The New Hyde Park Girls’ 11/12 year old softball team opened the Little League Section 5 tournament with an impressive 20-2 victory over Downtown Little League.
New Hyde Park opened the game with 11 runs in the first inning, all winning pitcher Melissa Ward would need in the effort.
Ward pitched a complete game one-hitter, striking out eight batters in 4 innings alone.
Ward also contributed at the plate as well, going 4-4 with 2 doubles. The first inning scoring was led off by a sharp single to left off the bat of Kayla Fitzpatrick, who was moved over to third by Jenny Hickey on a bunt and run while Hickey made it to second on an error to set the stage for Ward’s first 2 RBI double to put New Hyde Park up for good.
A single from Ann Grimshaw scored 3 runs on the day. Hannah Arkin had a pair of hits and 2 runs. Nicole Kuzler walked and scored a run. Maggie Donnelly and Sophia Jacoby each had a hit and a run scored in the win. Emma Nidermaier added a hit and 2 runs.
New Hyde Park next moves to the second round of the Section tournament. They played Tuesday July 3 in Rockville Centre with the winner moving to the LL Section 5 Championship game.
