HUNTINGDON, Pa. (May 10, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (27-14) finished second in the ECAC South, losing to Misericordia (29-15), 3-1, in the championship game. Facing elimination, the Lady Cyclones defeated Bethany (24-21), 7-6 in extra innings, and then beat MU 6-1 to set up a winner-take-all match with the Cougars. Junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) accounted for all of Centenary’s scoring with a lead-off home run to open the final game.

“It was a very good game, 1-1 through five innings, but we had one inning where a couple mistakes led to two runs for them,” said first-year head coach Kim Broking. “We did not hit the ball as well as we had in our previous two games. It was a close game but I am very proud of the girls. I am disappointed that we lost but I am not disappointed with how the girls played.”

In Centenary’s 7-6 win over Bethany to start the day, senior Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) went 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI to lead the Cyclones. The Bison scored five runs in the third inning, but Centenary cut into the lead with three in the fourth. In the bottom of the seventh, trailing 5-3, a pair of Bethany errors led to two CC runs and the game went into extra innings. The Bison scored one in the top of the eighth, but the Lady Cyclones used an RBI double by Bickel to tie the game. Bickel then won the game when she came home on an RBI single by freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy).

Facing the undefeated Cougars, Centenary scored three in the sixth and three in the seventh to win, 6-1. Junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) hit 3-for-4 with two runs and sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI to lead the Cyclones. But the story of the game was sophomore Kristin Durburow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional), who allowed only four hits while pitching a complete game.

After Dunne’s home run to open the championship game, Misericordia tied the contest at one in the bottom of the first. The score remained even at one apiece until the fifth, when the Cougars opened with two consecutive doubles to take a 2-1 lead. A passed ball and an error led to another MU run, and it held on to win, 3-1.

“Kristin pitched a great game to get us to the championship,” said Broking. “Bickel was unbelievable through the entire day, making highlight reel catches and getting clutch hits. She was our MVP all weekend.”

Centenary finishes the season setting school records for wins (27) and conference victories (17), including the program’s first ECAC Tournament appearance. The Lady Cyclones played in two postseason tournaments, finishing second in the ECAC South and tying for second in the CSAC Championship.

“We have a lot of girls coming back so the future is bright for Centenary softball,” said Broking. “The pitching staff is coming back, the majority of our infield is coming back, we took second place in conference and second in ECAC, and better things are in our future. The team is excited to build on our successful season.”

Centenery 7 - Bethany 6

Centenary 6 - Misericordia 1

Centenary 1 - Misericordia 3

HUNTINGDON, Pa. (May 7, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (24-12) will play in its first-ever ECAC Tournament, Saturday and Sunday on the campus of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The Lady Cyclones will face Bethany College (23-19) on Saturday at noon before taking on either Juniata (24-13) or Misericordia (25-12) in the double-elimination competition.

Led by CSAC Coach of the Year Kim Broking, Centenary finished in a tie for second in the CSAC Championship, thanks to a 1-1 tournament record. The Lady Cyclones have been led by a pair of All-Conference players in Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) and Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII). Knapp leads the team with a .383 batting average (46-for-120) and 26 RBI, while Olsen is hitting .317 (33-for-104) with 24 RBI. On the mound, Olsen is 14-6 with a 1.46 ERA, 11 complete games, five shutouts and 116 strikeouts. Knapp has appeared in 12 games, posting a 1.96 ERA, one win, two saves and 18 strikeouts.

Junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) is hitting .360 (27-for-75) with 20 runs and 11 RBI, fellow classmate Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) has a .354 batting average (40-for-113) with 12 doubles, 22 runs and 14 RBI and senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) leads the team with 32 runs and three home runs while batting .319 (36-for-113). Sophomore pitcher Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) is 9-6 with a 2.45 ERA, nine complete games, two shutouts and 95 strikeouts.

Bethany has been led by Bridgette Fauth, who is hitting .353 (42-for-119) with 23 runs and 20 RBI. Ashley Marinacci leads the team with six home runs and 27 runs batted in while Chelsea Butler has scored a team-best 29 runs. Cortney Newland leads the pitching staff with a 14-7 record and a 2.49 ERA. She has 11 complete games and one shutout.

Juniata boasts three players batting above .400 in Rachel Nagy (.436, 34-for-78), Sarah Eckard (.430, 52-for-121) and Tara Carl (.407, 50-for-123). Liz Schmitt leads the team with 34 RBI and five home runs and Carl has scored a team-best 38 runs. Alyssa Erb is 14-8 with a 2.23 ERA, 18 complete games, five shutouts and 158 strikeouts.

