess at seeds

So, the rain today…who does it help? There are 24 teams qualified into the Bergen County softball tournament. There are 5 others (really 3) whose fate is yet to be determined. Let’s take a look, and just maybe, talk seeds for a minute.

Ok, here are the 24 teams who have qualified….

Paramus

Fair Lawn

Ridgewood

IHA

Indian Hills

Paramus Catholic

Pascack Valley

Old Tappan

Glen Rock

Lodi

Immaculate Conception

River Dell

Fort Lee

Dumont

Park Ridge

Emerson

Cresskill

Tenafly

Saddle Brook

Demarest

New Milford

St. Mary

Rutherford

Ramsey

(Before anyone tells me about Wallington making it, remember, the Panthers have chosen not to enter because of prom)

There are 2 teams that are now 6-6 with games scheduled for tomorrow. The forecast is not good.

Ramapo is 6-6. The Green Raiders haven’t missed the counties since 1993. They are scheduled to play Pascack Valley.

Midland Park is 6-6. They are scheduled to play Manchester Monday.

3 teams would need to win tomorrow to get in.

Teaneck is 7-8 and is scheduled to play West Milford. It’s a long shot, but I never count out Richie Aponte

Garfield is 5-6 and is scheduled to play Eastern Christian…but Frank Dawson tells me that even if his team won, they will not enter

Becton is 4-5 and is scheduled to play Lyndhurst…but Dwight Hall texted me and said that even if his team won, they will not enter.

So, boiled down, it looks like there is a max of 27 teams that will qualify automatically. It’s probably more likely that there will be 26 (with rain, Ramapo and Midland Park will both get in). Last year there were 29, in 2008 there were 30, in 2007 there were 29, in 2006 there were 29, in 2005 there were 29, in 2004 there were 27, in 2003 there were 27, in 2002 there were 26 (Yes, I just scanned through all the brackets). So this will be the fewest teams probably since 2002. Why? I don’t really know, I have never understood why teams don’t want to enter. The most common reason had been because teams didn’t want a loss to hurt them for states, but now that the state has expanded its brackets, you don’t need to be .500 anymore.

But now, what to do with the seeds? Ridgewood beating IHA throws the top few seeds in a tizzy. Also, for the sake of this, I am assuming Ramapo and Midland Park make it, Teaneck does not.

The way it works is each league has a rep and that rep “pushes” the teams in order. Obviously, the first “push” out of the NBIL is Indian Hills, first “push” out of the B-PSL is Immaculate Conception and so on.

Here is a real, real preliminary look…These are my opinion only….

1. Indian Hills - pretty simple, they are the only unbeaten team in the county

2. Pascack Valley - Again, I think this is easy too. Only loss is to Indian Hills

3. Paramus Catholic - Right away, here is trouble….PC is going to have to be the 3rd push out of the NBIL Division 1. A third push over other No. 1 league pushes? The seeding committee may have a problem with that. But here is my defense, it’s only losses are to 1 and 2, and anyone who has seen the Paladins play knows they are one of the best teams.

4. Ridgewood - I think beating IHA puts them up this high, but you know what…and this is an issue that is going to come out, being the 4-5 isn’t necessarily a good spot because you may be looking at playing Indian Hills at home in the semis.

5. IHA - Sure, LaRezza will say that his schedule is tough and he should get credit, but the Blue Eagles have lost to Sparta, lost to Mid South and lost to Livingston, we can forgive that, but the loss to Ridgewood, this is where they belong.

6. Paramus - Spartans won’t be able to be higher than IHA, since they lost to them, right?

7. Immaculate Conception - first push out of the B-PSL is 11-1 with that loss coming to Pompton Lakes

8. Old Tappan - this is where it starts to get complicated, but I have the Knights here because of who No. 9 is.

9. River Dell - Old Tappan beat the Hawks, but RD has to be the first push from the BCSL American. No way they get seeded this high though, although I think they should.

10. Tenafly - It’s another tough call here but…..look at 11

11. Park Ridge - the Owls have to be the first push from the BCSL Olympic, but they just lost to Tenafly 6-0. How can they possibly be seeded higher than Tenafly? I’ll grant you if its 3-2, 1-0, you could make a case, but 6-0?

12. Dumont - Huskies just lost to Old Tappan 2-0, but that’s Ok, we have OT ahead of them, they lost to Tenafly as well. But they beat Rutherford and Fort Lee.

13. Glen Rock - You know what’s interesting about the Panthers? They don’t have a loss in Bergen County, losses are to Pompton, Hawthorne and Morris Knolls, but its win over Saddle Brook makes them the next BPSL push, doesn’t it?

14. Fair Lawn - Kind of the same thing with Fair Lawn, it doesn’t have many county losses, and it has a good Bergen County win over Demarest.

