Montgomery Cougars Heat Up as Postseason Play Kicks Off

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

BASEBALL ON A ROLL IN NJSIAA TOURNAMENT
The Montgomery Cougars baseball team has found its stride just in time for the postseason, picking up two big wins this week to advance in the NJSIAA Tournament.

In the opening round on Tuesday, the Cougars delivered a dominant 14-2 upset over 5th-seeded New Brunswick on the road. Montgomery out-hit the Zebras 12-3 and benefited from a lights-out pitching combo. John Donahue threw 48 pitches over 3.2 innings, striking out nine without allowing a single hit. Jake Hayes closed out the win, tossing 1.1 innings and striking out three.

Offensively, the Cougars were equally sharp. Evan Puleio went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs, Mason Neufeld added two singles and three RBIs, and freshman Michael Englert had a perfect day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Henry Maddox continued his consistent play with a 2-for-4 performance, and freshman Patrick Fogarty added a hit and three RBIs.

The Cougars carried that momentum into Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup against Hightstown, securing a tight 5-4 victory. Mason Neufeld took the mound and delivered a strong start, going 4.2 innings and giving up just one earned run on four hits. Hayes again came in to close, pitching the final 2.1 innings.

Maddox led the offense with a 3-for-4 day, scoring once and driving in a run. Donahue, Kenta Komatsu, and Liam McDonnell each added a hit in the effort.

Asked about the team’s late-season surge, Coach Mueller said, “The boys are locked in right now.” The Cougars will next face the winner of Friday’s Hillsborough vs. Hunterdon Central game.

GIRLS LACROSSE DOMINATES IN FIRST ROUND
In South Jersey Group 4 action, the Montgomery girls lacrosse team (13-8) opened postseason play with a commanding 20-6 victory over Toms River North (6-15) on Thursday.

The Cougars raced out to a 9-goal first quarter and added six more in the second, never giving their opponents a chance to rally. Ellie Pizzulli led the offensive onslaught with six goals, two ground balls, three draw controls, and three forced turnovers. Lexie Lopez added four goals, and Sophie Soron netted two while contributing a ground ball and four draw controls. Mollie Little chipped in two goals.

In net, Reagan McCoy and Victoria Forma split time, each finishing with one save and three goals allowed.

BOYS LACROSSE FALLS TO LIVINGSTON
It was a tough outing for the boys lacrosse team in their first-round matchup in North Jersey Group 4, falling to Livingston 16-2. The Cougars were unable to recover after allowing eight unanswered goals in the first quarter and six more in the second. Matthew Cudmore and Colin Long with a goal apiece accounting for the Cougar offensive output

SOFTBALL CLOSES SEASON WITH A WIN
Montgomery softball wrapped up its season on a high note, defeating Belvidere 8-6 in a road make-up game.

Connor Fogarty had a standout game at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. Ryane Riddell drove in three runs on a 3-for-5 performance, while Allison McKnight and Isabella Malek each added two hits. Emma McKnight also finished 2-for-3.

Riddell pitched a complete game, allowing six runs (three earned), walking five, and striking out five.

Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com