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Barry Kopf, the veteran head coach for the Cape May County Tech High School softball program has just completed his final season at the helm and it’s safe to say that during his tenure great memories were built. Kopf was the head coach for the Hawks for 11 years.
“Throughout the years we’ve had some great games,’’ Kopf said. “One year in Myrtle Beach we played a 10-inning game before losing 8-6. We beat Middle Township on their field five years ago for the first and only time in Tech History. In 2014 we were down 3-0 to OLMA in the first inning and in the bottom of the sixth we scored four to win the game 4-3. Yes, we’ve had some big wins.
“This year for the first time in Tech History, despite losing the game to Buena 6-0 (on May 2), we finally played a seven inning contest against them. They usually ten run us, or even worse, the fifteen run rule.’’
In the 2019 season, Cape May Tech recorded six hard-earned wins, including four victories in the very tough Cape Atlantic League United Division. Cape May Tech finished in fifth place in the United Division. St. Joe’s Hammonton and Buena both had 11-1 records in the United Division this year.
“We had several impressive games,’’ Kopf said. “Our two games against Holy Spirit were nail biters and both were come from behind wins (a 12-5 victory on April 9 and a 6-5 win on May 7). The second game was our Senior Game and we won the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.’’
Leadership was at a premium this spring for the Hawks, which certainly helped their cause.
“Our batting leader was Lorin Perednas who ended up seven hits short of the 100 plateau, but she did hit .490,’’ Kopf said. “In the infield, shortstop Dannie Piazza was a fielding leader, as well as Amy Poserina our center fielder.
“Our most improved player at the plate was junior Jayne Seitz. We were developing her to be a slap hitter and in the second half of the season did extremely well in the slap hitting department. In right field, Nicole Wright began to improve her skills in tracking down the ball.’’
Coach Kopf believes that the team will be well equipped to compete in 2020.
“The juniors and sophomore appear ready to step up, since we are losing six seniors to graduation,’’ Kopf said.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