Misericordia moved on to the double-elimination round thanks to a thrilling 4-3 bottom-of-the-seventh victory over Frostburg State on Wednesday. Trailing 3-2, MU received a two-run walk-off single by Hollie Sarnak to win the game. Sarnak leads the team with a .408 batting average (51-for-125) with 13 doubles, six home runs, 29 runs and 37 RBI. On the mound, Katie Eiden and Katherine Lucenti each have 13 victories and a combined 238 strikeouts. Misericordia, the defending ECAC South Champions, will face Juniata on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

ECAC South Tournament Brackets

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 5, 2009) – Centenary athletics held its annual banquet Tuesday night, handing out awards for the 2008-09 season. Coach of the Year honors went to first-year men’s basketball coach Enrico Mastroianni, Rookie of the Year went to Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) and Owen Vernon (Great Meadows, N.J./Hackettstown), the Scholar Athlete winners were Bianca Santulli (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) and Adam Achillies (Lanoka Harbor, N.J./Lacey Twp.) and the Cardy Gemma Award went to Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) and Chris Hill (Flanders, N.J./Gil St. Bernard's).

Veverka competed with women’s soccer in the fall and led the team with 11 goals and 24 points. She also recorded two assists and three game-winning goals and was named Second Team All-CSAC Forward. She joined the softball team in the spring after injuries affected the squad. In 18 games, she has a .286 batting average (12-for-42) with eight runs, six RBI, four doubles and two home runs, and she was named Second Team All-CSAC Designated Hitter.

The Cardy Gemma Award is given to the outstanding senior male and female athletes. Veres is one of the most prolific players in Centenary softball history, as she is the program’s all-time leader in runs scored and walks, and also stands in the top five in games played, at bats, doubles, triples, home runs, hits, total bases, stolen bases and putouts. As a volleyball player, she is the school’s all-time leader in assists, games played and aces. She has also recorded 656 digs through her career, fourth in school history.

2008-09 Centenary Athletic Awards

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 4, 2009) – The Centenary softball team earned the program’s first-ever berth to the ECAC South Tournament, taking the second seed in the five-team bracket. The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, on the campus of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. The Lady Cyclones finished the season 24-12 and tied for second in the CSAC Tournament. They will take on Bethany College (23-19) on Saturday at noon.

Misericordia and Frostburg State will compete in a play-in game on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Juniata Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

ECAC South Tournament Brackets

ECAC South Tournament Release

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (May 4, 2009) – Four Centenary student-athletes received Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly honors, the league announced Monday. Softball swept its sports’ weekly awards, as junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) was named Player of the Week and sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) was named Pitcher of the Week.

In women’s lacrosse, freshman Danielle Bay (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) earned Player of the Week honors and in baseball, junior Michael Fasano (Hawthorne, N.J./St. Joseph’s Regional) took home Honor Roll accolades.

Softball played two games during the week, sweeping a double-header with Drew. Dunne finished 2-for-7 with two runs and one RBI, including a slugging percentage of .429, as the Lady Cyclones defeated the Rangers 2-1 and 3-1. Durborow pitched in the first contest, limiting Drew to five hits and one unearned run while striking out four.

May 4 CSAC Weekly Awards

ASTON, Pa. (May 4, 2009) – The Centenary softball team was named co-runners-up, along with Immaculata, in the CSAC Tournament. The final day of competition was rained out, giving Neumann the championship by way of a 2-0 record on Saturday. The Lady Cyclones’ game with the Knights on Saturday essentially became the championship game, as both teams were 1-0 going into the match. Top-seeded Neumann came away with the 2-1 victory to win the CSAC and earn the automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Centenary (24-12) expects to earn a berth into the ECAC South tournament and will find out its status on Monday, May 4. The Lady Cyclones have already set a program-record for wins in a season.

ASTON, Pa. (May 2, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (24-12) fell to Neumann (30-10) in the second round of the CSAC Tournament, 2-1, Saturday in Aston, Pa. The Lady Cyclones will face Immaculata (17-18) in an elimination game tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., with the winner moving on to face Neumann at noon.

Sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) pitched a complete game, allowing five hits and two runs, while also going 1-for-2 with one run from the plate. Freshman Danielle Dundas (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) made the play to score Olsen with a sacrifice fly RBI in the fourth inning. Neumann scored one in the second and one in the fourth and held on to win, 2-1.

