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Friday, April 12, 2013

T H E D A I LY J O U R N A L

STARTING NINE
The senior left fielder has been a mainstay in the Lions lineup for four years. This clutch hitter is closing in on 100 career hits and could hit triple digits for RBIs too. She took some time recently to speak to Extra Innings about her senior year, some of her favorite things and Sacred Heart softball.

Question 1) What have you enjoyed most about your senior year so far? A: Absolutely, spring training with my team, went to Alabama last week, had the time of my life, the concussion of my life. It was really a great time, really great experience hanging out with the girls, I wouldnt of traded it for anything in the world. 2) You went out for cheerleading this year, was it fun? A: Yes I did. Oh my gosh, I never knew how hard it could possibly be. It was so hard. The girls were great, the coach is great. I just had the best time. 3) Would you consider cheerleading a sport? A: Absolutely. You never know how hard it is until you get it. Theres a thing called a front walkover and I swear I hit my butt on the floor 10 times. It was the hardest thing I can image doing. 4) What is your favorite restaurant and whats

the best item to get there? A: Martinos in Vineland by Vineland High School. I love it and I always get the penne vodka, its so good. 5) What is your favorite movie? A: It would have to be the Justin Beiber movie that came out, that Never Say Never movie. Thats classic, its my favorite. 6) If they played music when you came to bat, what would the song be? A: We were thinking about that this year, we were going to do walkout songs. We were all comparing everything and they were like You can not have a Justin Beiber song....So, I decided to go with Im Ready by Bobby Brackins. 7) If Americas got talent did a Sacred Heart softball edition, which player would win? A: Danielle Lugo. No one knows this. When were

stretching and we put our warmup CD on, she always does this little funky dance thing that everyone just stops and looks for....Its the funniest thing youve ever seen. 8) What would you like to major in at college and why? A: Next year Im going to major in forensic psychology and I want to be a forensic psychologist for the CIA. 9) What advice would you give to younger players who are coming up in the Sacred Heart softball program? A: To have fun. The main goal in sports is to have fun. Dont get too caught up in getting a spot in the lineup, getting a spot on the field. Never get too overwhelmed with that because if youre having fun and you play to the best of your advantages, it will come.

LINDSAY DWYER
Sacred Heart Senior Left field

S.J. MEAN 15
1. Washington Twp ....5-0 2. Gloucester Cath...... 4-1 3. Shawnee .................. 3-2 4. Haddon Heights ..... 4-1 5. Eastern...................... 5-2 6. Sacred Heart ........... 4-0 7. Vineland................... 3-0 8. GCIT ........................... 3-1 9. Buena........................ 4-0 10. Hammonton.......... 4-2 11. Cumberland ........... 2-1 12. Delsea...................... 3-1 13. Kingsway ................ 7-1 14. Gloucester .............. 4-1 15. Paul VI ..................... 4-1

LOCAL POLL
Super Six
1. Sacred Heart (4-0). The Lions earned a pair of one-run wins over Ocean City and Woodstown; huge showdown at Buena on Tuesday. 2. Vineland (3-0). Pitching and defense have shined in strong start; will face Buena in the Red Devil Elite Tournament Saturday at 1:30 p.m. 3. Buena (4-0). The Chiefs could have South Jerseys deepting pitching rotation; the three pitchers have done an excellent job so far. 4. Cumberland (2-1). The Colts took Gloucester Catholic to eight innings before dropping a 4-3 decision ; big week ahead with Williamstown and Woodstown on the schedule. 5. Delsea (3-1). Impressive wins over Williamstown and Clearview were evened out with a tough loss against Gloucester County Tech. 6. Millville (2-3). Rough start for the Thunderbolts, who will look to turn things around against rival Vineland on Tuesday. * Records through Wednesday.

Becca, Lynnsie and Allie Collins, from left to right, are sisters who play on the Buena softball team. STAFF PHOTO/CRAIG MATTHEWS

THREE OF DIAMONDS
Collins sisters bond together at Buena
By Tom McGurk
tmcgurk@thedailyjournal.com

he way the Collins sisters describe themselves, the similarities among the three siblings stop with their last name. Buena coach Pam Pickett doesnt disagree. She says that each of the Collins trio Allie, Becca and Lynnsie has her own distinct personality. However, she does point to an important characteristic that each does share. They are all hard workers, Pickett said. Its the first word you think of when you get to know them. They work for everything they earn. They are always quick to help out no matter what the job is. There are some days when I have to ask Can someone besides the Collins sisters help out please? thats just the way they are. Pickett, who is in her 26th season, has coached plenty of sister tandems during her tenure, and in recent years has watched daughters of mothers she coached earlier in her career come up through the program. But a sister tripleheader on the same team is a first. Its definitely a unique situation, I just have to remember which (uniform) number goes with each one, Pickett said. They are all a big part of this program.

