Colts Neck Advances as Bryce Goes 4-for-4 and Sasso Reaches 700 Strikeouts

COLTS NECK — Gabriella Bryce’s job as Colts Neck’s leadoff hitter is simple: get on base and set the tone.

On Thursday afternoon, she did much more than that.

The senior shortstop went a perfect 4-for-4 with a triple, double, two singles, two RBI’s, and three runs scored to spark fourth-seeded Colts Neck to an 8-1 victory over 12th-seeded Ewing in the Central Jersey Group 3 quarterfinals, setting up a rematch next Tuesday with top-seeded Steinert, the three-time defending Group 3 state champion that ended Colts Neck’s postseason run last spring before capturing another state championship.

The senior wasted no time making an impact, lacing a leadoff triple to the opposite field in the bottom of the first inning. Moments later, senior pitcher Angela Sasso brought her home on a fielder’s choice ground ball to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead, setting the stage for an excellent all-around performance.

“Being the leadoff hitter, I just try to do my job, set the tone, and get on base any way possible, especially with the great hitters behind me in our lineup,” Bryce said. “Today, I wanted to set the tone early on and get those runs up on the board just to build our confidence and be able to go out there and have fun as a team.”

Bryce never slowed down. She doubled in the third inning and added RBI singles in both the fifth and sixth innings as Colts Neck broke open a close game with seven runs over its final two offensive frames.

While Bryce ignited the offense, Sasso once again controlled the game in the circle.

The senior struck out nine batters and allowed just one unearned run, earning the complete-game victory while also reaching a significant personal milestone. During her dominant outing, Sasso recorded the 700th strikeout of her high school career, adding another accomplishment to an exceptional resume.

Yet the milestone wasn’t something Sasso was focused on entering the game.

“I wasn’t really worried about the number of strikeouts I’ve had this year,” Sasso said. “I’m just trying to perform for my team and keep the other team’s runs as low as possible. I am happy I got to that milestone. I didn’t even know it was that close, but it feels good because I’m happy that I’m able to perform for my team.”

Sasso also contributed at the plate, finishing with three RBIs despite recording just one hit. Her biggest swing came during Colts Neck’s four-run sixth inning when she lined a two-run double to center field that stretched the Cougars’ lead to 8-0.

Junior left fielder Gabriella Horbal added a strong day offensively, collecting two hits, including a double, while scoring a run. Junior catcher Katherine Rizzo and freshman designated player Reagan Quigley also helped fuel the sixth-inning run as Colts Neck finished with 11 hits.

Now playing some of their best softball of the season, the Cougars will face a much tougher challenge in the sectional semifinals.

Top-seeded Steinert awaits Tuesday in Hamilton. The Spartans have already proven themselves against top tier Shore Conference competition this season, posting wins over Red Bank Catholic and Donovan Catholic after scoring three runs in a loss against St. John Vianney earlier in the year.

Still, Colts Neck head coach Anthony Iachello believes his team is peaking at the right time.

“We’re playing well at the right time,” Iachello said. “We’re going to run into the defending state champs again, and we’re going there again for the second year in a row. We’re looking forward to it.”

With Thursday’s victory, Colts Neck improved to 13-9 overall and earned another opportunity to test itself against one of New Jersey’s premier programs. And if Bryce and Sasso continue producing at this level, the Cougars could make things interesting.