Highland
Girls GOLD
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Highland
Gold Clinches Inter-League Title, Strong Pitching - Big Hits Key
Victory
6/30/99 @
Highland - In their final game of the year, Highland Gold took on
Kingston Purple in a home game under the lights. This had the makings of
a good game as Highland won the first meeting and suffered their only loss
in the rematch. In the first inning Highland yeilded 1 run but came back
to score two in their half of the inning on 2 walks and an RBI single by
Nicole Pritzlaff. Pritzlaff was sharp on the mound over the first 3 innings.
She retired the side in order in both the 2nd and 3rd innings, recording
7 strike outs in a row. While the Kingston bats were silent, Gold built
a lead. They added 1 run in the 2nd inning as Sarah Judge (3 hits, 4 runs)
led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Michelle
Hanley. Megan Foscaldi followed with an RBI single to right field. The
offense exploded for 8 runs in the 3rd. Karley Sciortino tripled and scored
on a sacrifice fly by Jonni Halstead. The rally was ignited again by hits
from Liz Pesavento and Michelle Hanley, followed by 2 walks. The
heart of the order delivered the long ball. Nicole Morales (2 hits, 2 RBIs)
doubled, then Pritzlaff (3 hits, 2 RBIs) and Sciortino tripled back to
back to cap the rally. The Gold defense struggled in the 4th. Two
errors, 1 hit, and few walks had the Kingston team threatening. The defense
managed to make some big plays. Kingston's only hit was a line drive to
the left field fence. Gretchen Gilliland raced after the ball and threw
it to Jen Pignataro who fired it to Tanya Lamana at third base for an out.
Pignataro handled a grounder at short for the second out. Pritzlaff developed
a sore arm and swithced places with Pignataro. Gold recorded the last out
on a tag at the plate following a wild pitch. Gold answered with 4 more
runs. Lead off singles by Gretchen Gilliland (2 hits, 2 runs) and Liz Pesavento
(3 hits, 3 runs) was followed by a walk to Michelle Hanley. Foscaldi delivered
another big hit scoring 2 runs. The other 2 runs scored on infield ground
balls and smart base running. Highland extended their lead to 15-5, needing
only 3 outs to end the game. Pignataro retired the side in order with 2
strikeouts and a pop up to the mound. The coach had these comments,
" This was a great way to end the year. Most of the season we relied on
pitching and hitting, and once again tonight we were strong. Nicole and
Jen were great, combining for a 1 hitter and striking out 10 over 5 innings.
They struggled in the 4th, but the defense stepped up and made some plays.
Gretchen and Tanya did an excellent job on the relay out at third and its
always big when you get a tag out at the plate. The offense was solid through
the line up. We stroked line drives and found some gaps. This game really
showed that we improved in our execution - fake bunts, sacrifice
bunts, relays, and base running. They played smart softball and won as
a team. Everyone did something positive to win this game. They completed
their first inter-league season with a 9-1 record, in first place. You
have to be proud of what they accomplished." Highland
Gold 15 - Kingston American Purple 5
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Solid
Defense Keys Highland Victory, Sciortino and Pritzlaff Deliver Big Hits
6/8/99 @ Kingston
American - Highland Gold scored one run in the first inning as Meagn
Foscaldi walked, moved around the bases and scored on an infield hit by
Nicole Pritzlaff. They yielded 2 runs in the bottom of the inning to fall
behind, but then went on a tear, outscoring the opponents 11-0 the rest
of the game. Gretchen Gilliland led off the 2nd with a walk, followed by
a sacrifice bunt by Sarah Judge. Foscaldi and Nicole Morales each brought
home a run with a base on balls, then Karley Sciortino delivered a 2 out
triple to clear the bases. Jonni Halstead followed with a single to cap
the 6 run rally. Gold added 3 in the third inning as they used 3 walks,
a 2 out single by Pritzlaff, and alert base runnung by Morales to take
a 10-2 lead. Although Kingston loaded the bases in both the 2nd and 3rd
innings, then defense stranded all 6 runners, allowing no runs. The 2nd
inning saw a strikeout and a pop up to Sciortino at second base for the
second out. With the bses loaded, Foscaldi (3B) ended the threat as she
scooped up a ground ball and got the unassisted force play at third base.
In the third inning, after a strikeout, the bases became loaded. Gold got
out of this jam with another strikeout by Pignataro and a fly ball to center
field caught by Michelle Hanley. Gold eeked out 2 more runs in th 4th inning.
