The defending LL District 29 girls champs got off to a flying start in defense of their crown with a 10-0 victory over Floral Park at Nuzzi Field in New Hyde Park.
Melissa Ward set the tone early striking out 2 batters in the first inning, then walking in the bottom of the first, stealing second and scoring the first run on a shot to left by catcher Ann Grimshaw. Grimshaw had two hits and three RBI’s on the day.
Ward pitched a complete game one-hitter while striking out 12 in five innings. NHPLL scored three runs in the 2nd inning to push the lead to 4-0. Kayla Fitzpatrick knocked in Sophia Jacoby with a perfectly placed bunt single. Jenny Hickey then singled in Fitzpatrick and Emma Nidermaier, who walked earlier in the inning.
NHPLL added a run in the 4th on a home run by Sophia Jacoby. The girls from New Hyde Park kept hitting as they ended the game in the 5th inning with four more runs. Ward led off with a triple. Grimshaw followed with a run scoring single. Maggie Donnelly then laced a triple into left center to score Grimshaw. After Hannah Arkin walked, Gabby Morales ended the game with a hard single to left. NHPLL plays again Monday night June 25 at Pistillo field in Franklin Square at 7:45 p.m.