By Rob Potter
MONGAUP VALLEY — October 7, 2005 – Although most of the county’s softball leagues ended their seasons in August, local softball fans do not have to wait until next spring to watch their favorite sport.
The Collins Park Fast Pitch Fall Softball League began its 2005 season on September 11.
The four-team league for girls ages 19 and under plays its games on Sundays at Collins Park, which is located along Route 17B in Mongaup Valley. The last day of the season is October 23.
This past Sunday, the Pro Prospects team defeated Ellenville, 9-5.
Pro Prospects, a team of current and former Monticello Central School players sponsored by Pro Prospects Baseball and Softball Training Center in Monticello, opened up a 7-1 lead in the first four innings.
Rachael Huffman had an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth as Pro Prospects extended its advantage to 9-1.
However, Ellenville rallied in the final two innings. In the top of the sixth, Kaitlyn Osterhout stole home to make it a 9-2 game.
After scoring twice in the top of the seventh, Ellenville’s Sandy Johnson hit a single to center field that allowed Osterhout to cross home plate. Osterhout’s run cut the Pro Prospects lead to four runs at 9-5.
But seconds later Pro Prospects second baseman Rachel Gruenke tagged out Johnson at second for the final out of the game.
Huffman earned the victory on the mound for Pro Prospects.
Pro Prospects will be back in action this Sunday. The team will play a doubleheader against Marlboro, with the first game slated to begin at 9 a.m.