West Orange Rebounds with Tournament Win

After a sloppy loss Friday, the West Orange High School softball team got back on track Saturday by winning their own tournament.

The Mountaineers bounced back from a 3-2 loss to Millburn Friday by knocking off Linden 6-3 in eight innings in the Mountaineer Classic final. The Mountaineers beat Hackensack 11-6 in the first game.

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Greer Manton won both games — the second game in relief of senior righty Jill Dolinko, who threw six strong innings. The Mountaineers are 4-1 on the young season.

"We definitely played better than we did (Friday)," said head coach Jamie Galioto. "But we still have a lot of work to do. Some of our hitters have work to do. But I'm definitely pleased we won the tournament."

The second game was the one with the intrigue, the game extending into extra innings with the Mountaineers being the visiting team. Senior shortstop Kim Reitmeyer reached on an error to open the eighth and senior Noran Crann beat out a bunt. When the throw to first was heaved into right field, Reitmeyer came all the home to give West Orange a 4-3 lead.

"It was a great bunt," Galioto said.

Sophomore Gabby Badurek then doubled home Crann to make it 5-3 and Badurek scored on junior Ariel Stanziale's single. That made it 6-3. Badurek went 2-for-2 with two runs scored, two RBI and a double and triple.

Manton went six innings for the win in the first game. Crann went 4-for-4, Badurek was 2-for-2 and Molly Rich was 2-for-3 with four RBI. Crann and Badurek also had RBIs. 

The Mountaineers pulled away with three runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Manton gave up four hits and three earned runs. She struck out six.

The Mountaineers will play host to Glen Ridge Monday, and Verona Wednesday.