You see, Diemer knew that the Patriots enjoyed a great fall, winning the NJSIAA Group I state volleyball championship and advancing all the way to the Tournament of Champions finale, only the second Group I school to ever play for a T of C crown. Diemer also knew that in the winter months, the Patriots won the BCSL National basketball championship, the first time the school ever captured a girls' basketball title.
So the softball coach, who also happens to be an assistant with the volleyball program, wanted the winning success to continue in the spring, with many of the same players from the volleyball and basketball teams also playing softball.
"I told them that they have an awesome opportunity to do something that no one else has ever done in the school," Diemer said. "They won in the fall and won in the winter. Now, they can win in the spring. I think that keeps them motivated, realizing that they can accomplish something that has never been done. I think they want another ring. There are others who didn't play on the volleyball or basketball teams that would want their chance to win."
So far, so good. A month into the softball season and the Patriots stand alone in first place in the BCSL National. They took over sole possession of the top spot in the league over the past week by reeling off three straight impressive wins over St. Mary's of Rutherford, Becton and then Wallington last Tuesday, winning the final league showdown by a convincing 5-1 decision.
The win pushed the Patriots' record to 9-2 overall and a perfect 9-0 in the BCSL National.
"We've been playing very well," said Diemer, who looks fantastic after losing a dramatic amount of weight during the winter months. "I think I had high expectations for the season, because I knew we had a team with a lot of experience. I was just hoping that Christine would shine and she has."
The Christine that Diemer is alluding to is senior pitcher Christine Eck, who has developed into one of the finest pitchers in the BCSL, if not the best hurler. Over the last week, Eck has been spectacular in winning the three big league games.
First, Eck fired a four-hitter over nine innings, striking out 12, in the Patriots' 4-2 win over St. Mary's. She followed that up with a two-hit shutout, fanning 12 again, in a 4-0 win over Becton.
On Tuesday, Eck pitched a three-hitter, striking out 10, in the Patriots' 5-1 over the previously undefeated Wallington.
"Christine has really stepped it up a notch this season," Diemer said. "I knew that she had potential. She lost some weight and became stronger and more physically fit. I think it also helps that we have another pitcher in Samantha Schlemm, who has been able to give Christine a break now and then. It's nice to have two pitchers." Schlemm has also been effective on the mound, firing a no-hitter against North Arlington in her last start. But the Patriots live and die with what Eck provides and lately, Eck has been providing brilliance.
Another reason why the Patriots have been so successful thus far has been the offensive consistency throughout the lineup.
"We really don't have a dead spot in the lineup," Diemer said. "They're all hitting and all contributing. I know that every single one of them can hit the ball."
Leading the way at the plate is junior third baseman Cory Roesing, who continues her assault on the school's record books and continues her ascent toward becoming the school's all-time best female athlete.
Roesing, the All-State volleyball player and standout basketball star, has been a whirlwind on the softball diamond, batting close to .600 with five homers this season. After hitting a two-run home run against Wallington, Roesing now has 20 career homers, rapidly approaching the school record of 24 that was set by her aunt (and volleyball coach) Sheila Ulrich Rivera.
"She's such a team player and doesn't want to take credit for the team's success," Diemer said of the talented Roesing. "It's never about her. It's not a coincidence that all three teams won and she was on the teams."
Sophomore Jenna Totaro has been a steady force behind the plate. Totaro, who is batting around .500, was at first reluctant about becoming a catcher, but has developed into a fine backstop.
"She's doing an awesome job back there," Diemer said. "She hit a three-run homer against Becton and she's been steady as our No. 2 hitter. She's really become a good player."
Senior Nicole Degenhardt has also been a mainstay at shortstop. Degenhardt, who is hitting close to .500 as well, is one of the best fielding shortstops in the BCSL.
Junior Kristen Bronowich is the Patriots' second baseman. Senior Courtney Waters is the team's first baseman, with Kerri Korycinski filling in as the Patriots' designated player, sometimes batting for Waters, although Waters has been doing a better job of late at the plate.
The outfield is packed with seniors, with Angelette Lopes in left field, Maxine Bania in center and Christina Prospero in right. Bania used to be the team's catcher, but made the move to the outfield last year and has flourished as a centerfielder.
"Maxine always comes through for us," Diemer said. "She just loves the competition."
The only down spots this season have been losses to Hudson County teams High Tech and County Prep in independent games. The Patriots will face another Hudson County power in Holy Family Academy next Saturday.
"Hopefully, we got those early losses out of our system," Diemer said. "I really think we're playing better now."
Diemer doesn't deny that having the core of the team coming from the state champion volleyball squad helps tremendously. Roesing, Degenhardt, Waters, Bronowich, Totaro, Prospero and Bania were all key members of the volleyball team that created history in the fall. There obviously has been a carryover effect to this team in the spring.
"They're a nice group of kids," Diemer said. "I think it makes a great deal of difference, especially with confidence, especially with the way they get along. They are a bunch of great athletes who like being together. It's easy to get them together for practice every day. It's a nice thing."
Sure is - especially if the Patriots can add a softball championship to their already impressive year.
- Jim Hague
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