Sports Shorts

College senior Teri Nelson, of East Brunswick, is a member of the 2004 Ithaca College gymnastics team. Nelson, a three-time letter-winner for the Bombers, and an uneven bars specialist, is ranked third in the nation in that event with an average score of 9.400. She is ranked second on the team on the uneven bars behind teammate Chelsie Veilleux, ranked first in the nation. Nelson’s 9.400 mark on the bars at the Jan. 25 quadrangular meet tied for the fifth-highest score in school history.

The Bombers, the top-ranked team in Division III by the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association, have an 0-2 dual meet record. In individual events, the Bombers are ranked first on the uneven bars and the vault, second on the balance beam, and third in the floor exercise. Ithaca will host the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships March 20.

Monroe 10-year-old travel basketball team completed a successful weekend of basketball. On Friday evening Monroe defeated Wall Township by a score of 53-36. Monroe’s offense was led by Matthew Gorham, Nick Dini and Xavier Selby, who combined for 36 points. Monroe’s offense was expertly handled by point guards Mike Mahmoud and Nick Dini, who combined for 12 assists. Alex Vizcaino, Jimmy Small and Mike Scarrone played tough defense, contributing six steals, 12 rebounds and five points. Mike Walp and Woo-Joo Han hit key shots for Monroe, combining for eight points. Clint Winter, Corey Liebross, Brian Spencer and Kashaun Stroughn played well in the victory.

On Sunday afternoon at the Monroe Recreation Center, Monroe played host to a tough Hazlet team. In a total team effort, Monroe’s 10-year-olds earned a hard-fought 37-30 victory.

With all 13 members of the team contributing key plays and hustle, Monroe was able to wear down Hazlet. Monroe’s effort was aided by Xavier Selby, Matt Gorham and Jimmy Small, who combined for 27 points. Vizcaino, Mahmoud and Dini contributed key assists, strong defense and 11 points of offense. Mike Scarrone was a force on defense, contributing four steals and three rebounds. Corey Liebross hit two key foul shots for Monroe. In an exciting finish, Xavier Selby made a key steal and basket to seal the Monroe win.

Mike Walp and Woo-Joo Han contributed key rebounds and aggressive defense for Monroe. Clint Winter, Kashaun Stroughn and Brian Spencer contributed key rebounds, assists and steals to the Monroe effort.

The Monroe Township U12 girls travel softball tryouts, for 12 dedicated and committed players born on or after 1/1/91, will be held Feb. 22 and 29 from 4-6 p.m. at the American Way Sports complex, 12 American Way, Spotswood. For additional information or directions, contact Sandy at (732) 656-1525, Patti at (732) 605-0617, or Doug at (732) 521-4142.

Spotswood Youth Baseball League (SYBL) will be holding a free indoor clinic for all registered players on Saturday at American Way Sports, 12 American Way, Spotswood — Minors (ages 8-9) from noon until 1 p.m., and Majors (ages 10-13) from 1-2 p.m.