Warriors Dominate Elite League Softball Opener

Tina Scolaro, Shannon Butler and Meghan Kovac each scored two runs, and the Warriors pitching staff allowed just two hits and a hit batsman, as the Watchung Hills Elite League softball team came out firing in its Elite League opener Monday and scored an 11-0 victory over Bound Brook at Tea Street Field.

IN SHORT
Scolaro singled and scored on an error to start the proceedings, and the Warriors built an 11-0 lead after four innings and never looked back, in what was a rematch of last season’s B-bracket final, won by the Crusaders.

Brianna Paltan highlighted a five-run third inning, delivering a two-run single, with Scolaro and Brooke Nitti also driving in runs in the frame. Tara DiDonato capped the scoring in the fourth with a two-run double to center field.

Butler started in the circle and tossed three one-hit innings, before being relieved by Jess Gaeta, who allowed just one hit batsman in two innings and struck out four. Shannon Phillisbury allowed just one hit over 1 1/3 innings, before Kara Conley came in to retire the game’s final hitter.

The Elite League, which features seven local high school programs and includes players from next year’s incoming freshman through incoming senior class, features a six-week regular season and gives varsity coaches and fans a chance to see what next year’s team might look like. All of the league’s teams are monitored by the head varsity coach, who even manages some of the squads.

WARRIOR OF THE GAME
Shannon Butler – The right-hander faced the minimum through the first three innings and struck out two. The only hitter to reach against her – Nicole Minerd – was promptly gunned down stealing by catcher Stephanie Teixeira. Butler also reached base three times and scored two runs.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Meghan Kovac – The shortstop collected two hits, including a double, and scored two runs.

Brianna Paltan – The starting right fielder singled in two runs to highlight the Warriors’ biggest inning – a five-run third.

Tara DiDonato – DiDonato got on all three times she batted, as she reached on a second-inning error, a two-run double in the fourth, and a walk in the seventh inning.

THEY SAID IT
"It’s two different vibes. This is more laid back. If you mess up it’s not a big deal, so it’s less pressure and we can really work on our skills.”—Tina Scolaro, who will be Watchung Hills’ lone returning senior on varsity next season on the opportunity the Elite League gives players to prepare to play in a varsity environment without the varsity pressure.

UP NEXT—Hillsborough, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Watchung Hills Regional High School