Henry Harris’ softball team, the Lady Hawks, defeated Woodrow Wilson’s Wildcats, 3-0, in the Bayonne Department of Parks/Recreation Jr. Women’s Elementary Softball League playoffs to win its third consecutive title.
Entering the post season as the fourth seed, the Lady Hawks moved passed the second seeded Washington Patriots with a 7-1 win. Having lost twice to the Wildcats throughout the regular season, the Lady Hawks knew the challenge they faced.
Determination fueling the team’s momentum resulted in playing an outstanding defensive championship game. The game, scoreless until the fourth inning, proved to be an equally challenging match up, with both teams striving for the win.
The fourth inning was productive for the Hawks, who scored the only three runs of the game. Hawks’ second baseman, Katelyn Nuccio provided keen base running to put the Hawks ahead with the first run, followed by two more runs with RBI from catcher Jessica Matos, centerfielder Lauren Delbert and pitcher Jessica Dolan.
The Wildcats threatened in the bottom of the sixth with runners on first and third, two outs, and then a high fly ball hit to left field. Hawks’ left fielder Amanda Borges made a dramatic catch to end the game.
Contributing all season with great defense/offense were: Kaitlyn Pallitto, Shannon McNulty, Vanessa McGrath, Maria Baptista, Phantazia Patten, Nicole Pelliccio, Kaitlin Crowley, Kelly Sweeney, Alexis Payer, Mercedes Fetch, Cassidy Stazak, Francesa Turi and Mahogani Taylor.