Sports Shorts

The Central Jersey Lightning 10U softball team has had a tremendous start to their spring season, taking home first-place trophies in the Old Bridge Tournament, the Jersey Sharks Memorial Match-Up and the Fair Haven Pony National Qualifiers. They also took second place in the Gloucester Irish Open, the Philadelphia Spirit Tournament, and the South Jersey Bandits Tournament.

The team depends on the strong pitching performances of Alexa Arnold, Kelsey McDonald, Gabrielle Kelliher, Brooke Kaminski and Morgan Lee. Catchers Kelly Miller and Marlena Bevilacqua erase opposing base runners regularly. The infield of Gabrielle Kelliher, Marlena Bevilacqua, Meagan Costello and Kaitlyn Roughan make stellar defensive plays look routine. Nothing gets by the outfield of Kylie Nemeth, Siobhan Tracy, Morgan Lee, Gabby Sachs, Kelsey McDonald and Brooke Kaminski as they attack the ball and come up throwing with strong and accurate arms. Gabrielle Kelliher leads the team in home runs. The offense is sparked by the tremendous base running and speed of Alexa Arnold, Kaitlyn Roughan, Marlena Bevilacqua, Gabrielle Sachs, Siobhan Tracy, Meagan Costello, Kelly Miller and Kylie Nemeth.

The Central Jersey Lightning team is managed by Steve Costello and his coaches Gary Kelliher, Rob McDonald, John Tracy and Frank Roughan.

The Girls Soccer League of Old Bridge, U8 Blue Magic ended their travel season undefeated, earning them first place in the Jersey Coast Soccer National Division. Great team spirit, effort and coaching by Emily Beres and assistant coach Rob Carrington all contributed to the following girls having a great season: Heather Adamcewicz, Courtney Brennan, Nicole Carbone, Emily Carrington, Erin Casserly, Stefani Colamonico, Morgan Dunn, Caitlin Ellis-Foster, Sophia Giglio, Breanna Jacinto, Samantha Jaeger, Allison Moukios, Angela Pagiazitis and Sarah Resciniti.

The Raritan Bay Cougars will hold registration for football and cheerleading for ages 5-15 on Friday, July 13, 7-9 p.m., and Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madison Park Field House on Cheesequake Road. Bring a recent photo of the child to be registered, his or her last report card, and a birth certificate for new participants. For more registration information, go to the Web site at www.raritanbaycougars.org or call (732) 721-4375. Serving all of Old Bridge.

Old Bridge Soccer League Fall Recreational Soccer (10-week season) begins Sept. 8 Games are played on Saturdays. Full uniform supplied. Township residency is not required. Open to all children (boys and girls) born on or before July 31, 2003 - no exceptions. Proof of age required for all new players.

Registration will be held at the Ticetown Fields on Tuesday evening, July 10 (no late fee), and July 31 ($20 late fee), 6-8 p.m. For additional information, visit the Web site at www.OBSL.COM.

Just 4 Kix is implementing a new program called Just 4 Kixs. It's soccer for children with disabilities such as autism, Asperger's, Down syndrome or developmentally delayed, between the ages of 4 and 8. Registration will be held at the Ticetown Fields on July 10 and July 31, 6-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Medeiros at (732) 580-1910.

The league is looking for responsible and dedicated local teens to volunteer their time to help out and be part of this great program. The teen will be paired with a child for the 10-week season as their buddy. Teens will receive a letter acknowledging their 10 hours of community service. The "buddy" must be committed for the entire season. The league cannot have a child without a buddy. If you are interested in being a "buddy," contact Carol Cavana at (732) 583-3276 or e-mail at Gunther702@aol.com.