What it means
Hasbrouck Heights has brought home a sectional title for the first time since 2007. It’s the second piece of hardware for the Aviators, who also captured their first league title in eight years.
Next up is a date with New Providence in the Group 1 semifinal. There, the Aviators will look to continue the push for their first state title.
“They are such the polar opposite of me,” Gabriele said. “I’m so intense and they are so loose. That helps them. Nothing ever flusters them.”
Turning points
Hasbrouck Heights pushed across three runs in the first, despite hitting only one ball out of the infield.
Tommy Capozzi scored on a balk and Nick Cuccio plated another run on an infield single. Designated hitter Justin Wexler capped the rally with a groundout to second.
“That was really big for us,” senior ace Connor Friedel said. “We’ve been doing that the whole season, getting ahead and jumping up every game. We just stayed loose.”
Having a deep rotation also helps team morale. Gabriele said he felt comfortable throwing Friedel in the semifinal, knowing that another capable arm was ready on Friday.
Govea backed up that trust by retiring 10 of the last 11 batters after Kinnelon’s Shawn Charles hit a two-run blast.
“I’ve been in big spots before,” Govea said. “I went out and just played our game, didn’t try to do too much.”
“We know he throws strikes and we’re confident in our defense to make plays,” Gabriele said.
Friedel explained that the Aviators’ unique postgame tradition goes back to the start of the season.
When Hasbrouck Heights was two-hit in the second game, a player brought a spare couch to spark a quiet dugout. The Aviators offense came to life, and Ryan Connolly began recording each win in black.
“I don’t even know where the [two other couches] came from,” Gabriele said. “The only thing we told them is, if you’re going to bring couches in here, you better be good.”
Sean Farrell is a high school sports reporter for NorthJersey.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis from our Varsity Aces team, subscribe today. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter and download our app. Email: farrells@northjersey.com Twitter: @seanfarrell92
