W W W . T H E D A I LY J O U R N A L .

C O M

Thursday, March 28, 2013

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PLAYERS TO WATCH KYLIE FINLEY

Vineland Year: Senior Pos: C Booming bat, rocket arm, strong leader the complete package.

SCHEDULES VINELAND
April 2 Egg Harbor Twp. 4 Absegami 9 at Hammonton 11 at St. Joseph 13 Red Devil Elite Tourney 14 Red Devil Elite Tourney 15 at Middle Township 16 Millville 18 at Oakcrest 20 Hammonton Invitational 21 Hammonton Invitational 23 Atlantic City 29 at Cumberland 30 at Absegami May 4 Buena 7 9 Hammonton at Millville 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 3:45pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm May 2 Ocean City 3 at Woodrow Wilson 6 LEAP Academy 7 at ACIT 9 Cape May Tech 14 at Buena 16 at Cedar Creek 17 at Lindenwold 20 at OLMA 21 Pleasantville 23 Wildwood Catholic 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

CASEY DERELLA
Millville Year: Senior Pos: OF Led team with a .529 slugging percentage in 12; closing in on 100 career hits.

CUMBERLAND
April 3 Deptford 8 at Schalick 10 Gloucester Catholic 12 at Glassboro 13 at Pennville Tournament 15 at Pitman 17 at Williamstown 19 Woodstown 20 at Hammonton Invitational 21 at Hammonton Invitational 24 Wildwood 26 at Triton 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 11am 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

JANESSA RIOS
Buena Year: Senior Pos: SS Along with a great glove, posting big numbers at the plate in the preseason.

11 Sacred Heart 14 Mainland

Buenas Ashley Surran scores a run in a game last season. STAFF PHOTO/CRAIG MATTHEWS

16 Oakcrest 23 at Holy Spirit

LINDSAY DWYER
Sacred Heart Year: Senior Pos: OF The Lions biggest run producer (31 RBIs in 2012) owns 84 career hits and 72 career RBIs.

Six teams could be in hunt for No. 1 spot

By Tom McGurk
tmcgurk@thedailyjournal.com

MILLVILLE
April 2 Holy Spirit 4 Hammonton 6 Vinick Tournament 8 Buena 11 at Atlantic City 13 Overbrook Tournament 14 Overbrook Tournament 16 at Vineland 18 at Absegami 19 ACIT: 4pm 23 St. Joseph 25 Oakcrest 30 at Hammonton May 2 at Mainland 6 at Sacred Heart 9 Vineland 13 at ACIT 16 Absegami 17 at Northern Burlington 21 at Oakcrest 23 at Egg Harbor Twp. 24 Lower Cape May 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 7pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 4pm

29 Vineland May 1 Holy Spirit 2 Glassboro 6 at Clearview 7 at Woodstown 9 at Deptford 13 Schalick 14 Penns Grove 15 at Gloucester Catholic

TRISTA MOKIENKO
Delsea Year: Senior Pos: C This sweetswinging slugger hit an area-best .568 last spring.

A team-by-team look at softball teams in the greater Cumberland County area:

PLAYOFF INFORMATION
The cutoff date to qualify for the state tournament is May 11. Teams must have a .500 record through their first 15 games or by the date of the cutoff. Sub-.500 teams may be invited to fill out each sectional bracket. Each team will be seeded by its power-point ranking, which includes quality points, group points and residual points for its first 15 games. First-round action will be played on or before May 21. Sectional finals for public schools will be played on May 31; non-public schools on June 4. State finals are slated for June 8.

of reach because Gloucester Catholic also looms in the Diamond, Cumberland could have its eyes on the biggest prize a sectional title.

