After finishing her most recent and last Panther Park masterpiece during Tuesday’s NJSIAA Group 1 semifinals, Cayce Kavakich turned back, knelt down, and spent some quiet time with her longtime friend, the pitcher’s circle, before joining her teammates from Cedar Grove in celebrating.
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6/10 – 4:00 PM Softball Final Indian Hills
1 Cedar Grove
9
| 6/10 – 4:00 PM Softball | Final |
|---|---|
|
Indian Hills |
1 |
|
Cedar Grove |
9 |
It wasn’t really about taking a step closer to maybe being the first public school in the state to win three group titles in a row.
Following their years together in youth leagues, a group of seven seniors who dominated this game, like so many others in a run through four seasons of high school softball, reflected more on their final home game at the end of Cedar Grove’s 9-1 triumph against visiting Indian Hills.
The senior right-hander acknowledged that she finally felt the drama of the moment because of an unexpected source.
Kavakich stated, “I believe that bending down at the end was just expressing emotion about graduating.” I maintained my composure and avoided letting my feelings get the better of me during the game. I realized that I would never play here again when it reached the final inning and (assistant) coach Jackie (Velardi) began playing some of those tunes.
It turns out that 57 years after it was recorded, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” still has an impact on teenagers.
This bunch of seniors will likely continue to inspire Cedar Grove softball players for years to come.
The Panthers will play the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between South Jersey champion Audubon and Central Jersey winner Bound Brook in the Group 1 final on Friday at Ivy Hill Park in Newark, which will mark the end of their final high school season. Tuesday’s game was rained out.
By relentlessly attacking Indian Hills (16-10) from the first inning, at the plate (nine hits), on the bases (nine steals), and with the arm and bat of Kavakich, the Florida International commit who pitched a four-hitter, no walks, and eight strikeouts—including six consecutive in the second and third innings—Cedar Grove (24-5) took the final step to the championship game.
In addition to getting two singles, stealing two bases, and scoring three runs while not making an out at the plate, Kavakich also showed the aggression of her squad by coming home from second base on an infield single by Gia Fernandez in the third inning.
It was an indication of how the program got into this predicament.
Regarding the pursuit of the first public school group three-peat, Cedar Grove head coach Nikki Velardi stated, “We’re trying not to make the moment bigger than it is.”
You still need to do something. You still need to practice self-control. I always advise them to never settle for less. They question, “Why are we doing so much base running?” when they’re upset. What is the reason behind our actions?
However, they are the factors that have led us to this point. We are unable to be content. We maintained our foot on the gas even when it was 9-1.
The St. John’s-bound Fernandez’s RBI gave her 46 this season, breaking the school single-season record established by Holly Calcagno in 2003, so they made a bit more school history in the win.
It came all the way around when Fernandez hammered a shot that bounced off Indian Hills pitcher Audrey Amorusso in the fourth inning, following Kavakich’s walk and steal of second. Kavakich sprinted home to give the team a 5-0 lead after the ball was played late to first.
Additionally, Kavakich began a three-run inning with a single and a steal. She then scored on a double by Marina Bryant, who came home on a single by Daniella D. Angelo, along with Ava Oeckel (hit by pitch).
Kavakich’s misplayed single in the outfield was the highlight of Cedar Grove’s four-sixth inning, which opened the game up. Kavakich, who showed her coach’s all-out effort, scored three runs on the play.
It was far more than Kavakich needed, as he ended with a run of 11 consecutive outs after retiring 10 consecutive batters after giving up a single to start the game.
After a rocky first, junior right-hander Amoruso calmed down a little, but there was no space for improvement in the Cedar Grove lineup.
Joe Leicht, a seasoned coach at Indian Hills, stated, “We knew we were up against it.” We’re not veterans, but they are. They’re also really quick. Therefore, you must expel people. However, we persevered.
The fact that his team won a sectional title without a senior in the roster is undoubtedly encouraging to Leicht.
Leicht claimed that our starting lineup was entirely underclass. I’ll let them know that we have experience next year. All we have to do is pick up a little speed.
It seemed appropriate that a bunch of younger players entered the field to begin a practice as Kavakich and other senior starters Fernandez, Oeckel, D Angelo, Bryant, Gabriella Florre, and Leah Weinstein were leaving after their final game at Panther Park.
The Panthers of the future were prepared to go their own way.