Shannon Inger beat out an infield hit to bring home 1 run. She then stole
second and when the errant throw went into the outfield, she raced around
the bases to score, giving Gold a 12-2 lead. Although Hanley put down a
perfect bunt in the 5th inning, putting runners at second and third, Gold
was unanble to score. The defense was sharp over the last 2 innings. A
foul pop to Pritzlaff behind the plate, a ground ball to Pignataro on the
mound, and a pop up to Liz Pesavento at third base, saw the inning go 1-2-3.
After a leadoff walk in the 5th inning, Morales caught a foul ball and
raced to the base for an unassisted double play. Pignataro recorded one
of her 6 strikeouts for the final out. Sarah Judge and Nicole Pritzlaff
each had 3 put outs behind the plate. Offensively, Pignataro ended the
game with 3 walks and 2 runs scored. Sciortino and Pritzlaff each delivered
3 RBIs, while Foscaldi and Hanley combined to score 5 runs. "The things
we have relied on all year, pitching and batting, we did not do well today.
The difference in the game was that we executed better with 2 outs. Each
team had the bases loaded in both the 2nd and 3rd innings, and we outscored
them 9 -0. Two big hits by Karley and Nicole and two big outs by
Megan and Michelle. This was not our best game, but we played smart and
executed well, a good team victory." Highland
Gold 12 - Kingston American Green 2
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Bragg,
Sindone Ignite Rallies And Emotions In Highland Comeback Victory
6/7/99 @ Highland
- It was the first game of the year that Highland Gold did not score in
the first inning. They also went quietly in the second, as Highland trailed
3-0. The Ulster pitcher was throwing slow and the batters did not adjust
well, they were not patient, and the umpire had a higher strike zone than
ususal. In the top of the third inning Gold found a spark. With 2
outs and a runner on first, Heather Bragg doubled down the left field line
and with incredible hustle, moved to third on the throw home, and then
raced home as the ball got away from the catcher. As she slid safely into
the plate, she looked up for the umpire’s call and the ball hit her in
the face, forcing her to leave the game. Highland yeilded 2 runs in the
bottom of the 3rd and found themselves down 5-2. Over the first 3
innings the defense played well. Jen Pignataro made 4 plays at second base,
Karley Sciortino had an assist from shortstop, and Nicole Pritzlaff handled
one grounder and struck out 3 batters from the mound. After lead off singles
by Pritzlaff and Lisa Sindone in the 4th, Sciortino drilled a ball to the
outfield and Sindone reinjured her ankle sliding into home. After a controversial
call by the umpire, the runners were returned to their bases, Megan Foscaldi
replacing the injured player on first base. Jonni Halstead stepped up to
the plate and delivered a clutch hit scoring both runners. After a walk
to Liz Pesavento, Gretchen Gilliland moved the runners into scoring position
for Pignataro who singled, driving home 2 runs and giving Highland Gold
their first lead of the game, 6-5. Ulster tried to respond in their half
of the inning, as the lead off batter sent a line drive to the left field
fence, but Foscaldi was playing centerfield and hustled after the ball,
and the relay to Pignataro then Pesavento at third base was well executed
for a very big out. Two infield ground balls ended the inning as Gold kept
their slim lead. They extended their lead by adding 4 runs in the 5th.
Michelle Hanley singled and stole second base. Nicole Morales singled and
Pritzlaff doubled, each bringing home a run. Foscaldi put down a perfect
bunt, moving the runner to third. Sciortino and Halstead each singled to
give Highland a 10-5 lead. The Gold scoring machine was not finished. They
added 6 runs in the 6th, keyed by RBIs from Foscaldi and Sciortino, a double
by Halstead, and a single by Sarah Judge. In the final inning Tanya Lamanna
reached base and scored in a 3 run rally that gave the Highland team 19
runs. The defense stayed sharp allowing just 3 runs over the final 3 innings.
Nicole Morales was solid at first base with 8 put outs. Jen Pignataro and
Michelle Hanley combined for 5 assists and 4 put outs. Nicole Pritzlaff
went the distance on the mound recording 7 strikeouts, allowing only 5
hits. Handling the catching chores were Sarah Judge with 2 put outs, Lisa
Sindone, and Sciortino with 5 pput outs. Halstead ended the game with 3
hits and 5 RBIs, while Hanley and Sciortino each scored 3 runs.
The coach
had these comments, “Every game is defined differently, some by great hitting,
some by outstanding defense, and others by a superb pitching performance.