DELSEA
Coach: Scott Gutelius (6th season; 75-49) Conference: Tri-County Royal Division Group: South III Last season: 13-11, lost in sectional semifinal Returning starters: 7 Key players: Jayme Lyn Zeilman (Jr., P/OF), Julia Voluntad (So., P/1B), Trista Mokienko (Sr., C), Jenna Cali (So., 2B), Kayla Rohm (Jr., SS), Brittany Schwegel (Sr., C/1B/OF), Sam Peterson (Sr., OF). Key newcomers: Jesse Lucas (Sr., 1B/OF/ DH), Tori Miller (So., 3B); Brooke Reinert (So. OF/1B). Season outlook: If strong pitching is the route to success, Delsea could be poised for a big year. The Crusaders boast a tantalizing 1-2 punch in the circle with Zeilman and Voluntad. Both hurlers owned ERAs under 2.70 last year. Voluntad was impressive as a freshman fireballer, chalking up nine wins and 105 strikeouts in just 88 innings. Delseas offense centers around the big bat of Mokienko. The Bowling Green-bound senior tortured opposing pitchers with a .568 batting average and a .784 slugging percentage.Delseas versatility comes in handy as there are plenty of moving parts depending on that days pitcher. Prediction: With Williamstown and Kingsway in the Royal Division, Delsea sometimes tends to get lost in the shuffle until playoff time. And with this pitching staff and the way it plays consistent fundamental softball, Delsea should be on its way to another successful season. Chalk up 13-15 wins for the Crusaders.

DELSEA
April 2 Highland 3 at Williamstown 5 Clearview 8 at GCIT 10 at Burlington Twp. 12 Salem 17 Schalick 19 Triton 20 Hammonton Invitational 21 Hammonton Invitational 22 at Kingsway 24 at Highland 29 at Pitman 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

VINELAND
Coach: Alex Gomez (5th season, 60-31) Conference: Cape-Atlantic League American Group: South IV Last season: 12-8, lost in sectional quarterfinal Returning starters: 7 Key players: Demi Murray (Sr., P), Kylie Finley (Sr., C), Brigitte Garvey (Sr., 3B), Jalene Garcia (Sr. 2B), Lindsey Gaines (So., SS), Alyssa Ellis (Sr., OF), Liz Carpani (So., 1B). Key newcomers: Kayla Rodriguez (Jr., OF), Bryanna Luciano (So., OF). Season outlook: The Fighting Clan appear ready to jolt their way to the top of the standings this season. Vinelands battery is supercharged with Murray in the circle and Finley behind the dish. With a plus-fastball and good secondary pitches, Murray has posted 31 wins over the last two seasons and looks to finish her scholastic career on a strong note. Finley enjoyed a breakout season in 12, hitting .403 and becoming one of the top defensive catchers in the area. Vinelands offense has a nice blend of power hitters and speedsters, but the team will have to find a way to score runs on a consistent basis to achieve all of its goals. The Fighting Clan will also need to play air-tight defense too. Dont be surprised if Vineland plays a lot of tight, low-scoring games. Prediction: Look for Vineland to challenge for the Cape-Atlantic League American title and be playing softball into June. A 17-to-20 win season is within reach for this ballclub.

KODI POLLOCK
Cumberland Year: Senior Pos: SS The sparkplug for the Colts at the plate and in the field.

BUENA
April 4 at Middle Township 6 at St. Joseph 8 at Millville 9 Lower Cape May 12 Egg Harbor Township 13 Rancocas Valley Tournament 14 Rancocas Valley Tournament 16 Sacred Heart 18 at Wildwood Catholic 19 Winslow Township 20 Hammonton Invitational 21 Hammonton Invitational 23 Cedar Creek 25 at Ocean City 29 at OLMA 30 Middle Township May 2 at Pleasantville 4 at Vineland 6 Absegami 7 at Lower Cape May 8 at Sacred Heart 14 Bridgeton 17 Ocean City 23 at ACIT 4pm 11am 4pm 4pm 4pm TBD TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 8:30am TBA 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

