After a highly successful regular season in the Secaucus Recreation girls’ softball league, an All-Star team was formed of girls ages 14 and under to participate in a highly competitive tournament in Carlstadt featuring teams from 10 municipalities throughout Bergen County.
"I thought these girls were very well-prepared for the tournament," said the Secaucus All-Stars head coach Vinnie Prieto, crediting the work of Secaucus softball pioneers Barbara and John Baer. "This group of girls has been together since they were first graders, playing two days a week on an instructional basis all those years, thanks to the Baers. Since they had been together for so long, I felt that we had a nice, talented team."
But even Prieto couldn’t have dreamed what would eventually take place.
The Secaucus All-Stars played 10 games in the regular portion of the tournament, winning all 10 games, defeating teams from Wallington, East Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights, Maywood, Lyndhurst and host Carlstadt along the way.
The top four teams qualified for the playoffs in the tournament, so unbeaten Secaucus played East Rutherford in the tourney’s semifinals and won both games in resounding fashion, by scores of 12-2 and 15-1. The girls from Secaucus then advanced to the finals, taking on host Carlstadt, where they also won in two straight games, by final scores of 9-7 and 13-7.
This all adds up to one thing. Fourteen games, 14 wins and a tournament championship for the girls from Secaucus – and without a single blemish along the way.
"We had a nice little run," Prieto said. "But I never expected to win every game. That was a pleasant surprise. The girls played together as a team and gave it their all. They really came together at the right time."
Prieto said that he was blessed to have two talented pitchers and two fine catchers at his disposal during the tournament. In fact, the pitcher paired off with a personal catcher throughout the tourney.
For example, flame-throwing hurler Christine Eck, who won eight games during the tournament, was paired with her catcher, Maxine Bania. Amanda Prieto, the coach’s daughter, had her own backstop, catcher Kristine Zaccone. Amanda Prieto won six games on the mound during the tournament.
"Christine has so much zip on the ball and has complete control," the elder Prieto said. "My daughter pitches more with heart and guts. But we were fortunate to have a team that scored 193 runs in the tournament and only gave up 39. The personal catcher system worked well for us."
The team’s offense also clicked on all cylinders, with five girls batting .400 or better during the tourney.
Cory Roesing, who played third base, was the team’s leading hitter, batting .583 during the tourney. More importantly, she hit a home run over the fence at Buchmiller Park, the first girl to ever accomplish that feat.
"It was an amazing shot," Prieto said. "It just kept going and going. It was unreal to see. It hit the top of the scoreboard in left field."
Shortstop Nicole Degenhardt batted .571 and played great defense throughout the 14 games.
"She has excellent hands," Prieto said of Degenhardt.
Kristin Bronowich, the next in line of a very talented athletic Bronowich family, played second base. She batted .478 during the tournament.
"She’s going to be a great player," Prieto said of Bronowich.
Christina Prospero was the team’s first baseman. She batted .395 for the champions as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup.
The outfield consisted of Kayla Imperato in left field, Amanda Mitchell in center and a committee of Kerry Korycinsky, Shannon Lynch and Courtney Waters in right.
"They all made excellent, clutch plays in the field," Prieto said. "Amanda Mitchell can do everything, run, hit, catch. They’re just a great group of outfielders."
Prieto was assisted by coaches Billy Waters, Louis Imperato and Joe O’Brien.
"It’s a credit to these girls, who worked so hard," Prieto said. "We had a bunch of great hitters. I think Secaucus high school is going to benefit from these kids for a long time. The program is going to be in great shape. The girls had a lot of fun and had a great experience. And they won, which is always nice. I think it says a lot about the state of Secaucus softball."
Sure does. – Jim Hague
Pictured above: Front row, from left, are: Christina Propsero, Kerry Korycinsky, Kayla Imperato, Shannon Lynch, Amanda Prieto, and Kristine Zaccone. Middle row, from left, are: Cory Roesing, Christine Eck, Nicole Degenhardt, Maxine Bania, Courtney Waters, Kristin Bronowich and Amanda Mitchell. Back row, from left, are Coach Billy Waters, Head Coach Vinnie Prieto and Coach Lou Imperato.