Strong base running bolsters Rockets' record
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
On the heels of its most successful season, the Raritan High School softball team is looking to become a force to be reckoned with in the Shore Conference.

For years, the Rockets fielded a competitive program, but this spring Raritan soared to a 22-7 mark, easily besting the previous school record of 16 wins set back in 1978. In addition, Raritan reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II finals, made it to the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference tourney and also reached the semifinals of the Monmouth County Tournament.

"I got here at just the right time," firstyear coach Aado Kommendant said. "There was a lot of talent already here and there's a ton of talent coming up through the youth programs."

Traditionally, the Rockets have remained competitive thanks to a strong work ethic and solid defense. With those two elements in place, Kommendant, the former mentor at St. John Vianney, installed an aggressive running attack on the base paths, resulting in 77 stolen bases. That helped Raritan outscore its opponents by a 144-49 count and instill an attitude that it's better to make an out by going to the next base. Kommendant credited former coach Janet Citro with building the foundation of the team he inherited.

"These girls were ready to win," he said. After being named head coach in October, Kommendant started a blog to let the girls get acquainted with his thoughts on softball and his planned style of play. It certainly helped to have Kerrilyn Svenson on the mound. The senior compiled an 18-7 record to go with a 0.92 ERA. In 159.3 innings, she whiffed an even 200 batters. Svenson will continue her career at the University of New Haven.

Another key factor was second baseman Melissa Mancuso, who like Svenson, was a four-year starter. Mancuso led the Rockets with a .368 average and topped the team with 27 RBIs. She also scored 17 times, stole 11 bases and got the job done in the field at second base. Mancuso will play next season at the University of Maryland.

Center fielder Samantha Helmstetter had a solid year out of the number nine spot in the batting order even though she missed nine games with a broken wrist. The Goose batted .286, scored 19 runs and added 15 steals. Perhaps more important, she continued to play in the field and run the bases while recovering from her injury. Helmstetter will attend Misericordia University where she will play soccer.

Two other seniors also had a hand in the success. Celeste Dayawon did the job at the hot corner, drew 12 walks and contributed a huge two-run single that spurred her team to an opening day win against Marlboro. Courtney LoCapria batted .400 in limited atbats and was used throughout the outfield because of her defensive abilities. And there's still plenty of talent returning. Junior Jill Martin batted .329, drove home 22 runs, and scored 16 times, while turning in a steady performance behind the plate. Danielle Raneri, another junior who patrols left field, hit .298 and scored 23 times shuttling between the lead-off and second spots in the batting order.

Right fielder Cassie Illig ended up at .289 with 19 walks. She led the Rockets with 19 walks and 18 steals. Alyssa Mautone, the first baseman batted .263 and tied for the team lead in walks with Illig. Outfielder Sam Lindo, who stole home against Allentown in the CH Group II quarterfinals, is also back. All four are juniors.

Two sophomores made their marks as well. Samantha Strickland went 4-0 on the mound and drove home nine runs, while Amanda Maloney hit .246 with 10 RBIs. Finally freshman Bobbie Boehler, who did the job defensively at shortstop, should be even better next time around.

Many of the returnees are playing in a summer league in Wall along with several players from the Rockets junior varsity and freshman teams, along with a few eighthgraders.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but the girls who are returning got a taste of what they can accomplish and that should help us next year," the coach said. "It's also a good opportunity for our new players to work on their game.