South Jersey Softball:
Waterford Defeats Berlin Boro To Advance

Saturday, June 19, 1999

By Gary Steiner
SJSports Staff Writer

Waterford Twp. won the first of this best-of-three SJGSA playoff series Friday night in Waterford by a score of 6-2. But due to circumstances, Berlin Boro came in to game 2 at a disadvantage, missing three key players who were in California as a result of their class at the Berlin Community School winning NASA's Space Settlement Contest. So the Berlin girls were only able to field a team of eight this day at Ted Moos Memorial Field. But as they say, adversity builds character, and brings out the best even in difficult situations.

Waterford Twp. opened up the first ining with singles from Sarah Duckett, Sarah Longino, Jennifer Malady (RBI), a double from Franny Blank (2 RBIs) and a triple from Lindshy Hickman (RBI) to score 5. In the bottom of the inning, Berlin scored its lone run when Catherine Badolato came home on a sacrifice fly by Dana Harris. Score 5-1.

In the second inning, Berlin's pitcher Megan Schurr settled down, but Waterford still scored two runs off of some walks and errors. In the bottom of the inning, Waterford's Sarah Longino struck out the side to keep Berlin's hitters frustrated with her powerful fastball. Score 7-1.

In the third inning, Berlin held Waterford scoreless with some good defense. In the bottom of the inning, Sarah Longino got another K, then got the second out by catching a fly ball. The third out was forfeited, representing Berlin's missing 9th batter. Score 7-1.

For the fourth inning, both teams managed 5 runs. Waterford scored with hits from Jayme Chiumento and Michele Nelson. Berlin came back with hits from Megan Schurr and Mary Badolato. Score 12-6.

Waterford scored a single run in the fifth with some good base running by Jennifer Malady. Berlin was blanked, again with the disadvantage of the out for their 9th batter. Score 13-6.

In the sixth, Waterford score two, first on an RBI triple by Lindshy Unghire, after which she came home on a fielder's choice. Berlin plated one run when Megan Schurr singled, then later scored on a fielder's choice. Score 15-7.

For the final inning, Waterford's bats came alive for 7 runs, hilighted by a double from Michele Nelson and a home run by Sarah Longino. In the bottom of the inning Gina Badolato managed to single for Berlin, but the lead was just too much to overcome as the out for the 9th batter again was a factor. Score 22-7.

Congratulations to all the girls on both teams for a great season. Waterford Twp. advances to play the winner of the Voorhees-Stratford series on Tuesday.

Click here for additional photos.

Photos by Bob Stewart