Hank Jaxel Tournament: A Win and a Loss for New CIty Softball

New City 11 year old softball All Stars competed Friday in the Hank Jaxel Memorial Softball Tournament at Heroes Field in Nanuet against Haverstraw.

New City 10 year old All Stars were supposed to compete against Nanuet to open the tournament, however, Nanuet did not have enough players and was forced to forfeit.

In the older team's game against Haverstraw, walks and solid hitting were to blame as they had difficulty from the beginning, with Haverstraw going up 6-0 to open the first.  The Haverstraw pitcher had an excellent performace, keeping New City scoreless throughout the game.

Haverstraw then tacked on another three runs in the top of the second to go up 9-0.  New City found its groove defensively to finish the game, as they kept Haverstraw from scoring another run.  Unfortunately, the damage was already done and they could not get it going on the offensive end to comeback.

The game ended with a series of brilliant defensive plays from Haverstraw as New City played hard to force the game into more innings.  The right fielder for Haverstraw made a great falling catch for the first out of the inning off a fly ball to right field.  New City then hit a shot into left field, which dropped in for a single.  The runner went for two, however, and was thrown out at second.  Finally, Haverstraw closed the inning and the game with a strikeout.

The 11 year old team played hard, but was outmatched by the 12 year old team of Haverstraw.  They put up a good effort, however, and made some great plays.

New City plays on today at 2 pm in as the tournament continues  in Nanuet. The tournament, organized by Rockland ASA Umpires, is a tribute to the groups late president, Hank Jaxel of Nanuet. The tournament is helping raise funds for a new scholarship established in Jaxel's memory.