By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PENNSVILLE, N.J. – Saturday was the day for Salem Community College to celebrate its softball sophomores who helped restart the program and those upperclassmen played big roles in helping the Mighty Oaks score an historic sweep of County College of Morris 8-0, 10-0 guaranteeing them a winning regular season.
The Mighty Oaks recognized nine sophomores after the second game. The group combined for 10 hits, 10 runs and seven RBIs in the doubleheader and spun two shutouts, including Morgan Meacham's near perfect game in the nightcap.
The group has been part of 40 wins since they helped revive the program last year.
"I'm getting emotional again," coach Angel Rodriguez said. "They're awesome. As we're sitting there honoring them, we started reflecting back on the zoom calls and the conversations we had, having them on campus for the first year.
"They're a great group. We wouldn't be here today without them. They had a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifices they made from their families. Seeing them giving me the opportunity in my first year and theirs, seeing the growth that they've had, I couldn't be any prouder. Seeing where they were a year ago to now is incredible. Hats off to them for putting in the work and choosing us."
Meacham pitched a five-inning no-hitter in the nightcap. She walked the game's leadoff hitting on a 3-2 pitch, then retired the next 15 hitters in a row. It is believed to be the first no-hitter in the program's history.
She threw 64 pitches, 44 for strikes. She got five ground outs and four fly outs. Only two balls made it to the outfield.
"I might be the worst statistical coach in America; we didn't even know it (was a no-hitter) until after the game," Rodriguez said. "When we got in the huddle I said I think she had a no-hitter. Then it was announced over the speaker and we were like, yeah, we were right.
"She's been hot all year. Today she just went out and did her thing. Sophomore Day. Parents were there. It was awesome to see it all come together. She was zone in. I don't even know if she knew it, either. She was kind of shocked herself."
Sophomore Vaye Savage was the big hitter in the opener. She went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer in the second inning and a double. Freshman Ella Hayes went 3-for-3 in the nightcap with a two-run homer. Hayes, who was second in the nation in batting entering the doubleheader, is now hitting .628 (54-for-86) with 51 RBIs for the season.
The sweep extended the Mighty Oaks' record to 24-6 on the season. With 44 games on the schedule, they are now guaranteed the first winning regular season in school history.
"It was definitely one of our goals from last year, just to keep improving as a group and we definitely did that," Rodriguez said. "As I say all the time we just keep it going each week. Our goal was set to get more than 16 (wins) so we did more than the first year.
"We've gone back and dug up some records. For us, those are just things you can take in and be proud of, but we're just trying to do whatever we can to keep just being good and improving. Obviously, it feels good when you win."
The Mighty Oaks were scheduled to return to Watson Field Sunday against Cecil College, but the doubleheader has been canceled. Their next games now are Friday at home against Delaware Tech.
