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DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ
New Jersey has some of the toughest laws in the country regarding drunk driving, specifically driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Notably, there's a strict prohibition against plea bargaining to reduce DWI charges. A first-time conviction for drunk driving can result in hefty fines, a possible jail sentence of up to 30 days, and a 90-day suspension of your driving privileges, not to mention additional financial repercussions that can linger.
If you find yourself arrested for driving under the influence, prepare for mandatory license suspension, the potential for jail time, and a staggering minimum of $6,575 in fines and surcharges if convicted. If your insurance company catches wind of the conviction, you may have to pay significant premium increases over the next three years
The truth is that New Jersey's courts are notoriously harsh on people arrested for DUI and DWI. The penalties are substantial and can have a lasting impact on your freedom, work, and life as a whole. Fortunately, working with a quality DUI lawyer - like Edward G. Appel - can help prevent serious charges from going on your permanent record.
- Get Your DUI Case Dismissed with Help from Attorney Edward G. Appel
- The DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ, You Can Trust
- What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
- How Do DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
- Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
- DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ
Edward G. Appel, Esq.
Since 1988 Edward honed his litigation expertise serving as a defense attorney in Criminal Cases, DUI/DWI and traffic matters.
His distinguished courtroom seasoning will benefit his clients as Edward focuses on criminal defense litigation. He has handled thousands of cases and is well versed in motion practice with years of trial experience. His philosophy of being well prepared has served him well over the years and is a testament to his work ethic and diligence. Email: eappel@southjerseydui.com
The DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that getting a DUI conviction in New Jersey means that you'll have that charge on your record for everyone to see? We're not just talking about friends and family. We mean loan officers, college officials, and prospective employers - people and entities that can help set you on a pathway to success in life. For that reason alone, it's absolutely essential to have a seasoned DUI attorney by your side who can fight for your rights when it's time to go to court. That's where DUI attorney Edward G. Appel comes in.
Many law firms in New Jersey view DWI cases as just another item on their agenda. At our firm, however, it's a primary focus. Unlike those where DWI matters are handled by generalists, we have built a dedicated department solely for DWI cases, staffed with highly trained attorneys who are passionate about this area of law.
This level of specialization isn't just a talking point. It reflects our commitment to providing clients with the strongest defense possible. By leveraging advanced training and a thorough understanding of New Jersey DUI laws, our team is ready to fight your DUI charges and pursue the best possible outcomes for your case.
At the end of the day, our goal isn't to lecture you or judge your actions. Our goal is to defend you and your rights with reliable, aggressive advocacy so you have a real shot at reclaiming your life. Some of the most common situations we help clients overcome include:
DUI Defense in New Jersey
There are several methods to challenge a DWI charge, so facing this accusation does not necessarily lead to a conviction. Attorney Edward G. Appel will examine the specifics of your case to identify the best approach to defend your rights and safeguard your freedom.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
Receiving a DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, irrespective of whether it's your first offense or a subsequent one. The best way to mitigate the risks of jail time, fines, license revocation, and other penalties is to contest your charge with the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney in North Brunswick, NJ.
DUI Charges Involving Drugs in New Jersey
Being charged with DUI can happen if you're impaired by illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs. These situations tend to be complex, so having a skilled attorney is essential to effectively contest the charges.
DUI Penalties in New Jersey
A DUI conviction can lead to significant repercussions, whether it's your first offense or if you've been charged before. The best way to avoid penalties such as jail time, fines, and license suspension is to contest your DWI charge with the assistance of a skilled attorney.
DUI Field Sobriety and BAC Tests in New Jersey
Authorities use several types of tests to ascertain whether a driver is under the influence. These tests consist of field sobriety tests, breath analysis, and blood examinations. However, the outcomes of these evaluations can sometimes be misleading. Edward G. Appel has the expertise to recognize and demonstrate the inaccuracies in these results to protect your freedom.
What Happens After You're Arrested for a DUI in New Jersey?
Most people feel anxious and frightened after getting arrested for DWI because they are uncertain about what comes next. It almost feels like you're about to hike North Brunswick Water Tower near North Brunswick, NJ without the proper climbing gear. That's why it's so important to understand what to anticipate following a DUI arrest - so you can prepare yourself. The initial step in the legal process is the arraignment, which is a court session that occurs soon after your DUI arrest. At this session, the judge will outline the charges that have been brought against you and give you a summary of the penalties you might face. A significant number of traffic cases are settled with plea agreements, but prosecutors are prohibited from providing these arrangements in DUI cases.
That means you have two options: You can plead guilty and face the full penalties of a DUI conviction, or you can plead not guilty and continue to fight for your rights. There is a chance that your charges could be dropped before the trial, but this usually occurs only if there are significant weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence. The judge in your case will decide the outcome after both parties have presented their evidence. Instead of going through this complicated legal process by yourself, call a New Jersey DUI lawyer like Edward G. Appel. It could mean the difference between years of hardship and a clean record.