We have seen all of them this year, but this game was about character and
heart. Despite the heat, the emotions, all the obstacles, they hung in
there. They did not play well the first 2 innings, but the last 5 innings
they played as hard as they could and was probably the best softball they
have played all year. I dont know if it was the injuries, the controversial
calls, the heat, or the double rainbow that they saw, but they pulled
together. Every player did something positive to win this game. I
was proud of what they did today, but more importantly how they did it,
as a team with the heart of a champion. “
Highland Gold 19 - Ulster 8
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Pesavento,
Halstead Deliver Big Hits As Gold Cruises To Victory
6/5/99 @ Highland
- In their first meeting with the team from Ulster, Highland Gold had a
strong showing. Liz Pesavento delivered a solid 2 RBI single in the second
inning and Jonni Halstead connected for 2 RBIs in the third inning to ignite
rallies by Highland Gold. Gold struck for 6 in the first inning keyed by
RBI hits from Nicole Pritzlaff, Michelle Hanley, and Jen Pignataro. Highland
added 5 in the second inning when a bunt single by Karley Sciortino loaded
the bases and Pesavento singled to bring home 2 runs. Later in the inning,
Heather Bragg and Nicole Morales each drew a walk to bring home a run.
The flood gates opened in the third as Highland posted 11 more runs. Sciortino
and Lisa Sindone singled followed by RBIs from Tanya Lamanna and Jonni
Halstead. Pritzlaff delivered a 2 RBI single follwed by a hit from Shannon
Inger. Lamanna and Halstead came through again with RBI singles to
cap the rally. In the game, Highland Gold received 16 walks and had 18
hits to score 30 runs. Pritzlaff ended the game with 4 hits, driving home
5 runs, while Pignataro had 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Morales drew 6 walks and
scored 4 runs. Halstead (2 hits), Pesavento and Lamanna each had 3 RBIs.
Gold made a few defensive errors in the first inning and relied on Pignataro
to strike out the side. In the second inning the defense looked sharp.
The right side executed a perfect relay on a well hit ball to right field.
Heather Bragg raced to the fence, threw to Megan Foscaldi (2B), who threw
it to Pignataro in the cut off position, and finally to catcher Nicole
Pritzlaff for a tag at the plate. The next batter hit a sharp line drive
and Karley Sciortino made a nice back hand catch at shortstop. Piganatro
struck out 7 batters in the game and handled 2 ground balls on the mound.
"We were pretty solid today, more consistent on offense. The girls made
some nice plays in the field and the relay was great. . We still made some
errors and a few base running mistakes, but in general a real good game."
Highland Gold 30 - Ulster 7
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Bragg,
Lamanna, Gilliland Pace Offense, Gold wins 15-4
6/3/99 @ Elmendorf
Field - Esopus - The game can be summed up by and explosive first
inning and another dominating pitching performance by Highland Gold. Gold
sent 10 batters to the plate before recording their first out. When the
inning was over, Highland had scored 13 runs on 8 hits. Jen Pignataro and
Megan Foscaldi reached base, followed by RBI hits from Nicole Morales and
Nicole Pritzlaff. After a base on balls to Jonni Halstead, Gold had 3 consecutive
RBI hits from Heather Bragg, Tanya Lamanna, and Sarah Judge. Going through
the order a second time, Morales and Pritzlaff delivered RBI singles again.
