Summit 12U Softball Suffers Shutout Against New Providence

The 12U Summit softball team lost, 12-0, to New Providence on Tuesday at Ashland Field.

"New Providence is undefeated, so they are definitely a good team," Summit head coach John Calabrese said. "But, there are a lot of things we could have done differently in this game. We let mistakes get us down, and game situations were difficult for us tonight."

New Providence started off the game well, plating two runs on two hits and putting Summit into an early hole. After a Summit ground out to lead off the game, Hannah Calabrese drew a walk, but Summit could not cash in a run.

New Providence struck again in the top of the second, sending eight batters to the plate and adding two more runs to their lead. In the bottom of the second, Summit could not score again, despite getting the leadoff batter on base. Angela Scott drew a walk, but Summit could not capitalize.

New Providence sent eight more players to the dish in the top of the third, scoring three runs and taking a 7-0 lead. The inning was highlighted by a nice catch by Alex McDonald in left field, who followed the grab with a throw in to second base, doubling off the NP runner.  Summit continued to struggle at the plate in the bottom of the inning, drawing one walk but striking out three times.

"If you don't put the bat on the ball, there is no offense," John Calabrese said. "That's really the bottom line."

New Providence scored two more runs on three hits in the top of the fourth, despite two strikeouts from pitcher Kayla Hoesly and a nice defensive play by Hannah Calabrese at third to lead off the inning. Summit was able to garner their first hit in the bottom of the fourth, a two-out double by Scott. However, Summit could not push the run across.

New Providence scored three runs on three hits in the top of the fifth inning, giving them a dozen runs for the game. Summit, in their final at-bat, struck out three more times but gained a hit by Tanai Hines. Summit sent exactly four batters to the plate in every one of the five innings.

"It's a long season," John Calabrese said. "When you play with ten players on a ten player team, stamina comes into effect. We are just hitting the middle of the season, and it's starting to show."

The 12U team jumps right back into action Wednesday, with a 6 p.m. home game against Union at Ashland Field. Also, the High School team will be playing Union at 6 p.m. at Myrtle Field on Wednesday.