TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—The Falcons 4th Grade Tournament Team put together an unforgettable weekend at the 16th annual Park Ridge Rumble Softball Tournament, going a perfect 5-0 against strong competition and bringing home the championship trophy.
Over five games, the Falcons outscored their opponents 42-14 while combining dominant pitching, timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and outstanding defense. Every player contributed throughout the weekend, and the team’s depth, resilience, and chemistry were on full display from the opening game through the championship celebration.
The Falcons opened pool play with a commanding 12-0 victory over Westwood 2. Game 1 MVP Marcella Mastellone set the tone both in the circle and at the plate, throwing two scoreless innings while collecting two hits and stealing two bases.
Kelly Terwilliger led the offense with three hits, including a double, while Franki Prunella, Giavanna Gramuglia, Mia Ramos, Nina Cambria, Savannah Dalessio, Harlow Ponchak, and Hailey Sardina all contributed offensively as the Falcons piled up 12 hits and nine walks. Hailey added two scoreless innings, and the defense was flawless behind strong performances behind the plate from Savannah and Camryn Valla.
In Game 2, the Falcons defeated Hillsdale 8-3 behind dominant pitching from Game 2 MVP Hailey Sardina. Marcella started the game by striking out six hitters in two innings before Hailey took over and recorded six more strikeouts across two scoreless innings. Harlow delivered the biggest hits of the game, driving in four runs in total, while Kelly, Camryn, Marcella, and Savannah each added hits. Danielle Lynn and Hailey showed tremendous patience at the plate by drawing multiple walks, and Camryn anchored the defense with several key plays as the Falcons improved to 2-0.
The final pool play game featured a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Westwood 1 that secured the top seed heading into bracket play. Game 3 MVP Harlow Ponchak led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Hailey and Marcella continued their impressive weekend on the mound with another strong pitching performance, while Nina and Savannah delivered clutch bases-loaded walks to drive in critical runs. Franki worked three walks to help extend innings, and the Falcons once again pulled out the win to finish pool play undefeated.
The Falcons carried their momentum into the semifinals, shutting out Emerson 8-0 behind a combined pitching effort from Marcella, Kelly, and Hailey. Semifinal MVP Savannah Dalessio was outstanding defensively and had a huge double with the bases loaded to ice the game for the Falcons. Marcella was dominant in the circle, striking out eight hitters over three scoreless innings while also collecting two hits at the plate. Giavanna and Kelly each delivered RBI singles during a key third-inning rally, and the Falcons continued to show patience at the plate by drawing eight walks. The victory over Emerson sent the Falcons to the championship game.
The championship game proved to be the toughest test of the tournament, but the Falcons showed their resilience in an exciting 8-7 victory over host Park Ridge. Championship Game MVP Kelly Terwilliger was nearly impossible to retire, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and sparking the offense throughout the game. After falling behind early, the Falcons rallied to take the lead behind a clutch two-run single from Nina and an RBI walk from Giavanna. Hailey delivered two scoreless innings of pitching against a strong Park Ridge lineup to help preserve the lead, adding another strong outing to an impressive tournament weekend. Franki, Marcella, and Giavanna each worked multiple walks as the Falcons battled through a late Park Ridge comeback attempt before securing the final outs and the championship trophy.
Winning a tournament takes contributions from everyone, and every Falcon played an important role throughout the weekend. After cruising through pool play and the semifinals, they faced their biggest challenge in the championship game as Park Ridge mounted a late comeback in the final inning. Rather than folding under pressure, the Falcons stayed composed, made the plays they needed to make, and found a way to secure the final outs. Their ability to respond to adversity and battle through the tense final moments was a fitting ending to an incredible weekend.
With the victory, the Falcons brought the championship trophy back home and continued an impressive tradition, capturing the tournament title for the fourth consecutive year. The girls represented themselves, their families, and the Falcons program with tremendous effort, sportsmanship, and heart from the first pitch to the final out.
—Team submission