SUNNY JERSEY SHORE EMBRACES NORTHEAST CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dec. 1, 2010 – Dave Dowell National Director

CAPE MAY, N.J. – The picturesque Historic Cape May area was host to the 3rd annual Northeast Championships in late September as 43 teams competed for regional championships and coveted berths in the SSUSA Tournament of Champions. The tournament brought the best of New England together for six days under balmy skies and light breezes for the last major event prior to the 2010 World Championships.

“Everything about the Northeast Championships is just comfortable. The Jersey Shore is beautiful and offers so many opportunities for great softball and an enjoyable time. This event is so fortunate for the local support and provides a great wrap up for the Summer of Softball before moving on the Phoenix,” said SSUSA’s Executive Director Fran Dowell, who was on site as the tournament director.

The tournament began on Tuesday with the 65+ and more senior groups competing for championships in three divisions of play at the Goshen-Davies Sports Complex, with no team escaping the week unbeaten.

In the Men’s 65+ Division, The New York Streaks and Hamels (MD) split the Winners Bracket final (Hamels winning 20-18) and the championship game with N.Y. Streaks prevailing 21-9 before deciding against playing the “If Needed” game. Both teams had secured TOC berths by then in their respective ratings divisions and shook hands in a show of sportsmanship for a mutual job well done.

In the Men’s 70+ Division, Back Office Associates (MA) needed an “If” game to slip by the Jersey Jags for the Men’s 70-Major title while the Naturals (DE) won a tough five-team 70/75-AAA bracket with wins over Peachtree Restaurant (PA) in both the Winner’s bracket final (14-13) and the Championship game (17-10).

The weekend session, featuring the 60+ and younger divisions also featured close competition throughout with only one team avoiding a loss. The Men’s 50+ champions included ENR-Veltri Transportation (PA) in the “If” game over Sweet Construction (NJ) for the 50-Major championship and the Bostonians 50’s (MA) over Cryans (NJ), finishing as the only unbeaten for the session in 50-AAA.

The Men’s 55’s trophies went to the Tri-State Merchants, an “If” game winner over the New Jersey Hitmen in 55-Majors and New York Motion, victors over Kapitan Carpentry (CT) in 55-AAA. The Men’s 60+ Division had the only team that defended their 2009 Championship as the HMR 60’s (PA) barely slipped past the Bay State Bombers (MA) in the Winner’s bracket final (19-18) and the Championship game (22-21) for their repeat win. The Men’s 60-Silver bracket was an all New Jersey affair as the Jersey Masters required yet another “If” game to finally get past Jersey Metro.

The Northeast Championships in 2011 promises to be even bigger and better as this event moves to its fourth year with prospects for another tournament record attendance. Full game scores and bracket results are available online at www.seniorsoftball.com