May 1 Williamstown 3 6 8 at Clearview Glassboro, 4pm at Triton

GAMES TO WATCH
mBuena at Millville, April 8, 4 p.m. The Thunderbolts should be anxious to get another shot after they suffered a 10-0 drubbing at the hands of the Chiefs last season. mMillville at Vineland, April 16, 4 p.m. Look for the intensity of this rivalry to be kicked up a couple of notches this spring. The two teams split a pair of one-run, home victories last year, including a thrilling 9-8, 10-inning triumph by Vineland in the first meeting. Rematch will be May 9 at Millville. mSacred Heart at Buena, April 16, 4 p.m. As magical as the Lions 2012 season was, the team couldnt figure out a way to beat their conference rivals. The Chiefs swept the season series, including by a perfect game rout. This has become one of the best rivalries in the CAL, if not South Jersey. The second meeting will be May 8 at Cunningham Park. mHammonton Invitational, April 20-21. One of the most prestigious tournaments in South Jersey will have a distinct area flavor as five local teams Buena, Sacred Heart, Cumberland, Vineland and Delsea fill out the 16-team bracket. Cumberland is the only area team to win a title, earning three straight from 1983-85. mMillville at Sacred Heart, May 6, 4 p.m. Cunningham Park should be jumping for this game, which was a late addition to the schedule. New Millville first baseman Lauren Tobolski, who transferred from Sacred Heart, will be in the lineup. mSacred Heart at Vineland, May 11, 4 p.m. Should be another interesting chapter in City Series lore. The Lions won a 7-4 decision in last years meeting.

10 GCIT 14 Kingsway 17 at Gloucester 20 at Woodstown

MILLVILLE
Coach: Brooke Ewan-Dixon (10th season, 129-81) Conference: CAL American Group: South IV Last season: 13-11, lost in opening round of playoffs Returning starters: 7 Key players: Corie Collins (Sr., IF), Casey Derella (Sr., OF), Rachel Rivera (Sr., C), Cassidy Gorgo (Jr., P), Breann Swan (Sr., IF), Katie Volov (Sr., Ut.), Brittany Rivera (So., Ut.), Alexa Calareso (So., P/Ut); Devona Bates (Sr., Ut.). Key newcomers: Lauren Tobolski (Jr, Ut.), Andrea Layton (Jr., Ut), Kady Mae Makos (Fr., IF); Amanda Buckson (Sr., Ut.). Season outlook: The Thunderbolts appear to be primed to make a lot of noise this season. The team boasts a little bit of everything speed, athleticism, depth and versatility. Millvilles lineup has the potential to be one of the top scoring threats in the area, led by Derella, who batted .471 last season and is closing in on 100 career hits. The offense will gain another power source in Tobolski, who led Sacred Heart in on-base percentage (.537) and was second with a .429 batting average. Shell have to sit out the first 30 days due to NJSIAA transfer rules. Millvilles battery is also a major strength with Gorgo, a 12-game winner with a 2.00 ERA last season, and Rachel Rivera. The team is still trying to fill a couple of holes at second base and right field. Keep an eye on Makos, who has opened some eyes in the preseason despite battling a shoulder injury. Prediction: Millville, which could be the team to beat in the area, has the talent to crack the 17-win mark this spring and contend for conference and sectional titles.

IF), Carly Linus (Sr., OF), Janessa Rios (Sr., SS/ IF), Ashley Surran (Sr., C), Alex Lolli (Sr., 3B), Victoria Battelini (Jr., IF), Jenn Cimino (Jr., OF), Stephanie Walsh (Jr., Ut/2B), Samantha Fiocchi (So., P/IF). Key newcomers: Samantha Monfredo (Fr., P/IF). Season outlook: Buena ball will likely have a different definition this spring, but it could produce the same result success. Change will be a part of this ballclub. Instead of riding the arm of one ace, Pickett could use three options to handle the pitching duties with Allie Collins, Fiocchi and Monfredo all seeing time in the circle. Also, long known for using the small-ball approach to squeak out runs in low-scoring contests, these Chiefs can swing the bats. Pickett has raved about the way the team hit during its recent trip to Florida. Surran, Rios, Giannascoli and Linus were first-team CAL All-Stars last season and provide the punch in the Chiefs lineup. The team also boasts plenty of experience with two four-year starters and two more threeyear starters. Prediction: Buena has the power to light up the scoreboard, but it will need solid defense to back an inexperienced pitching staff. The team will challenge the 20-win mark, contend for a conference title and be among the favorites in Group II South.