Immaculata, the fifth seed in the tournament, defeated Cabrini 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the double-elimination round. The Mighty Macs fell to top seed Neumann, 10-0, earlier on Saturday before eliminating Gwynedd-Mercy with an 8-0 win in both teams’ second game of the day. Centenary defeated GMC 4-3 earlier on Saturday.

Boxscore

ASTON, Pa. (May 2, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (24-11) won its opening game in the CSAC Tournament, 4-3 over Gwynedd-Mercy (15-21), Saturday in Aston, Pa. The Lady Cyclones will next face either Immaculata or Neumann at 4:00 p.m.

Sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) threw a complete game for Centenary to pick up her ninth win of the season. She allowed only eight hits and three runs (one earned), while striking out seven.

GMC scored all of its runs in the fourth inning to take a 3-0 lead. The Lady Cyclones put two of their own on the board in the fifth inning and the score remained 3-2 in favor of the Griffins until the bottom of the seventh.

Senior Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) walked to open the inning. Fellow classmate Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) laid down a bunt to move Bickel over, but an error by GMC’s Rachel Smull put runners on second and third. Junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) then won the game for the Lady Cyclones with a walk-off two-RBI single.

Boxscore

ASTON, Pa. (May 1, 2009) – The Centenary softball team is the second seed in the CSAC Championship, set to take place Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, on the campus of Neumann College in Aston, Pa. The Lady Cyclones will play two games on Saturday in the double-elimination tournament, facing fifth-seed Gwynedd-Mercy first at 10:00 a.m.

Centenary head coach Kim Broking, in her first year with the program, took home CSAC Coach of the Year honors after guiding the team to school-records for both regular season victories (23) and conference wins (17). Five Cyclones earned All-Conference awards, including sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII), who was named to the First Team.

Junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) and freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) received Second Team accolades and senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) and freshman Danielle Dundas (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) each were given Honorable Mention awards. Senior Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) was the recipient of a Sportsmanship Award.

Olsen finished the season as Centenary’s best pitcher, with a 14-5 record, 10 complete games, five shutouts and 112 strikeouts. She limited opponents to a .196 batting average (75-for-382) while pitching 104.0 innings. Sophomore Kristin Durburow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) was also effective for the Lady Cyclones, winning eight games with two shutouts and 88 strikeouts.

Offensively, Knapp is hitting .404 (46-for-114) with 18 runs, six doubles, one triple, two home runs and a team-best 26 RBI. She is one of two players on Centenary’s roster to have at least one double, one triple and one home run, the other being Veres. The senior catcher is hitting .324 (35-for-108) with 32 runs, six doubles, five triples and three home runs. Junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) boasts a batting average of .346 (37-for-107) with a team-high 11 doubles. She also has 22 runs and 14 RBI.

Gwynedd-Mercy has been led by Ashley Bowie, who is hitting .333 (30-for-90) with 17 runs and 13 RBI. Michelle Bissell leads the team with two home runs, while Rachel Smull has a team-high 18 RBI. On the mound, Heather Morgan is 5-4 with a 2.45 ERA while Brianna Seckinger has a record of 7-8 and an ERA of 3.43.

The two teams split a double-header on April 24 in Hackettstown, N.J., as Centenary took the first game, 2-0, before GMC won the second, 5-4. The Lady Cyclones held leads of 2-0 and 4-2 in the second contest before the Griffins scored three in the seventh to win the contest. Olsen finished the two-game set 5-for-6 with two runs and one RBI, Knapp went 3-for-7 with one run and Papa hit 3-for-5 with a walk, a run and two RBI.

Centenary will face either Neumann or Immaculata Saturday afternoon at 2:00 or 4:00 p.m., depending on the outcome of the early games.

Six Lady Cyclones Earn All-CSAC Honors

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 29, 2009) – The Centenary softball team received six Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) regular season awards, the league announced Wednesday. Head coach Kim Broking was recognized as the conference’s Coach of the Year and sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) earned First Team honors.

Junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) and freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) received Second Team accolades and senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) and freshman Danielle Dundas (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) each were given Honorable Mention awards. Senior Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) was the recipient of a Sportsmanship Award.

