And that was the case, too bad it came at a tough time.

In what is expected to be a battle for first in the BCSL American this season, Tenafly struck first blood as Rutherford’s softball team fell 8-4 at home on April 9. The difference for the game was five errors committed by the Lady Bulldogs. "Five errors. There is nothing else you can say," said Rutherford head coach Helen Antzoulides.

With six new players on the field, Antzoulides said that you are bound to have some bumps along the way on defense. "We’ve had our normal amount of sloppiness with so many new players," said Antzoulides. "There is a sense of comfort and confidence when you have players back at the same position."

There was not much time to think about the loss to the Tigers as Rutherford took to the diamond two days later on the road in Oradell.

And the Lady Bulldogs brought out their bats early and often scoring eight times to take an 8-1 early and held on to a 9-6 victory over River Dell. Rutherford raised its record to 3-1.

"I feel sorry for River Dell because it has been two years in a row that we faced them after losing to Tenafly," said Antzoulides. "Our bats really came alive and we needed it."

Brittany O’Keefe had three RBI to lead the Lady Bulldogs in offense while Tricia Connelly and Maggie Sickles had a pair of RBI.

While McGorry had one RBI versus River Dell, she has been hitting the ball hard as well as leading the team as the club’s pitcher with a 3-1 mark. As of last week, the senior was hitting .462 with a pair of home runs and eight RBI.

"She has been doing very well and has been outstanding with the bat," said Antzoulides.

Not only has McGorry been getting her whacks with the bat, the rest of the lineup has shown power as Rutherford has registered five triples in four games.

With only one loss on the season, the Lady Bulldogs have done it despite a rash of injuries. Third baseman Paige Goldsack missed a week with an injury while her twin sister, Jenna, is out with a viral infection.

"We have not been a full team yet this season," said Antzoulides. "We’ve been able to keep our heads above water. Rutherford softball has a lot of options and depth unlike many of the Group 1 schools."

With both the Paiges out at various times, Alexia Silver has filled in at both corners. "She’s been great as a backup at first and third," said Antzoulides.

Rutherford will have another shot at Tenafly on April 30, but the Rutherford coach is not looking that far ahead. "We have a lot of teams that we have to face and you can’t do that with a lot of new players," said Antzoulides.