log in

Little League

Nikki Klimek struck out six batters over six innings to help Pequannock to a 2-1 victory over Hanover in the Section 1 final.

Pequannock primed for state tourney

PARSIPPANY _ Each summer, Pequannock sets its sights on the Little League State Tournament and often breezes through district and section play. In 2015 and 2016, however, Pequannock was denied. A 2-1 victory over Hanover in the Section 1 final on Friday, July 7 vaulted Pequannock back to its desired destination for the first time since 2014. Pequannock opens play in the state tournament tonight, July 13, versus Swedesboro-Woolwich at 6 p.m. at Pucinsky-Ward Field in Wallington. The 8 p.m. game matches defending East Region champion Robbinsville and Wallington. "Our girls are definitely ready to go," Pequannock manager John Banya…
Julia Swan was a workhorse in the circle for the Hanover 12s.

"Fantastic way to end season"

LODI _ Twice in four days, Hanover was shut out by Robbinsville. The second loss, on Sunday, July 17, stung the most because Robbinsville secured the Little League State Tournament title with a 7-0 win.
Pitcher Julia Swan and third baseman Megan Gilbert high five after an inning.

Hanover beats Wallington

LODI _ Prior to its losers' bracket game at the Little League State Tournament, Hanover formed a circle next to its dugout to prepare for its game against Wallington. Manager Maria Mess got the group therapy session started then called upon each one of the players to speak. Some of the girls simply offered encouragement while other players were specific, including one who said to watch where the ball was being thrown if it got past the outfielders. Several reminded their teammates to keep believing.
Hanover third baseman Megan Gilbert chases down Robbinsville baserunner Alexa Klepper, caught in a rundown, before applying the tag.

Hanover blanked in opener

LODI _ Whether down by a few runs or by a game, deficits are not a problem for the Hanover Little League Softball Team. There were no tears and no long faces when Hanover was shut out 6-0 by Robbinsville in the opener of the state tournament on Thursday, July 14 in Lodi. It's not that the players don't care. Hanover, which managed four hits off Brynn Hopkins, knows exactly what it has to do - regroup, wake up its bats and battle out of the losers' bracket. "It's a tough loss," Hanover first baseman Victoria Sheridan said. "We saw Robbinsville two…
Defense was the Hanover 9/10s forte. Evelyn Dente, right, prepares to make a catch in center field.

Hanover had memorable run

HANOVER _ Many memories were made during Hanover's trip to the New Jersey Little League 9/10 Tournament. Hanover, which finished third, will look back on the entire experience fondly but will recall its losers' bracket victory over Swedesboro/Woolwich as the high point of the tournament.
Alyssa Pavone, above, has handled the pitching duties for the Hanover 9/10 All-Stars.

Hanover shut out in state opener

NORTHFIELD _ Whoosh! Silence. Another big swish. Indecision. Hanover manager Kristin Yacat could not believe what she witnessed when her players took their turns in the batter's box versus Wallington in the team's first game at the Little League 9/10 State Tournament on Thursday, July 30.
The Par-Troy East Senior Little League Team often hung inspirational sayings in its dugout. Meg Leitner, below, went 4 for 4.

PTE Senior LL falls in semis

WORCESTER, Ma. _ Kara Fluet, a pitcher capable of consistently throwing inside, and her team, Jesse Burkett of Worcester, Ma., defeated Par-Troy East 10-2 in a semifinal at the Senior Little League East Regional Tournament. Fluet, a righty, didn't strike an abundance of batters. PTE's batters made contact but not with much success.
Coach Maria Mess, above, makes her way through the dancing Hanover 9/10 Little League Softball Team after their scrimmage on Tuesday, July 28. Below, the players enjoy pizza after practice with manager Kristin Yacat the night before departing for the state tournament.

Hanover 9/10s continue journey

HANOVER _ Not long after the Hanover Little League 9/10 All-Stars completed their scrimmage against the 12Us, they formed a circle and the fun began. "Watch me Kelly, Kelly," the players yelled, beginning a dance, their version of The Whip.
PTE catcher Elizabeth Quigley drove in two runs versus Bristol, Pa.

PTE Senior LL must bounce back

WORCESTER, Ma. _ An 11-3 loss to Bristol, Pa. at the Senior Little League East Regional Tournament on Tuesday, July 28 has put Par-Troy East in a do-or-die situation. The setback dropped PTE to 2-1 in the Mid-Atlantic Pool. In order to be among the final four, PTE needs a win over Rockland District 18 of Haverstraw, N.Y., also 2-1. That game is slated for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.
Shortstop Luisa Barone, pictured above, made a diving catch of a line drive to end PTE's game against Maryland in a pool play action at the Senior Little League Eastern Regional. The photo below features Julz Del Viscio, who knocked in the game-winning run with a double.

Del Viscio comes up clutch

WORCESTER, Ma. _ Julz Del Viscio holds down the spot at the very bottom of Par-Troy East's lineup. Del Viscio doesn't mind being last. Actually, many times she winds up being first, jumpstarting the attack before Luisa Barone, the leadoff hitter, takes her turn.
 facebook.com/soarNJ