Matawan Softball captures Public A-Central Division Title

The 2018 season for Matawan High School Softball had a big question! Who would fill the spots? Matawan graduated five seniors including Lauren Conroy & Jessica Veary, who were instrumental during the 2017 season. Only six players from last years team are back: Juniors Amanda Hunter, Gabby Manzella, Jessica Tragale; Sophomores Elisa Fumarola, Bri Wietecha; and Freshman Bridget Corpus. The Matawan team last year exceeding expectation when it eliminated then #1 ranked Donovan Catholic during the Shore Conference Tournament.

Coach Bob Dubina and his coaching staff had a daunting task to keep the program successful. They had to retool their team when the 2018 season started and hoped the incoming freshmen would provide players who can contribute immediately.

The season started with two wins over Shore Regional and RBR and the true test came on April 10, a game against the #2 team in the state, St. John Vianney. Matawan nearly pulled out a victory, losing a very close 2-1 score. Coach Dubina and his staff now have a legitimate team and these "Young Pack" of Huskies are hungry and confident they can win.

The Huskies field a very young and talented players: Juniors - Elisa Fumarola & Bri Wietecha, Sophomores - Bridget Corpus & Kaitlyn Knauer, and Freshmen - Julia Corbett, Mikie DeGeorge, Alyssa Eimont & Emilie Weber. They are led by Seniors Co-Captain Amanda Hunter & Gabby Manzella.

The game against St. John Vianney boosted the "Young Pack" confidence as they win eight of nine games including wins against Raritan (Eimont-No Hitter) and Holmdel. Matawan entered the Monmouth County Tournament for the first time in the last few years and faced Ocean in the second round with a win. In the next round Matawan played against Middletown South ranked #7 in the state at that time. The young Matawan team came out swinging and eventually won 12-0 in five innings. Matawan eventually lost to SJV in the semi-final round.

The young team from Matawan found themselves in unfamiliar territory losing three of five games that week. Coach Dubina knew he and his coaching staff had to settle the team down and get back to basics. The team was going to face Raritan again (May 8) and this time the Public A-Central Division Title was at stake.

The rivalry between Matawan and Raritan was quite alive (both school are within 5 miles). The game was scoreless through 4 innings and Raritan was able to string a few hits on top of the 4th and led 2-0. Raritan added another run on top of the 5th inning. Matawan scored runs in the bottom of the 5th and 6th inning.

Typically, experience plays a big part in a pressure situation. The Huskies were down by a run when the bottom of the 7th inning started. Alyssa Eimont kept the score close with timely strikeouts and the Huskies defensive plays. Two quick outs did not help the Huskies situation. With two outs and full count, Bridget Corpus hits a slow roller back to the pitcher and beats out the throw. The next batter, Gabby Manzella, gets hit with a pitch and moves the tying run into scoring position. Julia Corbett works the count to 2-1 and lines a high fast ball to left field. Coach Dubina doesn't hesitate and waves Bridget Corpus to score and tie the game. Realizing that the ball had skipped away from the left fielder, he sends Gabby Manzella home for a 4-3 victory. Top performers for the game: Eimont- 7 innings, 2 ER & 12 SO, Corpus 3-3, 2 runs, Corbett 1-3, 3 RBI, DeGeorge 1-3, 1 RBI, & Knaure 1-3, 1 run.

Matawan's Young Pack just won the Public A-Central Division Title for the first time in few years. Next up is the NJISSA and the Shore Conference Tournaments. Don't be surprised if you see these Huskies in the finals!

image courtesy of Facebook