In her first year with the program, Broking guided the Lady Cyclones to an 11-game improvement from 2008, finishing with a 23-11 record, including a 17-5 CSAC mark. The team set the school record for regular season and conference victories while finishing as the second seed in the CSAC. The Lady Cyclones had been picked to finish fifth in the conference in a preseason vote by the league’s coaches.

Olsen led the pitching staff with a 14-5 record, including an ERA of 1.41, 10 complete games, five shutouts and 112 strikeouts. Her earned run average was the fourth-best in the conference and she was third in the CSAC in strikeouts. She was a two-time conference Pitcher of the Week and was named to the Honor Roll once. She also performed well with a bat, hitting .320 (32-for-100) with 12 runs, nine doubles, one home run and 24 RBI.

Knapp led the team and was third in the conference with a .404 batting average (46-for-114). She recorded 18 runs, six doubles, one triple and two home runs, while leading the team with 26 RBI. She also served as a relief pitcher, recording two saves and a 1.96 ERA in 12 appearances. Papa was second on the team with a .377 batting average (26-for-69) with 20 runs, two doubles, four triples and nine RBI. She stole six bases in seven attempts and had an on-base percentage of .456.

Veres helped the young pitching staff not only behind the plate but with her bat as well. She hit .324 (35-for-108) while setting team-highs in runs (32), triples (five), home runs (three) and stolen bases (eight). The veteran finished with 230 putouts and 18 assists, recording a fielding percentage of .988. She also walked a team-high 17 times.

Dundas came through for the Lady Cyclones in conference action, hitting .340 (16-for-47) with six runs, four doubles, one triple and 11 RBI in 19 games. Wendolowski finished the season with 16 runs, one double, one triple, 16 RBI and four stolen bases in four attempts. She also recorded 42 putouts and was third on the team with 30 assists.

Centenary returns to action on Thursday with a double-header at Montclair. The Lady Cyclones will play in the semifinals of the CSAC Tournament on Saturday when they face either Marywood or Gwynedd-Mercy at 10:00 a.m. in Aston, Pa.

2009 CSAC Softball Regular Season Awards

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 28, 2009) - Two Centenary athletes received CSAC weekly awards, the league announced Monday. Sophomore pitcher Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) was announced as the Pitcher of the Week, while junior attacker Jason Rieg (Chester, N.J./West Morris) was selected to the weekly Honor Roll. For Olsen, this was the second time this season she was awarded the Pitcher of the Week, while her third time overall appearing on the weekly awards. Rieg has now appeared in the weekly awards for the third straight week and has been awarded four times in total this season.

Olsen appeared in five games this past week, throwing three complete games, including two shutouts, pitching 29 innings and striking out 27. Olsen held opponents to a .157 batting average against her. In the Cyclones’ win over Neumann College on April 25, Olsen threw a complete game four-hitter, with two strikeouts and no earned runs. In that same game Olsen was the hero at the plate, hitting her first home run of the season, and driving in the two game-winning runs in the process.

Olsen has continued an impressive season, as her record is now at 14-5 while also posting a 1.41 era. She has 112 strikeouts and opponents are hitting just .196 against her. Olsen has been a big reason the softball team is seeded second in the CSAC playoffs which begin on Wednesday, April 29. The Lady Cyclones will begin their play on Saturday, as they face the winner of the game between Marywood and Gwynedd-Mercy. Centenary’s game will be at 10:00 am and will be held at Neumann College.

MADISON, N.J. (April 27, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (23-11) swept a double-header at Drew (12-25), winning 2-1 and 3-1, Monday in Madison, N.J. Sophomore pitchers Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) and Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) each threw complete games for the Lady Cyclones, allowing a combined nine hits in the two games.

Sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) finished 4-for-7 in the two games, while junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) went 2-for-6 with two runs and one RBI.

In the first contest, Centenary scored all of its runs in the sixth inning. First, Dunne doubled in junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown). Knapp then singled Dunne to third and freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) brought her home with a fielder’s choice RBI. Olsen then held Drew down to win, 2-1.

The second game was tied at one entering the sixth inning, but a passed ball and an error allowed two runs to score and Durborow did the rest, picking up her eighth win of the season.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, May 2, with the second round of the CSAC Playoffs in Aston, Pa. The Lady Cyclones will face either Marywood or Gwynedd-Mercy at 10:00 a.m.

Game 1                                    Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 25, 2009) – Centenary (21-11, 17-5 CSAC) made a statement this afternoon against the CSAC top dog Neumann, with a 2-1 win in game one. The Lady Cyclones also proved that they can score against the reigning CSAC player of the year Angela Sebasto by recording four runs in an 8-4 loss in game two. The split secures the second seed for Centenary in the conference playoffs and a first-round bye.

