Sleepy Fastpitch Bests Irvington

The Sleepy Hollow girls softball team continued their upbeat season with a 7-2 win over Irvington yesterday.

But it wasn't an easy game by any means, with a hard-fought first three innings that almost saw Irvington take an early lead.

It was the second time that Irvington (1-7) faced Sleepy Hollow this year. Martin Resendiz, the head coach for Irvington, said that his team would have to play solid defense to hold their own against the Horsemen. 

"Earlier in the season we lost to them 12-6," he said. "We played well against Rye Neck (earlier this week) , if we can keep up that same defense, that will be key."

Sleepy Hollow head coach Tony Milewski also warned his team not to let their guard down.

"You can't take this team lightly, you have to play hard," Milewski said to the girls before the game.

Sophomore pitcher Jamie Bucci started on the mound for Sleepy Hollow, and easily retired the first three batters. Bucci played the entire game with her left, pitching arm wrapped due to an injury.

However, overall, the first two innings went according to Irvington's plan. Sleepy Hollow's bats failed to make a dent against the pitching and defense of Irvington. The Horesemen sent six batters to the plate and Irvington returned six outs.

The Bulldogs were also the first to connect some solid hits and got runners on base with the help of at least two Sleepy Hollow errors. The Lady Horsemen faced a tough moment in the top of the third when Irvington had the bases loaded with only one out. However, Sleepy escaped unscathed after an infield fly-rule out and another catch by shortstop Jennifer Onwe which ended Irvington's chances at drawing the first run. 

Sleepy Hollow finally snapped their spell in the bottom of the third inning with their seven, eight and nine batters. 

"The bottom of the lineup really came through for us," Milewski said. "The older girls had trouble with the timing (of Irvington's pitches)."

Freshman Taylor Zayas singled and then stole second base. Jenny Bucci also singled to get on first and send Zayas to third. With two runners on, Jamie Bucci came to bat at the top of the lineup and knocked a hard triple into right field. Bucci later scored on a ground out by Jessica Bucci. 

Hollow went on to hold the lead for the rest of the game. Jamie Bucci, despite pitching with an injured arm, ended up staying in the whole game, and pitched with no runs earned. It was also the first time that the Buccis, the three sisters Jamie, Jenny and Jessica, played right up the middle. Senior Jessica was behind the plate, with Jenny holding down center field.  Shaylin Best, the team's only 7th-grade player, also had hits and an RBI in the game. 

While Hollow defeated Irvington soundly, increasing their record to 9-2, they are already preparing for perhaps their biggest challenge of the year - Dobbs Ferry. They play the Eagles on Tuesday in a match that will determine first place in the division (Hollow is currently a half game behind Dobbs Ferry).

"That's the big game and it's going to be a tough game," Milewski said. "Last time they beat us 10-0."

Milewski said things could be different this time around, and that both teams would likely bring their best pitchers to the mound. 

"We could have held them a lot lower," Milewski said of the last Dobbs Ferry encounter. "But I'm sure they will use their number one pitcher on us. No coach in a game for first place wouldn't."

Sleepy Hollow next plays in Dobbs Ferry starting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.