Brett Carroll
Staff Writer
The future looks bright for the softball team at Freehold Township High School.
Freehold Township’s season came to a thrilling conclusion when the Patriots were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Central Jersey, Group 4 state sectional tournament.
Freehold Township was ousted in a thrilling 10-inning game by Middletown High School South, 9-8, on May 23 in Freehold Township.
When the game entered the 10th inning tied at 6-6, the international tie breaker rule came into play. Each team starts off its at-bat in the inning with a runner on second base.
Middletown South struck for three runs in the top of the 10th but Freehold Township produced just two runs in its bottom of the inning to fall one run shy.
That defeat left Freehold Township with a final record of 16-6.
Despite the setback, coach Mike Stoia was proud of his team’s effort.
One player who stood out for Freehold Township was sophomore catcher Zoey Valentino, who connected on two home runs in the game, including a two-run blast in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings.
“Obviously, Zoey’s two hits were remarkable,” Stoia said. “Especially in a comeback. I always say it’s an emotional game, especially this time of year, and I loved that we stuck together and we fought. We clawed back. Especially against a team like Middletown South and all the success they’ve had in the past. I think that’s a team we try to emulate and it just goes to show that we can play with those teams. In the future, I think we’ll be beating those teams.”
“We had a lot of heart,” Valentino said. “We played as a team. We kept together. There were a couple of mishaps if you will, but we stuck together and played hard no matter what.”
The Patriots have high expectations for next year.
“We start five sophomores and three juniors,” Stoia said. “We have two seniors that will be leaving, unfortunately. However, we already have players that can step in for those two. So, last year as freshman, they won 15 games. This year, we won 16 games. Next year, we’re looking to win 20 games and hang banners in our gym. There shouldn’t be any other expectations for anything less.”
“Win some more,” Valentino said. “Put some more home runs on the record. Overall, continue being a winning team.”
The club is young but talented, according to Stoia.
“Our pitcher is a sophomore,” Stoia said. “She’s Gia McKnight. She had 15 wins this year and was really solid last year as well with 14 wins. We’re excited to have her back. Our third baseman is a three-year starter. Kirsten Pagliaro. She’s been a rock at third base. At shortstop, we have Lauren Pscolka. She’s also a sophomore. She and Zoey has been battling it out to see who had the better batting average. They both hit well over .500 this year. Zoey had 10 home runs, while Lauren had four. Our outfield in center and right are sophomores as well. So, we have everything that you want going into next year.”