In game one sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) pitched a brilliant game, going all seven innings allowing only one run on four hits. She also was responsible for the Cyclone’s offense when she crushed a two-run home run over the left field wall, breaking a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the fourth. The batter before, fellow sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Meade, N.J./Montgomery), broke up Sebasto’s no hitter with a single to left center and then scored on Olsen’s home run.

The Lady Knights would answer in the top of the fifth when Caitlin Hanrahan led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a passed ball. Olsen locked in and struck out Kimberly Kirkpatrick and induced a pop up from Lauren Strack. Neumann left fielder Sheila Munson then ripped a ball down the left field line that was snagged by freshman Danielle Dundas (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) but her throw got away from her. This allowed Hanrahan to score the unearned run.

The Lady Knights would put runners on second and third before Olsen got Deanna Christy to line one right back at her to end the inning. Olsen would allow only one more base runner for the remainder of the game en route to her team-leading thirteenth victory. Her counterpart, Sebasto, finished with nine strikeouts and lost only her third game of the season.

Game two showcased both offenses with a combined 22 hits. Despite the Cyclones collecting 10 hits of their own it just wasn’t enough to get the win. Neumann jumped on the Lady Cyclones early scoring two unearned runs in the opening frame.

Centenary answered right back in the bottom of the inning against Sebasto, who went on to toss all 14 innings for the Lady Knights. Senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) led off the inning with a triple and was singled home immediately by junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown). Knapp stepped in with one out and doubled to centerfield to score Papa all the way from first, tying the score at two.

The next two Neumann innings would put the game out of reach for the Lady Cyclones after a total of six runs were brought home. Centenary committed four errors in that stretch to aid the Knight rallies.

The Lady Cyclones were led at the plate by senior Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) who finished 4-for-6 on the day. Knapp chipped in with three hits while Papa and Veres each had two hits in the two-game set. 

With both teams already clinching berths in the CSAC playoffs earlier in the week, the game proved to be very important for Centenary’s seeding. The Lady Knights locked up the top seed after the Cyclones split with Gwynedd-Mercy yesterday. With the win in game one today Centenary was able to hold off conference rival Marywood, who will most likely land the third seed.

Centenary will play its final game of the regular season on Monday in a non-conference matchup with the Rangers of Drew in Morristown, N.J. The Lady Cyclones get a bye in the first round of the CSAC Tournament and will await the winner of Marywood and Gwynedd-Mercy.

Neumann will host the double elimination rounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3. Centenary's first game will be Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Game 1                                      Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 24, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (20-10, 16-4 CSAC) split a two-game set with Gwynedd-Mercy (10-20, 9-9 CSAC) on Senior Day, winning the first game 2-0 before dropping the second, 5-4. Sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) finished 5-for-6 with two runs and two RBI, while also picking up her 12th win of the season.

Prior to the game, Centenary honored seniors Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan), Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional), Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) and Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) for everything they have meant to the school and the softball program.

In the Lady Cyclones’ shutout victory in game one, Dunne finished 1-for-2 with one run and one RBI while junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) went 2-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. Olsen pitched all seven innings for her eighth complete game and fifth shutout of the season. She allowed only three hits and struck out nine.

In the second contest, Centenary twice had a two-run lead, at 2-0 and 4-2. But Gwynedd-Mercy scored three runs in the top of the seventh to come away with the 5-4 victory. Papa finished 1-for-3 with a two-run double in the sixth inning and Wendolowski went 2-for-2 with an RBI in the loss. Sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) pitched six strong innings, throwing 110 pitches while picking up a no decision.

Centenary returns to action with a home double-header against first-place CSAC team Neumann, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Tannery Field. The Knights clinched the top seed in the conference playoffs by sweeping Rosemont on Friday. The Lady Cyclones remain in second-place, one game ahead of Marywood.

MEET THE TEAM
After the second game against Neumann, the Lady Cyclones will head over to Cold Stone Creamery in Mansfield, N.J., where fans will have the opportunity to meet the team, take pictures with the student-athletes, win prizes and more.