OUR LADY OF MERCY

Coach: Jamie Cook (6th season) Conference: CAL National Group: Non-Public B Last season: 6-8, lost in opening round of playoffs. Returning starters: 8. Key players: Giana Vozzi (Sr., P), Giana Anglani (So., 3B), Nicole Sheridan (Sr., 2B/1B), Emily Arezzi (Jr., 2B/SS), Kasey Harmon (Jr., DH/OF), Sarah Musial (So., OF), Devon Donaghy (Sr., OF), Sarah Pustizzi (Jr., C). Key newcomers: Amber Raines (Fr., 2B/OF). Season outlook: The Villagers will try to find a way to reach the elusive .500 mark. The team returns a solid group of letterwinners, including its ace Vozzi. The senior teams up with Pustizzi to give the Villagers a solid battery. OLMAs offense should be productive. The team was blanked just once in 2012 and was able to generate runs against some of the CALs elite pitchers down the stretch of the season. While some of their positions have changed, Angelani, Sherdian and Arezzi will anchor the infield. Prediction: Look for OLMA to challenge the 8-win mark and a possible .500 record. As has been the case in recent years, the Villagers are hurt by two weeks of no games to start the season.

OUR LADY OF MERCY

April 15 Cape May Tech 16 at ACIT 22 at Pleasantville 23 at Ocean City 25 Cedar Creek, 4pm 26 at Wildwood Catholic 29 Buena 30 at Bridgeton May 2 Lower Cape May 3 Cape Christian 7 Pleasantville 9 ACIT 14 at Middle Township 16 at Cape May Tech 17 Atlantic City 20 Bridgeton 21 at Cedar Creek 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

BRIDGETON
Coach: Andrew Bagley (5th season, 15-66) Conference: CAL National Group: South II Last season: 7-16, lost in opening round of playoffs Returning starters: 4. Key players: Jenna Montana (So., P/IF), Natash Rivera (Jr., IF), Karisma Pantaleon (Sr., IF), Adrianna Price (Jr., C/IF), Korshae Butler (So., OF), Halley Day (Sr., 1B). Key newcomers: Sam Adams (Jr., OF), Nyasia Miranda (Jr., OF), Sharnice Williams (Fr., OF), Chasady Wilford (Fr., IF/OF), Khyasia Floyd (Fr., IF), Nicole Winrow (Jr., INF/P). Season outlook: Bridgeton returns a solid nucleus of athletic ballplayers, starting with Montana. The sophomore provided huge contributions on offense (.377 batting average, 24 runs and 7 extra-base hits) and in the circle (3.76 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 108 innings). Pantaleon is the table setter at the top of the order and her speed also delivers dividends in the outfield. Rivera will anchor the infield and will be counted on to drive in runs. Price and Day will take over at catcher and first base, respectively, and both could be the power source in the middle of the order that the squad desperately needs. Prediction: The Bulldogs took a huge step toward developing a winning culture in the program last season. Look for that progress to continue. The team may not win a championship, but a .500 season would be considered a great success for this program.

