Kaci Neveling and the Toms River North softball program has been a prime example of a team that brings more to the field than just expectations from those on the outside.
“Our team has had some surprising success and that has to be attributed to the leadership and dedication demonstrated by our experienced and core players,” Toms River North head coach Maryellen Tutzauer said.
Among that core of experience is senior Neveling, who is committed to play at Holy Cross next year.
“Kaci leads by example and is one of those ‘first on the field, last off the field’ type players,” Tutzauer said.”The underclassmen really respect her abilities, enthusiasm and drive to succeed.”
“Due to the plethora of juniors we have, we (seniors) have really focused on our leadership,” Neveling said. “It is important for us to lead our team to victory; not only this year, but also in the years ahead by leaving our mark on this program.”
The leadership extends beyond that of Neveling, and she was the first to set praise on her senior teammates.
“Regardless of what the box score might show, my fellow senior Cassidy Kyle has come through in key spots. From getting bunts down to driving in people when given the opportunity, she has been a team player and an important asset to the team,” she continued. “The four seniors, (Neveling, Kyle, Mackenzie Braun and Sarah Phander) have put all our efforts into leading this team and making sure that each girl knows we have faith in them.”
Toms River North has opened the season with a 7-7 record, but the strength of schedule has been one of the best in the Shore Conference, if not the state. The Mariners have played the likes of Steinert and Mount Saint Dominic, as well as squads ranked in the Shore Conference such as Howell and Jackson Liberty.
“That strength of schedule early in the season definitely helps us when it comes to playing conference games,” Neveling said of the tough schedule to open the season. “They might show up as losses in the record book, but they gave us a serious confidence boost and showed us that we can hang with some of the best teams in the state.”
“We took part in a tournament in Newark and we played against some high-ranked opponents from New Jersey and Delaware,” Tutzauer said. “We were competitive in every game, and that has certainly helped us prepare for the A South division schedule.”
A South is always a competitive division from top to bottom, and Toms River North certainly has found success within its rigorous terrain. The Mariners won a share of the division with Southern Regional in 2018, playing to a 10-4 record. The Mariners currently reside in second place in A South with a 6-2 mark, only behind a resurgent Central Regional squad.
The Mariners success has come at the dish, where they have scored more than 10 runs in five of their first seven wins, including 21 in a victory over Jackson Memorial. Neveling has led the offense with 30 hits in 47 at bats, including nine extra base hits. Her .638 average is the highest on the team. Kyle (.361), Sam Martin (.324), Abby Warner (.568) and Carli Wallace (.405) have also been productive pieces to the offense.
“The approach this season is to work on the little things and stay calm under pressure,” Neveling said. “We have been working on situational hitting in key spots and put up some runs offensively early in the game to take some weight off of the pitching staff.”
“All of the players enjoy each other and all their accomplishments,” Tutzauer added. “They are relaxed at the plate, and with that they are confident and seeing the ball very well. Our batting practices are instructional, intense and productive. We try to address all of their weaknesses, and they are committed to ridding themselves of those weaknesses during the game.”
Neveling still has a few weeks remaining in her senior season in a Mariner’s uniform, but the career .529 hitter will soon be suiting up for the Crusaders and coach Jen Lapicki at Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
Neveling said the decision to chose Holy Cross was a dream come true.
“I grew up dreaming of playing college softball and once that became official, that dream became a reality,” she said. “I not only fell in love with coach Lapicki and the other players, but I also loved the school itself.”
“Kaci is going to be a valuable asset to the Holy Cross softball program,” Tutzauer said of her choice. “She is so versatile and a true student of the game. She is always willing to sacrifice herself for the benefit of the team.”
“While walking around the campus I knew I belonged there, and I made the decision to attend there,” Neveling added. “I am looking forward to coming in as a freshman and making a difference for the team. I’m hoping to help Holy Cross win the Patriot League Tournament and keep improving each and every day.”
Before Neveling hangs up the cleats for the final time as a Toms River North Mariner, she and the rest of the team still have some unfinished goals before closing the book on the 2019 campaign.
“We really want to defend our A South championship title, and we certainly will not go down without a fight.” Neveling said.
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