Game 1                                  Game 2

NEWTOWN, Pa. (April 23, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (19-9, 15-3 CSAC) swept Philadelphia Biblical (11-15, 8-8 CSAC) in a double-header at Helen Randle Park in Newtown, Pa., winning 5-2 and 4-0. Sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) got the win for both games, pitching a combined 14 innings while striking out a 16 and giving up only seven hits. She also helped herself by going 4-for-7 from the plate with two RBI in the two contests.

Freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) continued her hot play by going 2-for-6 with a walk, three runs, two RBI, including a double and a solo home run. Sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) also hit a solo home run for the Lady Cyclones; she finished the two-game set 4-for-8.

Veverka and Knapp each homered in the first contest while senior Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) went 2-for-4 with a run. Centenary never trailed, scoring one in the first, third, fourth, sixth and seventh to win, 5-2. In the second game, senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI, including a home run in the third inning to give the Lady Cyclones a 3-0 lead. They would tack on another run in the fifth inning to win, 4-0.

Centenary returns to action on Friday with a home double-header against Gwynedd-Mercy on Senior Day, starting at 3:00 p.m. Bickel, Veres, Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) and Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) will be honored prior to the game.

Game 1                              Game 2

MEET THE TEAM
The Lady Cyclones will close out their regular season with a home double-header against first-place team Neumann (24-8, 17-1 CSAC) on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. After the second game, the Lady Cyclones will head over to Cold Stone Creamery in Mansfield, N.J., where fans will have the opportunity to meet the team, take pictures with the student-athletes, win prizes and more.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 23, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (17-9, 13-3 CSAC) closes out its 2009 campaign with a home double-header against first-place Neumann (24-8, 17-1 CSAC), Saturday at Tannery Field at 1:00 p.m. After the second game, the Lady Cyclones will head over to Cold Stone Creamery in Mansfield, N.J., where fans will have the opportunity to meet the team, take pictures with the student-athletes, win prizes and more.

The Lady Cyclones have been led by junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional), who is hitting .395 (32-for-81) with 17 runs, 10 doubles and 11 RBI. Sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) boasts a batting average of .376 (32-for-85) with 15 runs and a team-high 23 RBI, while senior catcher Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) is .363 (29-for-80) from the plate with a team-best 28 runs, as well as six doubles, four triples, two home runs and 16 RBI.

On the mound, sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) is 9-4 with a 1.85 ERA, 82 strikeouts, six complete games and three shutouts. Fellow classmate Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) is 7-4 with a 2.70 ERA, 74 strikeouts and two shutouts. For Neumann, Angela Sebasto (38-for-95) and Lauren Strack (36-for-90) are each hitting .400. Sebasto also leads the pitching staff with an impressive 14-2 record and an ERA of 1.63.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 20, 2009) – Four Centenary student-athletes earned Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly awards, the league announced Monday. Men’s lacrosse junior attacker Jason Rieg (Chester, N.J./West Morris Central) was named his sport’s Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, while baseball’s Lou Penna (East Haven, Conn./Notre Dame) and Andrew Koncen (Elizabeth, N.J./Union Catholic) and softball’s Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) earned Honor Roll recognition.

Ruiz hit .353 (6-for-17) with seven runs, two doubles and five RBI as Centenary went 5-1 in conference play over the week. The Lady Cyclones (17-9, 13-3 CSAC) stand in second-place in the conference with six games remaining. CC returns to action on Tuesday, April 21, with a road double-header against Philadelphia Biblical, starting at 3:00 p.m.

April 20 CSAC Awards

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 18, 2009) – The Centenary softball team’s (21-8, 13-3 CSAC) pitching staff proved to be too much for Rosemont (0-19, 0-14 CSAC), as the Lady Cyclones defeated the Ramblers 12-0 and 15-0, Saturday at Tannery Field. Centenary sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John) had a career day, tossing a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts in five innings while facing 16 batters, one below the minimum. Game two saw much of the same as sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahwkin, N.J./Southern Regional) threw a no-hitter, facing 19 batters and striking out 12 while earning her fifth win of the season. 

In game one Olsen established her command early, striking out five of the first six batters. She carried a no-hitter into the fifth until Adrian Demchenko singled to lead off the inning. Her only other base runner was a walk to Ashley Conti in the fourth.

The Lady Cyclone bats picked up where they left off from yesterday’s matchup with Marywood. In the bottom of the first inning Centenary spotted their pitcher seven runs as Rosemont pitcher Heather Daneker struggled with her control.  After Centenary loaded the bases, Olsen drew a walk to force home senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls). Freshman Danielle Dundas (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family) then doubled to center to score Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) and Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield).  Later in the same inning senior Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) and Ruiz had a pair two-RBI hits to centerfield to cap off the rally.

