Sports Shorts

The Middlesex County Economic Opportunities Corporation (MCEOC) has announced its second annual Golf Outing will be held at New Jersey’s finest golf and country club, Forsgate, on May 18, commencing at 8 a.m.

The MCEOC is charged with improving the lives of those in Middlesex County who need the assistance to regain a positive, fulfilling and constructive life. It offers numerous programs aimed at specific sectors, such as Head Start, Early Head Start, assistance in housing and personal economic improvement. Last year’s inaugural Golf Outing was an outstanding success in helping MCEOC to help the residents of Middlesex County who are economically challenged, and their children who need a strong and nourishing head start.

As with any other nonprofit organization, the MCEOC is relying on Middlesex County citizens and businesses alike to either make donations or to participate in the second annual Golf Outing, which has been developed as a viable means of raising funds to keep its programs strong and effective. Single attendance is $250, a foursome is $850. Luncheon only is $50 and breakfast only is $20.

MCEOC has announced that its Hole-In-One sponsor, Hillside Auto Mall, will be awarding a brand new top-of-the-line automobile. Other sponsorships are still available.

In addition, the MCEOC reports that is has been awarded the prestigious The First Tee program franchise, a strong national empowerment program for children. (For more information, log on to www.thefirsttee.org) A portion of the proceeds of the Golf Outing will go to The First Tee in addition to help fund MCEOC’s own programs.

For further information, contact Ruth Regunberg at (732) 846-6600, ext. 299.

Despite inclement weather and heavy winds, the U16 Cranbury Cyclones girls soccer team opened their spring season with a 2-2 tie at home against New Providence. The Cyclones got on the board first when Alyssa Gioino tallied early in the match off a feed from Ashley Hacket. Down 2-1 midway through the second half, Alyssa Gioino got the equalizer for the Cyclones when she directed in a cross from Jill Daidone. The Cyclones’ Emily Kotowski and Leslie Hankins applied late pressure but could not put one in. The Cyclone defense led by Katie Burke, Stephanie Grubb, Alessandra Mercuro and Kristyn Pecsi all played well.

The U8 Monroe Wild soccer team opened its season in fine style with a 6-2 win over North Hunterdon Gunners. The Wild, playing short-handed the entire game, held on as the Gunners came out strong. Fine defensive play from Christina “The Brickwall” Conte and Justin Thompson kept the Wild in the game throughout the first half as the Gunners scored first. Shawn Reynolds equalized with an assist from Justin Thompson, and newcomer Alec Vastardis combined with Hunter Merrick to tie the game a second time just before the half.

In the second half, the Wild were awarded a penalty shot, which Matt Colorific drilled into the net. Late in the fourth quarter, the Wild sprang to life with an inspiring run by Thompson ending with the ball in the net again. Kyle Knotts had several great offensive plays before passing the ball to Alec Bastardies to score. Conte made some fine runs on the left wing and almost scored before Colorific finished the scoring late in the fourth quarter. Colorific, Bastardies and Merrick were all outstanding in goal.

The Monroe Strikers, U14 boys soccer team opened its spring season with a closely fought 2-1 win over Central Jersey Silver Bullet Bombers. Play was very even throughout most of the game, with each side pressing and bringing the best out of the goalkeepers. The Strikers scored first as Brian Rudowitz pounced on a through-ball and beat the keeper from the narrowest of angles. Late in the second half, the Bombers really pressured the Monroe net and were rewarded for their efforts as they equalized on a hard, low shot into the corner that beat Strikers keeper Matt Sepe through a screen.

Monroe regained the lead quickly, with newcomer Jonathon Philbert slotting home from 6 yards. Dillon Card almost extended the lead when he ripped a shot from outside the 18-yard box that skimmed over the crossbar. The Bombers continued to threaten and the Strikers relied on Richard Zheng to anchor the defense to preserve the lead.

The U12 Old Bridge Rockets soccer team blasted off its spring season with wins over the Ocean Tide, 2-0, and the Howell Rebels, 5-2, this weekend, increasing their record to 2-0-0. Against Ocean in Old Bridge, Nick Petruzzi scored from 30 yards out in the 13th minute, and Rich Loeffler scored from 25 yards on a give-and-go cross from Adam Eyerman and Sami Abdisubhan in the 50th minute. Goaltenders Frank Roselli and Harry Grewal stopped six shots for the combined clean sheet.

In Howell, the Rockets had five different goal scorers in their victory. Adam Eyerman scored on a header from a beautiful corner kick from Christian Llerena. Then Petruzzi scored on service from Charles Mantione. Also in the first half, Kevin DeMaio scored on a cross from Dan Scalgione. In the second half, Dan Scalgione scored on a nice through-ball from Loeffler, then Loeffler capped off the scoring with an unassisted goal from about 35 yards out. Jordan Moretti, Danny Medina, Caine Czerula, Shawn Orzechowski, Nick Santurro and Josh Stein-Ortiz provided spirited play and excellent two-way effort.

Old Bridge Parks and Recreation will be holding Volunteer Youth Coaches Certification Class on Sunday at the Civic Center. Cost is $20 per person (cash only). Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. Class time is 7-10 p.m. Bring a pen or pencil. This certification class meets all state requirements. For more information, call (732) 721-5600, ext. 4999.

The Knights of Columbus in South River will hold a Fight Night on Friday at the Columbus Hall on Jackson Street. There will be a Golden Gloves show, with four fighters from the Knights of Columbus Boxing Club participating, including Steve MarcAnthonio (New Jersey heavyweight champ), Joe Njou (light heavyweight), Paolo Esposito (lightweight) and Dillon King (middleweight). For tickets, call Dennis at (732) 246-651 or Ron at (732) 251-1597.

The Jamesburg Men’s Softball League is looking to add more teams to its weeknight league. Teams will play a double-header one night each week under the lights. Any questions, contact Tony at (732) 521-2222, ext. 111.