By Luke Stambaugh - Shore Sports Network contributor
TUCKERTON -  Philadelphia University recruit Naomi Stas threw a complete-game shutout that started with a 1-2-3 inning and was backed by a stellar defense and roaring bats as Pinelands softball rolled to a 13-0 win in five innings over Barnegat in the season opener on Wednesday.
Pinelands standout pitcher Naomi Stas tossed a five-inning shutout in a season-opening win over Barnegat. (Photo by Luke Stambaugh)
Pinelands standout pitcher Naomi Stas tossed a five-inning shutout in a season-opening win over Barnegat. (Photo by Luke Stambaugh)
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First baseman Emily Dancisin had two web gems for the Wildcats (1-0, 1-0) when she snagged a hard-hit bouncing liner down the first base line to get the force at first, and then later grabbed a high pop-up running back over her shoulder. Right fielder Shannyn Herron also made a nice running catch in the Wildcats' solid defensive performance. Overall, the Wildcat infield was solid with putouts from third baseman Sydney Burke, second baseman Kurstin Binshedler, and shortstop Bri Suralik.
Eight out of the nine Wildcats in the starting lineup registered hits, highlighted by three longballs that came late in the game. Starting off that string was lefty freshman Jessie Rising, who launched her first career home run, a three-run shot over the right center field fence. Stas pulled a two-run blast down the line to help her own cause, and Coastal Carolina recruit Steph Healy rocked a solo home run in the win as well.
First baseman Mackenzie Darmstatter spoiled Stas' no-hit bid with a liner up the middle for a single. Pitcher Jacqueline Dino also added two strikeouts in her season debut for the Bengals (0-1, 0-1), and catcher Roxy Urso also reached base on an error for Barnegat.

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