Speed Demons: West Essex Runs Past Caldwell

WAYNE—The West Essex 12U softball team realized the effect speed has on the game during a tournament earlier this season.

Caldwell discovered it's impact on Tuesday night.

The West Essex Warriors club team demonstrated its skills on the base paths en route to a 15-4 win in the second round of the Bi-County Softball League playoffs at Kilroy Field.

"We played in a tournament and they saw that it puts a strain on the defense," West Essex coach Michael McConeghy said.

"They like to steal so much so that they like it more than they do hitting. I would say they are a great bunch of girls and they are easy to coach."

In addition to speed, the Warriors (11-1) also have a deep pitching staff that includes Courtney Politz and Samantha Corio.

West Essex was led offensively by leadoff hitter Demi Russo, who went 2-for-2 with a double, base hit and a pair of RBIs. Russo's sister, Desiree, chipped in with a double in the second inning. Carlee Campanile also went 2-for-2 and scored three times. 

The Warriors showed off their speed in the first inning, scoring three runs on a pair of hits.

The Chiefs (5-7) responded with a run in the top of the second inning, but the Warriors seized control with five runs in the bottom of the frame to grab a commanding 8-1 advantage.

Caldwell made one last push by scoring three runs in the top of the third to cut the deficit to 8-4.

"They did get a little down early in the game, but they got excited after we staged a little comeback," Caldwell coach Mike Giordano said.

Shortstop Nikki Tufano led the way for the Chiefs, going 2-for-2 with a double and a single.

Caldwell also demonstrated strong defense as second baseman Shannon Johnson snared a line drive off the bat of West Essex's Katie McGoneghy and threw to Tufano to double-off Desiree Russo at second base.

"We went up against a very good team," Giordano said. "We kept battling back and just kept going."