SACRED HEART
April 2 Bridgeton 6 at Overbrook 9 Ocean City 10 at Woodstown 11 at Pleasantville 12 at Wildwood Catholic 16 at Buena 18 Lower Cape May 20 Hammonton Invitational 21 Hammonton Invitational 22 Absegami 30 Wildwood Catholic May 1 at Middle Township 2 at ACIT 3 Cape May Tech 4 Triton Tournament 5 Triton Tournament 6 Millville 7 at Ocean City 8 Buena 11 at Vineland 14 Cedar Creek 16 at Lower Cape May 17 Gloucester Catholic 18 Middle Township 23 at OLMA 11am 11am 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 10:30am TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 9am TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 7pm 7pm 4pm

23 Sacred Heart

SCHALICK
Coach: Jamie Musey-Lau (12th season, 130115) Conference: Tri-Co Diamond Group: South I Last season: 14-8, lost in sectional semifinal Returning starters: 7. Key players: Jessica Harrell (Sr., OF), Gianna Rodriguez (Sr., OF), Bridget OBrien (Sr., OF), Janna Gaburo (Jr., P/Ut), Kylee Barton (Jr., 2B), Courtney Miller (Jr., C/OF), Diedra Turner (So., C). Key newcomers: Nicole Madison (Sr.), Brielle Lewis (Jr.), Cassidy Long (So.), Madeline Richie (Fr.), Courtney Buck (Fr.) Season outlook: After finishing 8-2 in their last 10 games of 2012, the Cougars look to carry the momentum over to this spring. The team welcomes back seven starters from that team including speedster Barton, slugger Harrell and ace pitcher Gaburo. Barton and Gaburo were two of three players who shared the team lead with 29 hits apiece. Harrell chimed in with 26, including 11 for extra bases. Experience will play a role as the team moves up to the Diamond Division. Prediction: Playing in a stronger division might not make the Cougars record look better, but it will help get the team prepared for the Group I playoffs. Dont be surprised if Schalick pulls off an upset or two in the regular season before making some serious noise in the postseason.

SCHALICK
April 3 at Woodstown 4 at Deptford 8 Cumberland 11 at Gloucester Catholic 13 Pennsville Tournament 17 at Delsea 19 Glassboro 20 Penns Grove 22 at Salem 23 at Gloucester 26 at Highland May 1 at Glassboro 3 Gloucester Catholic 6 at Clayton 7 Deptford 9 Woodstown (at Elmer L.L.) 13 at Cumberland 16 Pitman 17 Gateway 20 GCIT 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pmn TBD 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 6:15pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

SACRED HEART
Coach: Les Olson (10th season, 196-70) Conference: CAL National Group: South Non-Public B Last season: 27-6, state champion Returning starters: 6 Key players: Danielle Lugo (Jr., C), Rosie LaGrotta (Jr., P), Lindsay Dwyer (Sr., LF), Samantha Caterina (Sr., 2B), Kelly Hullihen (So., SS), Gabby Castellini (Jr. OF), Lauren Dwyer (So., 3B/P), Alyssa Fabrizio (So., Ut.). Key newcomers: Kaila Smith (Fr., 1B/C), Alyssa Waddington (Fr., OF/P), Kyrsten Makos (Fr., OF/C), Ciani Carter (So., IF), Brianna Lopez (Fr., OF). Season outlook: The Lions climbed the mountain to the programs first state title last season. Now, theyre facing the tough challenge of making the return trip. Sacred Heart is strong up the middle, starting with batterymates LaGrotta and Lugo. While she isnt overpowering, its tough to find a more successful pitcher than LaGrotta especially in clutch situations. The junior right-hander owns a 42-10 record and was almost unhittable in last years postseason. Lugo is one of the best two-way players in South Jersey. At the plate, the leadoff hitter has racked up 68 career hits, 70 runs scored and 45 walks in two seasons. Sacred Heart isnt without some question marks. Lindsay Dwyer, the Lions big-time run producer for the last three years, suffered a serious ankle injury over the winter, but expects to be fine patrolling left field. The Lions will also have two new players on the infield corners with Lauren Dwyer and Kaila Smith at third and first base, respectively. Both are talented players who should make the transition seamlessly. Prediction: The positives are plenty for Sacred Heart. The Lions can hit, pitch and play strong defense. Twenty wins is well within their sights. If the team, which doesnt boast a lot of depth, can stay healthy and get contributions from its new players, it could be in position for conference, sectional and state crowns.

