IHA leaves no doubt as it claims 3rd straight state title by Chris Iseman of The Record
UNION — There was no weakness for Immaculate Heart. For seven innings, the Blue Eagles put on a showcase, displaying their talents and proving just how they got here.
Olivia Sprofera was dominant in the circle. IHA’s lineup produced from top to bottom. And the Blue Eagles were stellar in the field, highlighted by Reese Guevarra’s play in center.
IHA didn’t leave any doubt. This was its title to win.
Behind seven innings of one-run ball from Sprofera and a big performance from the Blue Eagles’ offense, ignited by a solo home from Mia Recenello, IHA defeated Donovan Catholic, 5-1, in the Non-Public A final Saturday at Kean University.
It is the Blue Eagles’ third consecutive state title and 12th overall.
IHA will now play in the inaugural Tournament of Champions, which begins on Tuesday.
“It just means everything to us,” said Sprofera, who yielded five hits and struck out four. “We worked all throughout the year, every day. No one outworks us so it’s just great to come and do this together for the third time.”
IHA put the game away with a three-run fifth as Sonia Sharma, Ally Dudek and Ryleigh White each hit RBI singles.
But Recenello’s shot in the second gave the Blue Eagles an early lead, and the sophomore catcher did it while not feeling completely healthy.
Recenello had a fever Friday and couldn’t practice. She wasn’t feeling much better a day later, but fought through it.
“I had the chills all night,” Recenello said. “I was freezing, wanted to throw up. I got to the game, I was feeling the same. I got up to bat, I didn’t really care about that. It left my head, and then I just smacked the ball.”
Once the ball cleared the center field fence, the Blue Eagles were on their way.
“She really ignited the team,” Guevarra said. “The energy in the dugout went to a higher level when she hit that.”
IHA added another run in the third as Kylie Carr led off the third with a double, took second on Guevarra’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Reagan Jones’ RBI single.
That was more than enough for Sprofera, who once again proved why she’s considered one of the best pitchers in the state.
The crafty lefty stifled Donovan Catholic, which scored its only run when pitcher Lindsay Nelson hit an RBI double to right in the fifth.
But the Providence-bound Sprofera was exceptional.
Donovan Catholic had runners on first and second with two outs in the first, but Sprofera induced an inning-ending flyout.
The Griffins also had runners on second and third with one out in the fourth, but Sprofera got a strikeout and a foul out to escape the jam.
“We’ve seen Olivia as a state champ for three years in a row,” coach Diana Fasano said. “She has the experience, she knows what it takes.”
Sprofera’s defense backed her up, especially Guevarra, who made six put-outs in center.
And they weren’t easy catches.
“I don’t want to let [Sprofera] down,” Guevarra said. “I’m just doing my job out there as a center fielder.”
On this day, all of the Blue Eagles did their jobs. And in the end, they continued their dynasty.
“It’s not easy,” Fasano said. “It’s hard. For them to do it, I’m just happy for the kids.”