The New Hyde Park Little League 12U girls have won the District 29 championship with a win over Franklin Square, their second win over Franklin Square in the tournament.
NHPLL’s win allowed them to move on to the Section 5 LL Tournament starting July 5 in Rockville Centre.
NHPLL was to play the District 30 champ in the first game of the single elimination section tournament.
The girls from NHPLL played outstanding on Sunday to win the district. They came out swinging scoring five times in the first inning.
NHPLL put the game away in the fourth when Melissa Ward started a four-run inning with a single and Samantha Merino finished the inning with a long bases clearing triple. NHPLL added three runs in the sixth, started by a single from Ann Grimshaw followed by a walk to Merino then Maggie Donnelly placed a perfect bunt down which was thrown away for two runs then Sophia Jacoby knocked in the final run.
The story of the game though was pitching and defense, and NHPLL had plenty of both. Jenny Hickey won for the second time in the district tournament, both wins coming against Franklin Square. Hickey was terrific once again with a complete game while striking out five batters.
The defense was awesome for NHPLL. Melissa Ward made a terrific jumping catch with two on in the first inning to stop a rally. Samantha Merino was terrific at shortstop including turning a double play with Victoria Mooney who was at second base. Hickey helped herself with a nice play in the third to throw a runner out at home plate. Grimshaw was excellent once again behind the plate. Grimshaw picked off the Franklin Square leadoff hitter at third base to stop a rally in the fifth inning.
It was another team win for the girls from NHPLL.
Hannah Arkin and Emma Nidermaier played terrific all tournament in the outfield and both ran the bases aggressively, creating runs. Gabby Morales and Nicole Kuzler were solid in the outfield as well each making a nice catch and backing up every play like experienced outfielders. These girls are a special group who practice as hard as they play in games. They do all the little things that make a big difference.