CUMBERLAND
Coach: Alan Homan (3rd season, 28-23) Conference: Tri-County Diamond Division Group: South III Last season: 16-10, lost in sectional semifinal Returning starters: 8 Key players: Shayla Loud (Sr., P), Jackie Martin (So., C), Lindsey Gaines (Sr., 1B), Emily Pettit (Sr., 2B), Kodi Pollock (Sr., SS), Katie McCormick (Sr., 3B), Carlie Fogg (Jr., OF), Jodi Cook (So., OF), Michaela Hitchner (So., OF), Abbey Pettit (So., OF). Key newcomers: Allison Saul (Fr., OF). Season outlook: The Colts appear ready to kick up a fuss in the Tri-County and Group III South title races. And why not? The team returns a solid roster, including its star pitcher and a talented infield. Cumberland will also welcome back its sparkplug behind the plate, Martin. The sophomore led the team in hitting with a .419 average before suffering a fractured wrist. Shes regarded as one of the best in what is the deepest position in the area. Pollock blends together a slick glove at shortstop with a thunderous bat. She batted .384 last season with a team-best four home runs. Gaines appears primed for a big season at first base. Homan is pumped about the competition in the outfield where five players are battling for three spots. Prediction: If Loud is healthy, watch out. This team has the ability to be the areas topranked team and could break the 20-win mark. While the division crown might be out

CUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN
Coach: Ike Jones (3rd season, 20-14) Conference: Tri-State Christian Last season: 8-8 Returning starters: 4 Key players: Meredith Jones (Sr., SS/P/C), Courtney Hoffman (Sr., 1B), Kelli McKeown (So., C), Becky Fuse (Jr., OF), Lindsay Jackson (Jr., OF) Key newcomers: Victoria Shuster (Fr., IF); Kelsey Hoffman (So., Ut.), Kristen Miller (So., Ut.), Samantha Santos (Fr., P/IF). Adelia Gardella (So., Ut), Breanna Massey (Jr., Ut.), Amanda Eachus (Fr., Ut.) Season outlook: The Crusaders boast a strong nucleus with Jones, Hoffman and McKeown, but will rely on a nice group of newcomers to round out the team. Meredith Jones reached base more than 70 percent of the time and also played some stellar defense at shortstop last year. Hoffman is the power source in the lineup while McKeown quickly blossomed into one of the top catchers in the league. Prediction: The Crusaders have the talent to be a contender in the conference, but will have to chase down Atlantic Cape Christian and Baptist for a shot. Look for 9-11 wins.

CUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN
April 5 at Calvary Academy 15 at Pilgrim 16 Kings 18 at Gloucester Co. Christian 20 Calvary Academy (double header) 26 Pilgrim 29 Gloucester Co. Christian 30 at Baptist 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 11am/2pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

BRIDGETON
April 2 at Sacred Heart 5 LEAP Academy 8 Oakcrest 9 ACIT 11 Middle Township 16 at Cape May Tech 18 Cedar Creek 19 Lindenwold 22 at Winslow Twp. 23 at Lower Cape May 25 at Pleasantville 26 Camden Charter 30 OLMA 11am 11am 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

May 2 Atlantic Cape Christian 6 at ACIT, 4pm 7 Christian Academy 9 at Kings Christian 13 at Christian Academy 14 at Atlantic Cape Christian 21 Baptist

BUENA
Coach: Pam Pickett (26th season, 505-150-1) Conference: CAL National Group: South II Last season: 23-4, lost in sectional final Returning starters: 7 Key players: Allie Collins (Sr., P/OF), Becca Collins (Sr., OF), Natalie Giannascoli (Sr., 1B/