The Millstone Times August 2021

KIDS 2021 New Jersey Little League State Champions Millstone Redbird’s 10u Girls Softball Team Wins it All! By Pam Teel

Congratulations to the girls and their coaches on the Mill- stone Redbirds softball team for taking the State Champion- ship on Sunday, July 25th! This first year little league team was made up of players from both Millstone and Upper Freehold. According to Erick Si- monds, the manager of the 10uMillstone Redbirds team, “The hallmark of the team was in its, dominant pitching, strong hitting, and exemplary defense.” In the first round of the Little League tournament trail, the Redbirds captured the New Jersey District 12 Championship, hosted by Robbinsville, against a tough Bordentown team (going 2-0 on the tournament). Then, next up was the New Jersey Section 3 Tournament, hosted by SouthWall. Millstone opened game one with a 10-0 mercy victory over Sayreville, which set the tone for the section tournament. Victories in games two and three, against Marlboro and Hol- brook, respectively, thrust Millstone back into the Champi- onship against a gritty Marlboro team.

The Section 3 Championship game, on a hot and humid Sat- urday morning, was a story of dominant pitching and timely hitting, which led to a 6-1 victory. The Redbirds captured the District and Section titles with a combined record of 6-0 with 54 runs for and 7 runs against over that stretch.

The State of New Jersey is made up of 4 Sections, for which the champions of each section gathered for the State Championship in Hanover, NJ this past July. The task proved to be a difficult one as the Redbirds faced three other elite teams, who have accomplished similar feats to earn the entry into the State Championship. Guided by three basic principles- focus, fun, and teamwork, the Redbirds peaked at the opportune time to challenge for the State Championship to accomplish their goal of becoming the 2021, New Jersey Little League 8-9-10 Softball State Champions. The Millstone team was dominant from the start of the tournament trail, averaging over 10 runs scored per game and giving up just over 1 run per game over the nine game stretch. The level of competition grew stronger at each successive stage and Millstone found themselves facing two similar undefeated teams (Hanover LL and Waterford LL) in the State Championships. Not to be intimidated, The Redbirds relied upon their team expe- rience and knocked off both previously undefeated opponents 12-2 and 13-2, respectively. The gritty Hanover LL team charged back, winning the Consolation Bracket, to make an appearance in the State Championship Finals against the Redbirds. A complete team effort in the championship led the Millstone Redbirds to victory, winning 14-1. Aside from manager/coach, Erick Simonds, the other coaches included, Rick Franckowiak, Matt Maltese, and Chris Zambrio. The players include: Kaity Zambrio #1, Jayleen Hallahan #2, Sophia Renelt #5, Katelyn Franckowiak #6, Anna Simonds #7, Savannah Barry #9, Gabby Tate #12, Julia Centanni #14, Sophia Reiner #20, Lyla Caruso #5, Alyx George #81, and Bella Maltese #99. Stats: 93 runs for 12 runs against over 9 games. 9-0 Undefeated Postseason / NJ District 12 Champs / NJ Section 3 Champs/ NJ State Champs Congratulations to the girls and coaches for a job well done and well deserved! You made Millstone and Upper Freehold very proud!!!!!

14 The Millstone Times

August 2021