If you call 411 and ask for the listing for High Tech High School, the directory assistance operator does a quadruple-take.
"What is that?" the woman asked the other day.
When it was explained that High Tech was indeed a high school, a part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology chain, located on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, the operator still had no idea.
"High Tech? Do you want North Bergen High School? What does High Tech mean?" the frazzled operator asked. "I can’t find a listing. I can’t find anything."
It was a fruitless search.
Here’s one thing you should know about the little school of perhaps 250 quality students, nestled at the corner of Tonnelle and 85th Streets in North Bergen. It houses the premier softball team in Hudson County these days.
That’s right. People might not know much about High Tech. The phone companies certainly don’t. But local softball circles better know, because the Lasercats (yes, that is their official nickname) are indeed the best team Hudson County has to offer right now.
Head coach Vince Nardiello is absolutely beaming these days, because his team of talented freshmen and proven veterans have blended together perfectly to the tune of a perfect 18-0 record.
And before critics come calling, crying aloud that the Lasercats don’t exactly play the elite teams of the county, because they call the smaller HCIAA Seglio Division home, guess again.
Last Saturday, the Lasercats knocked off Bergen County power the Academy of Holy Angels, winning in thrilling fashion, a 4-3 decision in 12 innings as part of the St. Dominic Invitational Tournament in Jersey City’s Lincoln Park.
Two days later, the string of impressive wins continued, when the Lasercats defeated three-time defending HCIAA Coviello Division champion Holy Family Academy, 6-4, in North Hudson Braddock Park.
Earlier in the year, the Lasercats defeated perennial powers North Bergen, Hoboken and Rutherford, but the real message senders took place over the span of three days, especially the win over the mighty Falcons of HFA.
"I think that’s the one that really showed the kids that they belong," Nardiello said. "Holy Angels, Rutherford, they’re outstanding teams. But beating Holy Family sends a message that we play good softball in the Seglio Division and that we have good teams. They were ranked No. 1 in the county and I think they felt that if they wanted to be the man, then they had to beat the man. It was a wonderful experience for the kids."
When Nardiello lost his starting pitcher of a year ago, Ashley Daus, to graduation, some might have figured that the Lasercats might have struggled this year.
But Nardiello knew better. He knew that he had a freshman ace in April Jacob entering the school in September.
"I’ve known April since she was in sixth grade," Nardiello said. "I knew she was going to be a good one."
But as good as Jacob has been? After all, she’s been downright dominating as a freshman. She owns a 15-0 record, with nine shutouts. She has walked only eight batters all season and is averaging eight strikeouts per game. No one could have ever expected a freshman to come in and become an undefeated hurler on the varsity level right away.
"She’s a real gamer," Nardiello said of Jacob. "She pitches like she’s a senior. She has a professional approach to her, even if she is a freshman. She has great control as well. I knew she was going to be good, but she’s been better than expected. She’s been terrific."
Another talented freshman is third baseman Lauren DeGrushe, who is merely batting .500 and is tied for the team lead in RBI with two-time All-Area catcher Megan Gale.
"Lauren is really an outstanding player," Nardiello said. "I didn’t expect Lauren to be able to do what she’s done right away."
The third freshman of impact has been centerfielder Chrissy Mowad, who is Lasercats’ leader in stolen bases.
"She’s our speed demon," Nardiello said. "She gets on base, starts running and gets us going. She’s also a wonderful defensive outfielder."
The three newcomers have blended perfectly with established standouts like the junior backstop Gale, who batted an incredible .625 with 53 RBI a year ago, and senior slugging first baseman Michelle Bartoli, who is a very clutch hitter, delivering big run after big run.
"The freshmen have really blended in well with the older players," Nardiello said. "I’ve really been impressed the way they’ve all come together."
Junior second baseman Kamilla Rodriguez is the Lasercats’ inspirational leader, according to Nardiello.
"She was a natural born leader," Nardiello said. "She’s one of our captains, along with Bartoli and Gale, and Kamilla’s the one who calms everyone down and keeps everyone focused. She truly inspires the entire team."
Sophomore Amanda Boros is the team’s shortstop. Nardiello believes that Boros is an excellent fielder.
Senior Nicole Hall is the team’s starter in right field, while junior Liz Schneider mans left field.
"Liz is our most improved player," Nardiello said. "She’s starting for the first time this year and she’s become our best defensive outfielder. She’s now starting to hit the ball as well."
Nardiello can call upon junior Daria DeMarco as a utility player, playing all infield positions, and junior Stephanie Arismendi, who fills in as a designated hitter.
Freshman Terika Wright is the team’s resident pinch-runner.
"I’ve never seen a kid run the bases the way she does," Nardiello said.
Nardiello is obviously pleased with reaching the pinnacle in Hudson County, as well as the undefeated record.
"I just hope we can run the table and win the county [the HCIAA Seglio] for a third straight year," Nardiello said. "If we do, that would be a magical season. I also think we’re going to surprise a few people in the state [NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group I] playoffs. I just hope now that we get the respect we deserve."
It’s a done deal. The Lasercats are No. 1 in this corner.
Now, we just have to work on the phone company. – Jim Hague