When Weehawken Recreation made the decision to institute girls’ softball in the township to coincide with the successful Bambino baseball program the town has provided for years, the powers that be in Weehawken knew that it would take a few years to get the program to become competitive.
However, after Weehawken captured its first-ever softball championship last week, winning the 12-and-Under District 2 Babe Ruth Softball tournament championship, defeating Pershing Field of Jersey City, head coach Ilde Acosta made a declaration.
“Weehawken has definitely arrived,” said Acosta, who has been coaching in the league since the infant stages. “We’ve been working with these girls for four-to-five years and they’ve played a lot together. It’s all finally paying off.”
Acosta has been involved with the program since his daughter, Jennifer, signed up when she was younger. He has been coaching since and this summer took over the head coaching reins of the All-Star team, assisted by Argenis Chong and Brian Martin.
“We have a good coaching staff who works well with the girls,” Acosta said.
Acosta said that part of the reason the Weehawken softball program has come a long way has been the development of a deep pitching staff. Almost half of this All-Star team can pitch, mostly because of the Township Council’s working agreement with Stevens Institute of Technology.
When the township built its new waterfront recreational facility a few years ago, it reached a deal with Stevens. In order to allow Stevens to use the wonderful facility for practices and games, Stevens had to conduct instructional clinics for the Weehawken youngsters.
So Stevens head softball coach Erica Mehalick came to Weehawken to teach the young girls the proper pitching techniques. The lessons turned out to be a blessing, because six young ladies now know the proper pitching mechanics.
“It’s worked out very well,” Acosta said. “Our pitching is exceptional. Erica did a great job with the girls.”
Right-hander Sophie Chong is the team’s ace pitcher who has learned an assortment of pitches.
“She has great control,” Acosta said. “She has a little bit of a riser [rising fastball] and throws strikes. Her control is the key.”
Ana Lentini, Alison Kalani, Norelis Caraballo, Laura Martinez and Acosta’s daughter Jennifer can all throw strikes and can pitch when called upon.
“It gives us flexibility,” Acosta said. “If one pitcher is not on, we can go to No. 2 and not lose anything. It’s up to whoever is ready to go.”
The catcher is Samantha Chong, Sophie’s twin sister.
“They make quite a good tandem, pitcher to catcher,” Acosta said. “Samantha is good in taking charge of the field. She’s a talented catcher. Having the sisters pitching and catching to each other really helps the team’s chemistry. They know what to do and it’s fun to watch.”
Nicole Primero handles first base, with Acosta handling second base. The coach loves instructing his daughter.
“It’s a lot of fun and very exciting,” Acosta said. “It’s really been fabulous.”
Emery Kemph is the shortstop, with Naomi Azcona at third base.
Peyton Kennedy, the township’s rising acting sensation with Broadway shows already to her credit, is also an accomplished softball player. She plays left field. Kalani, a very good fielder who covers a lot of ground, is in centerfield and Zoe Martin plays right. Nicole Clarke and Jennifer Zamora round out the roster.
The Weehawken All-Stars now head to the Babe Ruth Softball state tournament in Kinnelon beginning July 7.
“I think this will stick in everyone’s head as being the first Weehawken softball championship ever,” Acosta said. “It’s very special for the girls, for the their parents, for everyone in Weehawken.”
The first one always is.
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