Saturday, June 8, 2002

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

Perfectly executed plays, smart base running and well placed hits demonstrated how focused Sam Tropiano's Crusaders were on Saturday afternoon at Toms River East High School. Now add the pitching of the reliable Nick Iannucci and you have the makings of a championship team. Bishop Eustace rolled into Dover Township for their match up with Montclair Kimberley and marched out with the State Parochial B trophy with their 5-1 victory. Matt Tobia's two run home run highlighted Bishop Eustace's quest of being the best they can be.

Head coach Sam Tropiano has been coaching the Crusaders for the past 13 years and during his career he has led Bishop Eustace to 7 conference titles, 3 South Jersey Parochial crowns and 2 New Jersey State Parochial championships. He can now add another conference, South Jersey and state parochial title to his record.

Bishop Eustace got that all-important first run of the game in their top half of the first inning. Hermann Apostol drew a base on balls and then moved into scoring position. Joe Ambrozy came through with a clutch single to plate the first run of the game. The Crusaders added another run in the second inning when Matt Tobia doubled and was replaced with pinch runner Jay Gallen. Anthony Ragona executed a bunt single perfectly to move Gallen to third. That's when Bruno also laid down a bunt for an RBI single giving Bishop Eustace a 2-0 after two innings.

Nick Iannucci now had runs to work with as began throwing his off speed pitches with confidence. That confidence grew even further when he watched Tobia slammed a two-run home run scoring Ambrozy who singled. Iannucci would pick up the win for Bishop Eustace as he walked one and struck out six batters.