Softball Advances in States With 12-0 win

It was all about taking care of the business at hand, as the Cranford softball team defeated visiting Scotch Plains-Fanwood 12-0 Wednesday at Adams Avenue Field in a North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 first round game, improving their record to 22-3.

"I wasn't sure what we were going to get today after playing these guys on Saturday and beating them 16-1," said Cranford head coach Bob Bruno. "I wasn't too sure how we would come out, if we were going to be flat or not, and to the kids credit, they came out, played good defense, got clutch hits, and Julie pitched a good game."

Freshman pitcher Julie Siragusa (10-1) notched the shutout, tossing five innings of two-hit ball. As usual, she had the help of another outstanding defensive effort. Shortstop Nicole Ravetier made several big plays, showing her range when she lunged to her left to snare a line drive to end the game.

"Nicole Ravetier did a real nice job at shortstop, ending that game on a line drive double play," said Bruno. "She has good range, she knows the game, she does all the little things well, and every now and again she'll make one of those spectacular plays. I'm happy with her playing shortstop for us."

Bruno also had high praise for several other unsung heroes.

"Melissa Moreno always does a magnificent job behind the plate. I think she's the best catcher in the county," he said. "Brianna Capece has stayed hot now for a month and she came up with some nice baserunning plays as well, and Taylor D'Antico bounced one off the fence today, so I think that was something she was looking to do, and hopefully that carries over into the next two games."

Hardman finished 2-for-3 on the day, which included a double and an RBI.

Cranford will be right back in action on this afternoon when they host Nutley at 4 p.m. It's a game Bruno and company will not take lightly.

"Nutley is a big Group 3 school in Essex County. They play a tough schedule. We scrimmaged them early on in the year and we held our own against them. Kelly (Hardman) did a fine job on the mound. I think she only let up two hits in that scrimmage. It comes down to the fact that if Kelly pitches well and we play defense behind her, I think we'll figure out a way to get one or two runs and get ourselves a win."