Story by Chris Iseman / Record Sports Department

UNION — As soon as the final Wildwood Catholic batter swung through Caylee English’s final pitch, the Immaculate Conception celebration began in the middle of the field.

There was plenty for the Blue Wolves to celebrate.

Another win. Another state title.

History.

English delivered another solid performance in the circle and Immaculate Conception’s entire lineup produced as the Blue Wolves defeated Wildwood Catholic, 8-2, in the Non-Public B final Sunday at Kean University.

With the victory, the Blue Wolves became the first team in New Jersey history to win five consecutive state titles.

“This group, all of them have been great, but this one has just been so special,” coach Jeff Horohonich said. “There’s just something about them this year. How close they are and the fun they have. I don’t think there’s any doubt in their mind. No matter who, we’re going to come down here and play, they were just so confident about doing this.”

All season, Immaculate Conception’s motto has been “One for the thumb,” signifying the Blue Wolves’ determination to win the program’s fifth straight title.

That was the Blue Wolves’ goal. That’s what drove them.

“This is something nobody’s ever done,” Horohonich said.

English yielded just six hits and struck out seven on Sunday.

The sophomore took over in the circle for Sarah Piening, who last season became the first pitcher in state history to win four straight state titles.

English made sure the run continued.

“I’m speechless with what we’ve done this year,” English said. “I love the team. It’s just a great feeling that we made history twice this year.”

The Blue Wolves took the lead in the the second as Jaden Farhat singled, Kayla Roberts reached on an error and Brianna Ramos drove both runs in with a double.

“I just told everyone, ‘This is any other game,'” Callahan said. “We executed every other game throughout the season so well – the counties, all the games leading up to the state championship. So I said, ‘This is any other game. Just different scenery.’ I told them just to focus on that.”

Immaculate Conception added to its lead with a big third inning.

Angela Lignelli led off with a walk and Faith Camilleri singled with one out. Farhat then hit a two-run double to the gap in left-center field to give the Blue Wolves a 4-0 lead.

After Ramos hit a two-out RBI single, Callahan drove an RBI triple to the gap in right-center.

Jaszmyn Mosley’s RBI infield single made it 7-0.

Wildwood Catholic scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings, but the Blue Wolves made it a six-run game in the sixth

Gabby Fredette hit a one-out double, took third on an error and scored on Ali Moran’s sacrifice fly.

That was all the Blue Wolves needed.

When English recorded her final strikeout, the celebration began.

Immaculate Conception made history.

“The last out, running into the circle, it’s the most amazing feeling,” senior catcher Ashley Callahan said. “To know that we’re the first team to do five in a row, it’s insane.

“It’s amazing, that’s all I can say.”

Email: iseman@northjersey.com 

Congratulations to the Blue Wolves from everyone in the NJIC on the record breaking title !