MSO Girls Softball Roundup for U8, U10 and U12 Nationals

When MSO Girls Softball organization was restarted some years ago, the aim was simply to create a recreation program for girls in Maplewood and South Orange. But through the vision and hard work of the softball committee—Lisa Nolet, Dave Garaban, Tom Kerns, Jerry O'Connor and Hank Zona—as well as countless volunteers, the summer softball program now competes all over the state.

This summer the MSO Girls Softball organization fielded six teams in four age categories: U8, U10, U12 and U14.

Here we provide an update on the U8, U10 and U12 Nationals team. Coming soon is "Part 2"—an update on the U12 American team and the two U14 girls softball teams.

MSO U8 fields it first team

Maplewood/South Orange fielded its first U8 travel softball team this summer. The team was comprised of thirteen girls entering third and fourth grade this fall. The girls practiced twice a week in June, and, because there is not a summer league for U8 players that isin close proximity to our two towns, the girls went straight from practices to the State Babe Ruth Tournament on July 9.  

The U8 Villagers faced some stiff competition from travel teams that had been practicing all winter and had already played in several tournament competitions. Although they were eliminated after two games, they played hard, and, most importantly, learned a lot.

The girls are so enthusiastic about summer softball that the team has agreed to keep practicing together for the rest of the summer and to seek out some scrimmages with other towns that have U8 teams. Although many U8 team members will be moving up to the U10 travel team next summer, our hope is to continue to field a U8 team every summer.

MSO U10 softball team racks up the hardware

On Sunday, June 18, at Elmora Park in Elizabeth, the MSO U10 Softball team led by Head Coach Chris Labat won their second softball tournament of the summer.

The Team overcame the heat and the tough competition to win an unprecedented five straight games to take the Elmora title. "Our team really plays well in tournaments. The girls come ready and focused to win when there are giant trophies at stake. They love to bring home the hardware!" said assistant coach Mike Labat.

Dani Finkelman played solid third base and her batting was very productive with five doubles during the tournament with countless RBI's. Also after each game, the opposing teams awarded the following MSO players with an "Outstanding Player" award: Lilly Young, Connie Labat, Dani Finkelman, Maya Goldner and Julia Rego. 

One of the major highlights of the entire tournament was a Triple Play by Connie Labat, Maya Goldner and Lilly Young. "The girls are always looking for a double play—but to see them turn a triple play was truly awesome to watch!" said assistant coach Becky Young. 

"We could not have won the tournament without a solid pitching from Jordan Stephan and terrific effort at the plate by Clementine Sherman 'aka The General' who hit in the winning run to end the Elmora Championship game 17-7 in the Top of the 5th," said Head Coach Chris Labat.

Ally Krause, Grace Turvey, Cukie John and Eleanor Jaworski rotated through the outfield tracking down balls and backing up the infield to limit extra bases. Sydney Loh anchored the outfield and battled every pitcher at the plate usually causing the pitchers to throw 8-10 pitches at every at-bat.

On July 27^, the MSO U10 Team captured in the Fourth Place in the Parkway League—after losing a hard fought battle (5-4) in the 7th inning to the Team from Mountainside.  Overall, the U10 team surpassed all expectations this summer by winning the Babe Ruth District 2 Championship and the Elmora Tournament and then finishing 4th place in their regular league play.

MSO U12 National Team improves over last year

For the third year, the Villagers U12 National team was coached by Chris Dickson and Tom Nevius. Posting a 4-6 record league record and 1-1-1 record in the Readington No Fear Tournament, Dickson is proud of the improvement the team demonstrated during the season. "We have a very solid core of girls coming back next year and some who will go on to contribute to the U14 team next season," said Dickson. In fact, Dickson will be coaching at the U12 team again next season. "This is a great opportunity to give the girls some consistency, as we get them ready for the next level," said Dickson. 

The U12 Nationals featured strong infield play from first baseman Mia Goldstein, second baseman Devon Carlson, shortstop Gabby Salinardo and third baseman Emily Grew. "Our infield got better as the season went on," said Dickson. Bailee Gunter and Samantha Normandia both pitched well this season, while Anya Silverman-Stoloff was reliable behind the plate. The outfield was patrolled by Alexis Caruso, Grace Dickson, Alexandra "Boogie" Eisenstein and Katie Morton. "Our girls learned quickly that, at this level, sound defense in the outfield is a must and they rose to the occasion," said Dickson.

Dickson added that the game ball for the final game of the season was awarded to a girl who had not played a single inning. "Unfortunately, Sarah Kleppe was injured just before the season began. To her credit, she made most of our games and rooted for her teammates. We're looking forward to having Sarah healthy next season," Dickson said.

Dickson also hopes that Nevius joins him in coaching again. "I coaxed Tom out of 'retirement' a few years ago and it's been a great partnership. I hope that I can talk him into a few more years," said Dickson.