Cline's Clutch Pitching Leads Warriors Over Montgomery

Playing against one of the county's elite teams, Watchung Hills Regional's softball team stepped up to play a complete game, helping the Lady Warriors defeat Montgomery 2-1, Wednesday at their home field.

In Short

Coach Mike D'Alessandro credited the victory to good team playing, noting everyone contributed. Pitcher Abby Cline limited the scoring opportunities, but Montgomery was forced to leave three runners on third base in the final three innings. Back-to-back doubles by Brionna Paltan and Jamie Schoenbach keyed Paltan's go-ahead run, and a heads-up play by catcher Dana Mertz helped seal the victory.

Warrior of the Game

Abby Cline—Cline's pitching frustrated Montgomery's batter, with few innings getting beyond the fourth batter. Her fielding of a bunt on the final play of the game clinched the victory.

They Said It

"The girls are doing everything we're asking of them. It's a total team victory. (Closing in on bunts, tending the bases) Those are things I've been stressing—we need to do the little things. This is a big win—If we'd played this game a day earlier, we'd be the no. 2 (seed in the county tournament)."

—Head Coach Mike D'Alessandro

UP NEXT—Hunterdon Central at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at Hunterdon Central.