Nalducci Strikes Out 10 as Brick Memorial Knocks off Matawan in CJG3 Tournament

MATAWAN — Brick Memorial delivered an early punch and then survived a dramatic late rally to upset Matawan, 3-2, in the first round of the Central Jersey Group 3 state tournament on Tuesday.

The 10th-seeded Mustangs scored all three of their runs in the first three innings and relied on junior ace Avery Nalducci to make the last stand, as Brick Memorial knocked off seventh-seeded Matawan to advance to the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional quarterfinals, where it will travel to face Northern Burlington on Thursday.

Brick Memorial wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Jocelyn Melendez worked a lead-off walk before junior Carly Hobbs doubled to left field. Nalducci followed with an RBI on a fielder’s choice to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead, and Hobbs later scored on a sacrifice from junior Emma Naples to make it 2-0.

The Mustangs added what would prove to be a much-needed insurance run in the third inning after Nalducci was hit by a pitch and freshman Gabrielle Vida lined a single into the outfield. Nalducci advanced to third base on a passed ball before a dropped third strike allowed her to score and extend the lead to 3-0.

Matawan threatened throughout the game and nearly completed a dramatic comeback in the seventh inning. Senior Jenna Pagan drew a walk, which was followed by two strikeouts. Junior Elyssa Jamandron then launched a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 3-2, however Nalducci and the Mustangs regrouped and recorded the final out on a dropped third strike that was thrown to first base to seal the victory for the Mustangs.

Carly Hobbs paced Brick Memorial offensively, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate while scoring a run.

Nalducci contributed both offensively and defensively for Brick Memorial. The junior struck out 10 batters while allowing just two hits and four walks in a complete-game effort. At the plate, she finished with a hit, a run, and an RBI.

Brick Memorial head coach Christina Rodriguez credited Nalducci’s growth throughout the season for helping stabilize the Mustangs.

“It’s been tough, but we’ve been asking her to make adjustments, and I think especially this year she’s really made them,” Rodriguez said. “She’s understood what needs to be done, and she’s executed it.”

Rodriguez also pointed to the confidence her team carried into the matchup as a key factor in the upset win.

“That’s what we’ve been telling them all year,” Rodriguez said. “We knew we could do this. At times, there may have been some doubt — whether from the players themselves or from them feeling like the coaches didn’t believe — but we proved today that we can do this.”

Early-season adjustments have also helped spark Brick Memorial’s battery combination, with sophomore Samantha Soll transitioning into a new role behind the plate after previously playing third base and pitcher. The move has helped give Nalducci added stability in the circle throughout the season.

With growing confidence in the circle and consistency behind the plate, Brick Memorial will look to carry its momentum into Thursday’s sectional quarterfinal matchup against Northern Burlington.