Halstead singled and Bragg closed the scoring with a 2 RBI double. Highland
posted 2 more runs in the 3rd inning as Gretchen Gilliland and Tanya Lamanna
singled and scored on a 2 RBI hit by Michelle Hanley. Bragg, Gilliland,
and Lamanna each had 2 hits in the game to lead the Highland offense. Winning
pitcher Nicole Pritzlaff struck out 9 batters over 5 innings, allowing
only 2 base hits. Sarah Judge and Shannon Inger split the catcing duties,
combining for the 9 put outs. Nicole Morales had 4 put outs at first base
while Michelle Hanley picked up 3 assists at second base. Lisa Sindone
had 1 put out on a tag play at third base. "We did a great job in the first
inning, but we lost our intensity. We swung at some bad pitches and made
some base running mistakes. It can be hard to stay focused when you have
a big lead, we have to work on that. One bright spot though, we continue
to put the bat on the ball. That was the second game in a row without
a strikeout for our batters." Highland
Gold 15 - Esopus 4
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Highland
Gold Loses First Game
5/26/99 @
Kingston American - Highland Gold traveled to Kingston American and
came home with its first loss of the season. The offense hit the ball,
but Kingston American Purple played a very good defensive game. The outfield
caught 6 fly balls and the infield grabbed 2 line drives to hold the potent
Gold offense in check. Gold managed to score 6 runs with 9 hits, but did
not put together any long rallies. Nicole Morales had an RBI single in
the first inning, while Heather Bragg and Nicole Pritzlaff had RBI hits
in the third inning. Karley Sciortino led off the fouth inning with a hit
and scored on a a double by Liz Pesavento. Michelle Hanley delivered a
sacrifice fly, closing the deficit to 3 runs. Pritzlaff led off the fifth
inning with a single and scored on a Morales double, once again the rally
stalled and Gold would not score again. The defense also struggled through
a few bad innings, allowing 10 unearned runs via 8 errors. Nicole Morales
had 7 put outs at first base, handling 4 throws from th infield and 3
pop ups. Lisa Sindone made her return to the line up with 2 assists at
third base. The Highland coach summed up the game, "We did some good things
on defense, but we made some costly mistakes. We made both physical nad
mental errors, prolonging 2 innings. We hit the ball, but they made the
plays. Kingston American played a great game. We simply made to many mistakes
to win. We have played so well, our confidence was probably too high. Today
was a humbling reminder that if you do not play well, you lose."
Highland Gold 6 - Kingston American Purple 16
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Pignataro
Hurls 2 Hit Gem, Foscaldi, Judge, Pesavento Pace Offense
5/22/99 @
Kingston American - Highland Gold continued its hot hitting, collecting
21 hits. This game however was highlighted by an outstanding defensive
effort. Jen Pignataro pitched a compete game shutout allowing no walks
and just 2 base hits. The defense erased both those base runners as only
15 batters reached the plate for Kingston American Green. The battery took
charge in the first inning as Pignataro struck out all 3 batters, Nicole
Pritzlaff recording 3 put outs behind the plate. The second inning tested
the infield. Liz Pesavento handled a hard shot at third base and threw
to Nicole Morales (1B) to record the out. After an unassisted grounder
to Morales at first, Karley Sciortino scooped up a ball at shortstop and
made the throw closing out the inning. The leadoff batter singled in the
3rd inning, but second baseman Megan Foscaldi went into the outfield to
catch a pop fly and flipped it to Sciortino covering at second for a double
play. In the 4th inning, Gold recorded 2 quick outs on a come backer to
Pignataro and a pop up to Sarah Judge at first base. Kingston American
got another single, but catcher Nicole Pritzlaff threw her out trying to
steal second. The 5th inning once again went to the battery, a strike out,
a foul pop to the catcher, and another strike out ended the game. Pignataro
finished the game with 6 strike outs. The Highland offense put the bat
on the ball, collecting 21 hits, capitalizing on 16 walks and 8 errors
to score 35 runs over 5 innings. Megan Foscaldi (4 RBIs), Sarah Judge (3
RBIs) , and Liz Pesavento (2 RBIs) each collectd 3 hits in the game. Pignataro
picked up 6 RBIs and scored 4 runs. Pritzlaff and Sciortino combined for
8 RBIs and 8 runs scored. Heather Bragg, Nicole Morales, and Tanya
Lamanna each delivered RBI hits in the 2nd inning rally. Gretchen
Gilliland, Michelle Hanley, and Jonni Halstead drove home runners in the
4th inning. The Highland coach had these comments, "This was an impressive
game. We were forced to make some defensive changes and they all came through.
There is no better feeling as a coach than to see the kids get a chance
in a new position and play so well. No walks and no errors, it dosn't
get any better than that." Highland
Gold 35 - Kingston American Green 0
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Morales,
Sciortino, Bragg Lead Offense Behind Pritzlaff's 3 Hitter
5/17/99 @
Berg Field - Esopus - The Highland offense pounded out 24 singles, 4 doubles,
and 3 triples en route to posting 30 runs. Every Highland player had at
least 1 hit and scored a run. Leading the way was Nicole Morales, going
5 for 5 with 2 doubles and Heather Bragg with 3 singles and a triple.
