All-Star Softball Team Takes Hit, Loses First Sectional Game

Last year, parents dubbed the Hopatcong 10-11-year-old all-star softball team "The Comeback Kids" after rallying to beat Pequannock in its first state sectional playoff game before winning the round with victory the next night.

This year's edition will need some of last year's magic to stay alive.

Hopatcong fell to Tri-Boro, 12-0, in five innings in the first of a three-game series for the sectional title in Pompton Lakes at Joe Grill Field Sunday morning.

Game 2 starts at 7 p.m. at the same location. Game 3, if necessary, would be Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Tri-Boro—comprised of Boomingdale, Riverdale and Pompton Lakes players—simply out performed Hopatcong, which had a rough day. Tri-Boro's starting pitcher, according to assistant coach Richard Gehring, had a stellar outing.

"They did well," Gehring said, referring to Tri-Boro. "Tri-Boro put up a five-spot in the first inning. Then we held them for an inning or two.

"Sometimes it's your day. Sometimes it's not. I think [Hopatcong] can compete with this team. It just wasn't our day. That's all."

Gehring said there were things Hopatcong could take from the loss.

"I think we were just a little nervous in that first inning," he said.

"Our outfield was solid. Jessica Jones made three outs. Sammy Seroke had two."

Gehring hopes Hopatcong can even the series using its speed and trickery.

"We were hoping to get that whole small ball thing going," he said. "It was one of those days. Madison [Wronko] had a very nice bunt and the ball rolled back to the catcher.

"It just seemed like we weren't getting the breaks today. We're hoping to get the small ball game going and to be a little more relaxed."