TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Township of Washington locked down a nail-biter of a championship game, 8-5, against River Edge while fans packed Westwood’s Sherry Field on Friday, July 30.
According to Falcons coach Jenn Cenicola, Township had to shake loose a tough Emerson team on Tuesday, July 27 in the semifinals to get to the softball showdown with River Edge.
And it was a game-winning two-run single by Ella Palmieri in the final inning clinched them the victory to advance to the championship.
At the start of the championship game, River Edge scored three runs in the first inning, but it didn’t discourage the Washington Township Falcons, who rolled on to win.
According to Cenicola, Washington Township Falcons 3/4 Summer pulled away for good with six runs in the third inning: Kenzie Cenicola, Gigi Capasso, and Dina Sengos each drew a walk, scoring one run; Maddie Kazmierczak drew a walk, stole third, and scored; Sonam Shah singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run; Kayla Krenn drew a walk, scoring one run; and Grace Matra grounded out, scoring one run.
Izzy Arcuri hit a huge double in the fourth to get her team going.
Dina Sengos led things off on the rubber for Washington Township. She lasted two and two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out two and walking one.
Taylor Ahrens went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Falcons in hits. And the Falcons committed not a single error in the field.
Grace Matra had eight chances in the field, the most on the team.
Emily Santaite caught a fly ball in right field and converted it to a double play to keep the bases loaded and River Edge from scoring.
Cenicola said River Edge was caught stealing third “thanks to an amazing throw by Izzy Arcuri and tag by Sophie Xaxa to shut River Edge down in the fifth.”
And, she said, after the game, fan Thomas Santaite was asked about his thoughts on the game:
“I wasn’t worried. These girls never gave up all season,” he said.
Cenicola agreed, telling Pascack Press, “The secret to their success is that they never gave up all season long! Even when they were losing a game they never gave up! They all cheered for each other and picked each other up the entire game!”
She said the Falcons ended their season with an enviable record of 13-1.
The Falcons are led and managed by Peter Matra and coached by Ash Shah, Jenn Cenicola, and Michelle Capasso.
On his Facebook page after the title was won, Mayor Peter Calamari said it was a pleasure to attend the game and cheer the hometown players on:
“They made a fantastic comeback and earned a Championship win. … They showed total determination and commitment, which will suit them well throughout their lives.”
He added, “It was great to see so many fans come out to support the players and their families. A special thanks to all the coaches and countless volunteers who make all youth programs possible. Their dedication, time and effort to our children is admirable and it is truly something that makes our community special.”