WPCNR UPPER DECK. By Fastpitch Johnny. April 7, 2008:  White Plains Softball 2008 returned Monday afternoon and the Tigers after spotting New Rochelle an early unearned run, came from behind on back-to-back singles by  centerfielder Jackie Flooks and  hot corner picket, Christine Coppola in the Tiger 5th  to take the lead. They added an unearned tally in the sixth on an egregious messed up force play on catcher Sandra Mastrangelo at second by the New Ro shortstop who threw the ball too hard into right centerfield which allowed Sandra Mastrangelo to score the eventual third and winning run.

Fastpitch Nation: The Ladies In Black are Back with an all new infield: Kate Smayda at first; Christien Giansante at second, Christy Reina  at Short, and Christine Coppola at third. Sandra Mastrangelo is catching and Lauren Sputo is in the circle. That's Kellie Washington on second base, who had New Ro's only 2 hits.

Meanwhile in the circle, Lauren Sputo pitching strongly in the 40-degree temperatures fanned 10 Huguenots, walked 2 and struck out one allowing 2 hits, She closed out the game with a 1-2-3 seventh. The Tigers play Yonkers Friday in their next game.

The Tigers spotted New Ro an unearned run in the first and the Huguenot starter made it standup handcuffing White Plains until the fifth. In the fifth a lead off single in the hole by Sarah Lorden (2 for 3 on the day) started off the inning, then Sarah stole second her second of two steals on the day. After a strikeout and a walk to Laura DeMarte, Jackie Flooks  drove the ball on the ground sharply into the shortstop hole to send Sarah around with the tying run.

On the throw to the plate, DeMarte took second. Christine Coppola stood in and on a 1-2 pitch she blooped a Texas Leaguer pop into shallow left on the line. The Southeast wind drifted the ball into no woman's land just beyond third base. The shortstop did not go for it. Indecision reigned. The leftfielder was too deep and the third baser did not go back for it. It fell and DeMarte came around to score to take the lead on excellent baserunning.

In the sixth, Mastarangelo singled sharply in the shortstop hole. After the next batter popped up, Sarah hit into a force play to short. Easy play. But no, the New Ro shortstop, formerly a thirdbaseperson threw too hard to second to get Mastrangelo on the force, nearly tearing the second baseperson's glove off with her throw which sailed into right center. Mastrangelo got up and wheeled around third to score to make it 3-1.

Finishing them Off: Sputo wraps up her 2-hitter as Christine Coppola (No. 8) at third, who drove in the equalizer gets set.

Lauren Sputo needed that third run. In the sixth a wild throw into right center on an attempt at a double play from the plate allowed New Rochelle to climb within one. Ms. Sputo retired the next 4 Huguenots to close out the game and give the Tigers their first win.