The pair each drove in 3 runs and crossed the plate 4 times. Karley Sciortino
and Nicole Pritzlaff each smacked a double and a triple, combining for
7 hits, 8 RBIs, and 9 runs scored. Sarah Judge and Jonni Halstead each
had 3 hits. Shannon Inger, Gretchen Gilliland, and Tanya Lamanna each collected
2 hits, while Michelle Hanley, Liz Pesavento, and Jen Pignataro had 1 hit
apeice. Highland broke it wide open in the 3rd inning. Already leading
9-0, they sent 15 batters to the plate scoring 10 runs on 11 hits. Gilliland
and Lamanna delivered clutch 2 out singles to score runs and keep the inning
alive. The heart of the order then came through in a big way, with 4 consecutive
extra base hits. Nicole Pritzlaff went the distance on the mound, collecting
8 strike outs, 2 assists, and 1 put out over the 5 innings, allowing just
3 base hits. Highland Gold
30 - Esopus 7
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Pritzlaff,
Pignataro, Sciortino, Morales Power Highland Offense
5/6/99 @ Highland
- The Highland girls showed the long ball early and never looked back.
The first 3 baters (Jen Pignataro, Megan Foscaldi, Karly Sciortino)
loaded the bases and clean up hitter Nicole Pritzlaff belted a grand slam.
After Gretchen Gilliand and Michelle Hanley delivered RBIs, Pignataro connected
on a 2 run homer. Nicole Morales ended the first inning rally with a long
single driving home 2 runs. Sarah Judge led off the second with a single,
followed by hits from Gilliland and Hanley. The heart of the line up delivered
once again. Back to back home runs from Sciortino and Pritzlaff followed
by a Morales triple had the Esopus outfield playing where the old fence
used to be. Liz Pesavento provided an RBI single to cap the rally. Gilliland
and Herather Bragg scored in the 4th inning, giving Highland Gold 24 runs.
Pritzlaff led the offensive assault with 4 hits (2 HR, triple, single)
and 7 RBIs. Morales and Pesavento each collected 3 hits, while Sciortino,
Foscaldi and Hanley each added 2. Gilliland, Judge, Pignataro (3 RBI),
and Jonni Halstead rounded out the offense with 1 hit each. Pignataro completed
the first 2 innings on the mound, giving way to Sciortino to finish
the game. They combined for 5 strikeouts over the 5 inning contest.
A trio of first basemen each collected 3 putouts (Morales, Pritzlaff, Bragg).
Megan Foscaldi and Sciortino each had 2 assists from the infield. The coach
had these comments, " We are a good hitting team, but this was incredible.
I felt bad for the Esopus outfield because we hit the ball hard to every
part of the field. The big lead gave us opportunities to try different
things on defense. This was a very strong offensive performance."
Highland Gold 24 - Esopus 6
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Pignataro,
Pritzlaff Lead Highland Gold To Victory, Sciortino and Hanley Shine On
Defense
5/1/99 @ Highland
- Highland Gold scored 9 runs in the first inning and led the entire way
for a 16-13 vicory in their opening game. "Some things just went according
to plan", added the manager. "Its early in the season and I did not expect
either of our pitchers to go all 7 innings. I started Jen hoping to get
4 or 5 innings and then bring in Nicole to close out the game." Pignataro
completed 5 solid innings for the win as Pritzlaff closed the door
over the last 2 innings, striking out 4 batters and allowing no runs. The
defense came through with some big plays. In the 2nd inning, Sarah Judge
(catcher) threw out a runner at third base and the inning ended when centerfielder
Michelle Hanley scooped up a line drive and got a force out at second base.
In the 3rd, with a runner at second, Heather Bragg (second base) knocked
down a line drive, picked up by Nicole Pritzlaff (SS) who threw to third
base for a tag play. The 5th inning ended on an unusual play as a line
drive went off the pitcher's leg, but an alert Megan Foscaldi fielded the
ball and completed the play to first for the out.The fianl 6 outs were
recorded by 4 strikeouts and 2 pop ups to Nicole Morales (First base).
Karley Sciortino ended the game with 5 put outs and 1 assist at third base.
The offense struck for 9 in the first behind RBI singles from Pritzlaff
and Morales. Jonni Halstead and Tanya Lamanna beat out infield hits to
bring home a run and keep the inning alive. Sciortino delivered a clutch
single to center, driving home 2 runs. In the secnod inning Sarah Judge
drew a base on balls and scored on an RBI single from Pignataro. The Gold
squad added 4 more in the 3rd inning on RBIs from Liz Pesavento, Judge,
and Foscaldi. Pritzlaff provided a solo home run in the 4th ining and an
RBI double in the 6th to complete the scoring. Highland
Gold 16 - Kingston American Purple 13
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