15. Rutherford - Bulldogs can hang their hats on their win over Fort Lee.

16. Demarest - beating Cresskill is big and beating Ramapo and Ramsey too. They have to be below Fair Lawn

17. Saddle Brook

18. Cresskill - They beat Emerson, they have also won 7 of their last 8.

19. Emerson - Is anyone else looking forward to the annual Mondo Awards??

20. Fort Lee - At this point, its really all a toss up.

21. Ramapo - They have a 3-2 win over Ramsey

22. Ramsey - The Rams haven’t beaten a team on this list, but they have some close losses to Pascack Valley, Demarest and Paramus Catholic.

23. New Milford

24. Midland Park - They beat Lodi….So…

25. Lodi

26. St. Mary - Honestly, I had Lodi 26, but they can’t play IC in the first round, since they are in the same league.

And this would lead to these 1st round match-ups…St. Mary-IC; Lodi-Old Tappan; Midland Park-River Dell (rematch from EDSAF); Tenafly-New Milford; Ramapo-Park Ridge (now thats a good one); Dumont-Ramsey; Glen Rock-Fort Lee; Fair Lawn-Emerson; Rutherford-Cresskill (some real hitters in that one) and Demarest-Saddle Brook.

So, there you have it. My only guarantee….there is no way I am right. And by the way, this also means my pre-season county final pick (IHA-PC) could still happen, but Tuesday night I may change my mind.

Posted by Darren Cooper on 04/25 at 02:19 PM

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Scoops: Know Nothing

I have just had it, you go to games, you watch, you think you get some things figured out….and then, in about 48 hours, you realize, you are just as clueless as you were before. Well, at least I admit it. Tenafly takes down Park Ridge, Rutherford whips Fort Lee, Hackensack puts a scare into West Milford. About the only 2 constants right now are Katie Enright and the Varsity Wife’s belly getting bigger (3 months away).

I guess, what I am trying to say is, its been impossible to get a handle on who is really good this season and who is above average and who is just average. Today I was in Tenafly, a team that after losing 3 in a row I dropped from my above average category to average. I even yanked them from the poll. They beat Dumont the other day, and today they really took apart Park Ridge, a team I had in the really good/above average category. Tenafly won 6-0, they looked great wearing their new wristbands, even if they dont know when there are 3 outs in an inning.

The Facts…

Your pitchers were Claudia Bonvicino for Park Ridge, a lefty, first time I had seen her, and Jessie Shevins for Tenafly, about the 10th time I have seen her in her career.

Tenafly went up 1-0 in the top of the first, freshman Jackie Clifford (think Christina Bicks for Ridgewood) a perfect drag bunt up 1B side. Emma Taylor (ET they call her) sacrificed her, and Michelle Koles ripped a single up the middle, it was misplayed and she got all the way to third, but she was eventually out at the plate on weird inning-ending 5-2 fielders choice. 1-0 Tenafly.

(Wait, its going to get even weirder)

(Aside No. 2….I have had some preliminary discussions with some people, but I am trying to make sure the Bergen-Passaic All-Star game is played this year. Its scheduled for June 9th, a Wednesday. One of the problems with the game in the last couple of years is getting the girls to play the game. Seniors of course, but since they have been waiting to the selection of the All-County team to pick, its usually late notice to get the girls to play. So I thought what they need is someone independent, someone who sees a lot of games, someone who could maybe promote it some….I know someone like that. Me. Anyway, I would love to pick the teams, 16 girls a side, 4 pitchers, 2 catchers, etc, call it some sort of Sweet 16, anyway, I say this because I would pick Michelle Koles on the team, she can play 3b, catch, or hit. And she just looks like she loves the game. And she probably has no chance to be first team All County but she would be an All-Star for me).

Top of the 3rd, still 1-0, Clifford does the exact same thing, drag bunt down the 1B side. She steals second and goes to third when ET hits a ground ball back to Bonvicino. Up steps Koles and she cranks a long triple into right field - again, I dont know why Tenafly doesnt have a fence, they have tons of room. Clifford scores 2-0. Julie Siegler is the next batter, the count is 1-1 and Bonvicino tries a change-up, you can see Siegler reload and then swing and she drives it deep into LF, could have been a HR. 3-0. Shevins is up next and she bloops a ball and Cailyn Lavender kind of makes a juggling catch, but Siegler breaks for home and is thrown out.

By the way, Shevins was 9 up 9 down through the first 3 innings. Park Ridge threatened in the 4th with a couple of singles, but Lavender was thrown out at 3B as the front end of a double steal by Siegler.

