HOUNDS TAKE FLIGHT OVER FALCONS

April Fools is only supposed to last for one day. No foolin, three games were cancelled for the hounds since they last played on April 1st. That game left a bitter taste in the mouths of the dawgs and they were chomping at the bit to get on the field to play a softball game. The opponent would be the Burlington Township Falcons who had defeated NBC 1-0 last year and ever since that game the yappers were itching to avenge the loss. So, with this as the setting the game started under ideal conditions considering the weather of late.
After the Falcons had been retired by Archie in the first inning, Nicole Bondoc led off in the bottom of the first with an infield hit. It was inevitable that Bon she of quicksilver speed would test the waters of second base. Sure enough Nicky B stole second, saw the throw sail into centerfield, and promptly popped up and stopped only when home plate had been reached. An additional run came in when Jules Mayernik, running for herself, scored on a base hit by Madison Sisz as she galloped around the bases and staked Arch to a 2-0 first inning lead. Some would consider a two run lead to be a narrow margin to work with, but Haylei was not just throwing flame on this day, but also pitching a variety of pitches that had been honed with a winter of workouts and lifting that were designed to fine tune her game. One has to just witness the results on the mound to see her dedication. The hounds seemed to feed off of their early lead as they had at bats where they worked the count and seemed to have more confidence in their plate appearances. Riley Gripp was an excellent example of this as she was able to work two walks by being patient and looking for any opportunity to get on base. The score stayed the same as the Falcons were baffled by Hayeli and the hounds were not able to capitalize on opportunities. The dawgs had runners on in four of the six innings but, alas, could not bring another run across the plate. Arch continued to rack up the K’s as the game progressed. The game ended as the Falcons had a runner on first in the seventh but Hayeli recorded a strikeout to end the game.
NOTES- Hayeli recorded 13 strikeouts on the day. Nikky B. made an excellent catch in the fifth inning to rob a Falcon of a hit. No time for rest for the yappers as they have to get ready for a doubleheader against North Hunterdon and Donovan Catholic on Saturday. The game was attended by a number of fans who were avid followers of two teams who have become must watch softball. In spite what some might seem to be a spirited rivalry between two teams, the coaches of both teams are the coaches of the Burlington County entry in the Carpenter’s Cup which takes place at the end of June. As the coaches have grown closer the level of respect has also blossomed. Thursday was the first sighting of the mascot of NBC. Grey could be seen on the side of the home team cheering on the dawgs to victory. Thanks Grey!!!!!

Date: April 11, 2019     Time: 3:45pm      Venue: NBC - Field 25