In game two the Lady Cyclones blew the game open with a six run third inning. The two out rally started when Durborow drew a walk. After singles from Veres and Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), Ruiz stepped up and hit a shot over the centerfielder’s head to score two runs. Centenary kept the bases loaded until the inning ended.  Dundas and Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) added RBI singles before the Ramblers retired Durborow for the final out.

In an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer and raise money for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, the Lady Cyclones sold t-shirts and accepted donations throughout the afternoon. Both teams wore the t-shirts during pre-game warm-ups in support of “Think Pink” Day. 

Centenary travels to Philadelphia Biblical on Tuesday for a double-header with the Crimson Eagles at 3:00 p.m. The Lady Cyclones return home on Friday for a double header with Gwynedd-Mercy, also at 3:00 p.m.

Game 1                                  Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 17, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (19-8, 11-3 CSAC) took one of two against Marywood (15-9, 12-4 CSAC) this afternoon to keep ahead of the Pacers by one game in the Colonial States Athletic Conference standings. The Lady Cyclones won the first game 5-2 behind the bat of freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy), who hit her first career home run over the left field wall in the bottom of the second. Centenary dropped game two 3-0 after a strong pitching performance from Marywood freshman Kaitlyn Brennan.

“I am disappointed that we were not able to win both games but Marywood is a good defensive team,” said head coach Kim Broking. “They caught a lot of balls in the second game that were finding the holes in the first game. But we have to get right back at it against Rosemont on Saturday, so that is what we are concentrating on.”

In game one the Lady Cyclones came out of the gate swinging. After junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) started the inning with a walk and stole second, sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) put Centenary on the board with a single to score Papa. The next batter, Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional), ripped a double moving Knapp to third. Sophomore pitcher Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) helped herself out with a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Knapp.

The Lady Cyclones would score three more times to put the game out of reach. In the bottom of the second, Veverka started her terrific day by hitting a solo shot into deep left center field. Then in the fourth inning Centenary tacked on two more runs when Papa singled in Veverka and freshman Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) scored on a sacrifice fly from senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls).

Olsen had another solid pitching performance going six innings, allowing five hits and two runs to earn her eighth victory of the season. Knapp came on in the top of the seventh inning, faced four batters and recorded her second save of the game year.

In game two many of the same sharp line drives from the Lady Cyclones’ bats that fell in the first contest found the gloves of the visiting Pacers in the second. For Marywood, Brennan threw a complete game shutout, scattering six hits and striking out one Centenary batter.

After four scoreless innings Marywood pushed home the first two runs of the ball game after a two-out triple from Kim Lope that scored two Pacers which proved to be enough for freshman Brennan who won her sixth game of the spring.

The Lady Cyclones hit the ball well all day, led by Verveka, who went 4-for-5 with an RBI. Dunne finished 3-for-5 and Veres added 2 hits to set the tone for CC.

The Lady Cyclones are home again tomorrow to take on the Ramblers of Rosemont. Join the Lady Cyclones as they “think pink” to help raise awareness for breast cancer. The team will be selling t-shirts with all proceeds going to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™. Donations will also be gladly accepted.

Game 1                              Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 14, 2009) – The Centenary softball team (14-8, 10-2 CSAC) swept a double-header with Baptist Bible (10-16, 4-10 CSAC), winning 8-0 and 3-2, Tuesday at Tannery Field in Hackettstown, NJ. Junior Megan Dunne (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley Regional) hit 4-for-6 with three runs and three RBI in the two wins, while sophomore Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) went 4-for-6 with one run and one RBI.

“I am glad that we were able to pick up two victories but there is still a lot of softball to be played,” said head coach Kim Broking. “We have put ourselves in good position, but we still have to face conference opponents Marywood, Rosemont, Gwynedd-Mercy and Neumann. They are all good teams and right in the mix of the CSAC playoff push, so we will have to work hard to close out the season.”

Centenary received a pair of complete game performances from Olsen and sophomore Kristin Durborow (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional). In the first game, Olsen allowed only four hits and struck out 10 in six innings of work before the eight-run mercy rule came into effect. Durborow pitched five innings in the second game, striking out four, before the match was called due to weather. Offensively, sophomore Ali Knapp (Belle Mead, N.J./Montgomery) hit 3-for-6 with two runs and one RBI and freshman Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) batted 2-for-6 with one walk, two runs and one RBI.