Top 5, Lizzie Shevins reaches on an error to lead off for Tenafly. Clifford, with the infield now in, slaps it by them for a single. Shevins had stolen 2nd and now went to 3rd. ET is your next batter. She hits into a fielders choice, but everyone is safe. Lizzie scores, its 4-0. Michelle Koles is due up, first pitch Tenafly tries a double steal with ET breaking from 1st to 2nd, then Clifford tries to break for home. Park Ridge plays it perfectly, Lavender gets the throw in front of 2B and stares ET back toward 1st, then Lavender throws home and they get Clifford, out No. 1. Now ET breaks back for 2nd, the throw gets there in time, she is out. Both teams run off the field.

But wait, its only 2 outs! But I mean, seriously, both teams went off the field like it was 3. And it took a moment for everyone to realize what happened.

Koles then reached on an error, Siegler followed with a triple to make it 5-0 and Shevins came right back with a triple to make it 6-0.

It was this type of day for the Owls…top 5, the wind has really started to howl and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. Nikki Kalafut bombed a ball deep into CF, on most spring days, its as good as gone, but the wind totally knocked it down. Clifford barely moved to make the catch. She was out.

After the game, Megan Williams talked about how the Tigers stole Rutherford’s idea for wristbands (where a coach calls out a number or color, or both) and the girls look at their wristbands to see what play is being called and how the 3 game losing streak shook the team up. She said that Clifford is a natural righty, who they are making a lefty slapper/bunter. She can really move. She also has tweaked the Tigers line-up and right now it looked good. Most of all, she just said she was happy her team was up for the game and played well.

This was a good win, its too early to project the seeds in the BCT, but this has to be a huge boost for Tenafly and a huge boost for the whole BCSL American.

Time and Temperature (with a twist): Today was it, it was going to be the day for ice cream. I had seen the Last Licks sign in Tenafly right by where I turn to get to the swim club (yes, to go to a Tenafly softball game, you really need to go to the swim club), I had some time, but alas, it is closed. We are in quite an ice cream drought. Temperature was 65 degrees at the start, probably 55 at the end. Game started at 4:15, ended at 5:34, they were really moving out there.

The Seen: Outstanding job by the umpires this afternoon, just want to say that. Did a good job keeping the game moving. Sat with my friend and fellow reporter JC Baumuller along the 3B side.  Always fun to hang out with him. My best wishes to Megan’s father Rhys, who is having double hip replacement next week. He really misses working with Megan as the assistant and he is always a great guy to talk too. He was at the game, maybe his last one for a little while, he is going to laid up for a while. Megan gave me a chocolate cupcake at the end of the game that was out of this world.

Player of the Game: Clifford, no doubt, 3-4, she could be quite a weapon for the Tigers if she keeps improving.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Scoops: What’s New?

Perfect day for some softball and I went up to one of my favorite places, Tenafly, where the wind never stops blowing out there to see the Tigers and Rutherford play. They were teasing me that I see this game every year, and you know what, that’s not really true.

And by the way, I will be on GHT radio tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. talking all things softball. You can click on the link to listen live.

I think last year I saw Tenafly and River Dell play one another, and then again I saw Fort Lee beat Rutherford for the first time ever and ever. But they are 2 good teams, well coached, and always in the mix for the league title, I will never forget Tenafly’s run to the county final a few years ago, or Rutherford’s sectional title 2 years ago. Good quality programs, what can I say?

Me, I was in Tenafly, this will have to be a short recap. The Varsity Toddler never puts his toys away.

We started super late, 4:40 p.m. 62 degrees and windy. Play of the Day?? Easy, there were two by the same person, Bulldogs 2B Christine VonCappeln (my copy editor’s least favorite player because of her last name), she made a nifty backhand stop and throw in the 7th inning to get an out, and Tenafly’s biggest threat of the game, the 5th with the bases loaded, she helped start an inning-ending double play by catching a line drive.

Your pitchers were Jessie Shevins for Tenafly and Rutherford freshman Julie Sosnicki, who I was very happy to finally see in person after hearing a lot about her. Plus movement, pretty athletic, didn’t throw hard (1 K) but made good pitches.

Rutherford scored single runs in the fourth on a long triple by Von Cappeln (who was then thrown out at the plate on a nice 8-6-2 relay by Tenafly). Jenna Goldsack hit a sac fly in the 6th to score her sister Paige, who had tripled (if you don’t know by now, the girls can hit). And in the 7th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Gina Viggiano hit a ball to the 2B and it was an error, but we gave her the RBI anyway (well, JC Baumuller and I did) because with 1 out the run would have scored anyway. Well, JC said that was the rule and I went with him.

Tenafly didn’t play poorly at all, just couldn’t string anything together. Like I said, they had their best chance in the fifth with the bases loaded and the top of the order up, but Emma Taylor hit a soft little flare that Von Cappeln grabbed and threw to 2B where P. Goldsack was covering. I really wish that field had a fence though. I can’t see why it doesn’t.

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