The three sisters have played on the same squad before, suiting up for the ASA 16-and-under Ladys As, but the novelty hasnt worn off. Its fun to be a part of the same team, Allie said. Becca and Allie are fraternal twins, seniors that share the same bedroom at home. One would think that would lead to some big-time arguments, but they say they manage keep the sibling squabbling to a minimum. We are definitely opposites, but weve learned to deal with each other, said Becca, who is described as the always positive and reliable neat freak by her two sisters. Allie often is the entertainer of the group. While she has the knack for getting a laugh, she also has a great understanding of the game. Both older sisters said sophomore Lynnsie is the brains out of the three. A member of the schools National Honor Society, the catcher picks up English and Geometry easier than an 0-2 curveball in the dirt. Lynnsies very independent, she likes to do things her own way, Allie said. The three players are different in the field too, playing outfielder, pitcher and catcher. Becca roams the outfield and has be-

come a key part to the Chiefs lineup after scorching the ball in the preseason. We made a few tweaks with her swing and shes really been hitting so far this year, Pickett said. Allie is just getting herself back into action after she suffered a straight right (throwing) forearm during the preseason. The finesse pitcher, who relies on spin more than speed, picked up her first win of the season against Lower Cape May on Tuesday. Lynnsie is working her way to more time on varsity. She is the backup catcher for the Chiefs and is eying a starting spot next season. This spring will also be special for the sisters because its likely the final time the three will play together. Becca and Allie both want to play softball in college next year. Becca is planning on attending Camden County College to study paramedic science. Shes already a Junior Firefighter and recently obtained her NJEMT certificate. Allie has narrowed her college choices down to Montclair and Cabrini and would like to major in criminology.
Tom McGurk covers scholastic softball for The Daily Journal. He can be reached at (856) 563-5260 or tmcgurk@thedailyjournal.com

AREA LEADERS
Batting Average Kiara Martin, Bridgeton ............750 Danielle Lugo, Sacred Heart ......667 Katie McCormick, Cumberland..600 Amanda Buckson, Millville........583 Jodi Cook, Cumberland .............545 Kodi Pollock, Cumberland .........545 Hits Casey Derella, Millville..................8 Danielle Lugo, Sacred Heart ..........8 Ashley Surran, Buena....................8 Amanda Buckson, Millville............7 Jenna Cali, Delsea.........................6 Gabby Castellini, Sacred Heart ......6 Jodi Cook, Cumberland.................6 Rosie LaGrotta, Sacred Heart ........6 Carly Linus, Buena ........................6 Kady Mae Makos, Millville ............6 Katie McCormick, Cumberland......6 Brttany Rivera, Millville.................6 Rachel Rivera, Millville..................6 Runs Sam Fiocchi, Buena .......................6 Jenna Cali, Delsea.........................5 Samantha Caterina, Sacred Heart .5 Casey Derella, Millville..................5 Carly Linus, Buena ........................5 Danielle Lugo, Sacred Heart ..........5 Katie McCormick, Cumberland......5 Rachel Rivera, Millville..................5 Ashley Surran, Buena....................5 HRs Casey Derella, Millville..................2 Julia Voluntad, Delsea...................2 RBIs Danielle Lugo, Sacred Heart.........10 Lindsey Gaines, Cumberland .........9 Ashley Surran, Buena....................9 Samantha Caterina, Sacred Heart .6 Kodi Pollock, Cumberland .............5 Brittany Rivera, Millville................5 Kady Mae Makos, Millville ............4 Abby Pettit, Cumberland...............4 Rachel Rivera, Millville..................4 Julia Voluntad, Delsea...................4 SBs Kayla Rodriguez, Vineland ............4 Amanda Buckson, Millville............2 Cassidy Gorgo, Millville.................2 Danielle Lugo, Sacred Heart ..........2 Kodi Pollock, Cumberland .............2 Pitching Wins Rosie LaGrotta, Sacred Heart ........4 Sam Monfredo, Buena ..................3 Demi Murray, Vineland .................3 Julia Voluntad, Delsea...................3 ERA Demi Murray, Vineland ............0.70 Julia Voluntad, Delsea..............0.84 Rosie LaGrotta, Sacred Heart....1.08 Alexa Calareso, Millville ...........1.62 Ks Julia Voluntad, Delsea .................31 Demi Murray, Vineland................19 Rosie LaGrotta, Sacred Heart.......17 *Statistics provided by coaches and compiled through Wednesdays. For a larger list, please log onto our blog at thedailyjournal.com/playmakers

COLTS MARTIN BACK BEHIND DISH

Fighting off a tough 0-2 pitch or picking a ball out of the dirt and throwing down to second base in one motion are nothing compared to the really tough challenge that Cumberland catcher Jackie Martin faced last season. Martin came to the field every day, but couldnt play. Now, shes ready to make up for lost time. Martin was enjoying a stellar freshman season, hitting at a .419 clip with 16 RBIs in April when she was hit on the left arm against Wildwood, fracturing her ulna bone and ending her season. It was frustrating, very disappointing, Martin said. But I came to every game, cheered on my teammates and tried to keep their heads up, and mine too, Martin is back and looking to contribute in every way she can with her bat, her arm and even her legs. Shes a complete player, Cumberland coach Alan Cumberlands Jackie Martin Homan said. Ive even told her that shes got to learn to is back after an injury. STAFF put the (catchers) gear on quicker, because Im not us- PHOTO/CHARLES J. OLSON ing a runner for her either.

News and Notes

Vinelands Demi Murray signed a Letter of Intent to attend and play softball at Kutztown University. Buenas Janessa Rios recently signed to West Chester. Delsea sophomore pitcher Julia Voluntad has made a verbal commitment to play softball at Division I Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Millvilles Amanda Buckson has made a quick impression during her first season. The senior collected seven hits in her first 12 at-bats and leads the TBolts with a .583 batting average. There was a power surge in the area last week as 13 homers were clubbed, including two apiece by Millvilles Casey Derella and Voluntad.