In the first game, Olsen led off the second inning with a single. Senior Stephanie Bickel (Brick, N.J./Manasquan) and freshman Caitlin Veverka (Bayonne, N.J./Holy Family Academy) moved her to third, and senior Jenna Wendolowski (Jersey City, N.J./Holy Family Academy) brought her home with an RBI single. In the fifth, junior Lorena Papa (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown) singled and was bunted over to second by senior Jolyn Veres (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls). Ruiz picked up an RBI with a single and then came home on a double by Dunne. After Knapp walked, Bickel tripled to score two and give Centenary a 5-0 lead.

Centenary closed the game in the sixth inning when Papa tripled and came home on a sacrifice fly by Veres. Ruiz singled, Dunne tripled to score Ruiz and then Dunne came home on a Knapp RBI single, giving Centenary the game with the 8-0 advantage.

In the nightcap, Centenary loaded the bases in the second inning and Knapp scored when Veverka walked. In the third, Veres walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored when Dunne doubled to left field. Olsen then brought Dunne home with an RBI double of her own. The Defenders’ Stephanie Kreiser crushed a two-run homer in the fifth inning to bring BBC within one, at 3-2, but the game was called due to weather after five innings, giving Centenary the victory.

The Lady Cyclones have won seven in a row and look to continue their streak on Friday, April 17, with a home double-header against Marywood, starting at 3:00 pm.

Game 1                                  Game 2

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 13, 2009) – Five Cyclones received Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) weekly awards for four different sports, the league announced Monday. Men’s lacrosse player Jason Rieg (Chester, N.J./West Morris Central) earned Player of the Week recognition, while baseball’s Jordan Wright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East), golf’s Sean Kelley (Roxbury, N.J./Roxbury) and softball’s Angelica Ruiz (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) and Sarah Olsen (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Pope John XXIII) all were named to their sports’ Honor Roll.

For Ruiz, it marks her second CSAC Honor Roll award in as many weeks. She went 2-for-6 with a walk, two runs and one RBI in Centenary’s two-game sweep of Cedar Crest on April 8. Olsen appeared in both games, getting the win in both contests. She struck out 11 in 7.1 innings and held the Falcons to a .130 batting average (3-for-23).

The Lady Cyclones return to action on Tuesday, April 14, with a home double-header against Baptist Bible, starting at 3:30 p.m.

April 13 CSAC Awards

THINK PINK
On Saturday, April 18, Centenary will “Think Pink” during its home double-header against Rosemont. The team will be selling t-shirts with all proceeds going to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™. Donations will also be gladly accepted. The double-header is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Yow, the former NC State women’s basketball coach, passed away on Jan. 24, 2009, after a 22-year battle with breast cancer. For more information on the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, log on to www.wbca.org/kayyowwbcacancerfund.asp.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (April 9, 2009) – Centenary softball has announced that its April 18 home game against Rosemont will be “Think Pink Day.” The team will be selling t-shirts with all proceeds going to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™. Donations will also be gladly accepted. The double-header is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Yow, the former NC State women’s basketball coach, passed away on Jan. 24, 2009, after a 22-year battle with breast cancer.

“Breast Cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer among females,” said head coach Kim Broking. “As female athletes, the team wanted to do something to help promote awareness and support earlier detection. The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™ does tremendous work and we want to help the foundation succeed its goals.”

The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™ is a charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against women's cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.

Yow was a past president and founding member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), and a galvanizing voice for the Association. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and passed away on January 24, 2009, after facing her third bout with the disease. In her 38 years as a head coach at the college-level, Yow was one of only six Division I head women's basketball mentors to achieve 700 career victories. Yow was also the head coach of the 1988 US Olympic Team that won the gold medal in Seoul.

The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™ was announced on December 3, 2007, during the Jimmy V Classic. The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, in partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, will raise money in the fight against women's cancers. It was appropriate to announce this Fund during the Jimmy V Classic because of the connection between the late Jim Valvano, former North Carolina State head men's basketball coach, and the late Kay Yow, former North Carolina State head women's basketball coach. The Fund was the first women's initiative that the WBCA has chosen in its 28-year history, and is also the newest women's initiative for The V Foundation. 

For more information on the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, log on to www.wbca.org/kayyowwbcacancerfund.asp. For more information on the Jimmy V Foundation, log on to www.jimmyv.org.