Mertz’s Two-Run Homer Helps Propel Warriors Into State Quarterfinals

Sophomore catcher Dana Mertz homered and drove in three runs, and freshman shortstop Meghan Kovac knocked in two runs and scored three more Tuesday, as the fifth-seeded Warriors softball team disposed of 12^th-seeded Westfield 8-2 in the first round of the NJSIAA North 2 Group IV Tournament at Watchung Hills Regional High School.

IN SHORT
After striking out four times during the first two innings, the Warriors broke through in the third, as Grace Hurley scored on a passed ball and Ashley McKenna singled in Kovac.

After Westfield tied it in the top of the fourth, Watchung Hills exploded for five runs in the bottom of the frame, with Kovac singling in two runs and Mertz providing the capper with a two-run blast over the left-field fence.

Mertz added a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning to cap the scoring.

Sophomore right-hander Abby Cline picked up the victory, allowing two runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out six.

WARRIOR OF THE GAME
Dana Mertz – The sophomore catcher finished 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run and three RBIs

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Meghan Kovac – The freshman shortstop posted two hits, a stolen base, two RBIs and three runs scored.

Grace Hurley – The senior first baseman went 2-for-2 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored.

Tina Scolaro – The junior second baseman posted two putouts and four assists, including one on a beautiful sliding back-handed grab of a grounder and strong  throw to first base to record the first out of the seventh inning.

THEY SAID IT
“We did have a slow start, but then everybody broke out. And once one person starts hitting, we all start hitting.”
- Watchung Hills shortstop Meghan Kovac n the Warriors’ offensive outburst in the middle of Tuesday’s game

UP NEXT – At fourth-seeded Bridgewater-Raritan, 4 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals at North Bridge Street Field.