Understanding DUI Charges in New Jersey: Criminal vs. Traffic Offenses
In New Jersey, driving under the influence (DUI) is categorized as a traffic violation, though the consequences of DUI charges are severe. However, a license suspension is not mandatory for all offenders. First-time offenders arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under 0.15% may avoid suspension if they quickly install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their personal vehicle. Other potential penalties associated with a DUI conviction can include community service, fines, and, in certain situations, imprisonment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, working with experienced DUI attorneys in North Brunswick, NJ, can help you avoid some or all of these punishments.
You may also be charged with DUI if you operate a vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating substances, regardless of whether they are illegal, prescribed, or available over the counter. The specific type of drug is irrelevant; what matters is your impairment and inability to drive safely.
If convicted of a drug-related DUI, you could face:
- A license suspension of 7 to 12 months
- Up to 30 days of incarceration
- Fines and surcharges exceeding $3,500
A second conviction may result in a jail sentence ranging from 2 to 90 days and a 2-year suspension of your driver's license, along with increased fines and surcharges.
Here's What to Expect After Your 1st DUI Charge in New Jersey
Many individuals charged with DUI believe that they will receive leniency if it's their first offense, but this is not always true. First-time offenders may incur significant fines, up to 30 days of incarceration, and the compulsory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. Penalties increase for first-time offenders with a BAC of 0.10% or more at the time of arrest.
As mentioned above, these individuals face a longer mandatory IID installation period, larger fines, and the potential for jail time. First-time offenders will also experience a rise in their auto insurance premiums after their arrest. The State of New Jersey takes DUI offenses seriously, even for those encountering it for the first time.
Here's What to Expect After Your 2nd DUI Charge in New Jersey
It doesn't take a graduate from Keller Graduate School of Management North Brunswick Campus in North Brunswick, NJ to know that getting a second DUI is bad. Defendants who are charged again within 10 years of a prior conviction face increased penalties for a second DUI offense. They may be fined up to $1,000 and must serve at least 48 hours in jail, with a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, a second conviction can lead to 30 days of community service, a one-to-two-year license suspension, and two to four years of mandatory ignition interlock device (IID) use. These consequences, along with higher insurance rates, can significantly affect a repeat offender's life.
Here's What to Expect After Your 3rd DUI Charge in New Jersey
The court has the authority to impose stringent penalties on individuals with two or more DUI convictions within the past decade. If a person is found guilty of DUI for the third time in a 10- year span, the court may sentence them to 180 days in jail along with a $1,000 fine. Those convicted for the third time will lose their driving licenses for a duration of 8 years.
The court may also require these offenders to install an ignition interlock device for a period of two to four years after their driving rights are reinstated. Because third-time offenders are categorized as high-risk drivers, they will likely face significantly increased auto insurance rates. These individuals should anticipate an extra $1,500 surcharge on their auto insurance each year for three consecutive years. Given that these penalties can have a serious impact on both personal and professional aspects of life, it is crucial to contest the charges with help from a skilled DUI attorney like Edward G. Appel.
How Do DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ, Help with DUI Cases?
Hiring a well-respected DUI lawyer often has a major impact on your case's outcome. Great attorneys will get started immediately by taking a deep dive into the particulars of your case. They'll look for issues with the prosecution's evidence, such as:
- Did on-scene officers follow protocol when storing samples and administering chemical tests?
- Did officers have a valid reason for pulling you over to begin with?
- Are the results from your chemical tests reliable?
If not, a lawyer can expose these concerns, potentially resulting in the dismissal of the charges. These are just a few examples of how an attorney can challenge DUI charges for you.
At the law firm of Edward G. Appel, we thoroughly investigate every detail when defending our clients. In fact, our clients benefit from personalized attention, support, and a meticulously crafted defense that aligns with the specific details of their arrest. For instance, if you're arrested for DUI near Museum at Buccleuch Mansion in North Brunswick, NJ, our team can examine the scene, analyze the protocols police took, and interview witnesses. We're not satisfied until our lawyers have explored every potential defense strategy for your case. Through comprehensive investigation, negotiation, and, when required, litigation, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Clients choose us not to simply enter a guilty plea but to robustly contest the charges against them. While no attorney can promise specific outcomes, we assure you that we will continue to advocate for you until you decide otherwise. We examine every detail of your case to ensure all necessary evidence is gathered and the right motions are submitted. There are motions available to suppress evidence if your constitutional rights were infringed upon during the stop, as well as motions to limit or dismiss evidence under particular conditions. Contact us today to evaluate your case. We are eager to help you, even if it's just to provide an initial consultation.
Top 3 Mistakes New Jersey Residents Make After a DUI Arrest
The steps you take following a DUI arrest can significantly influence your chances of successfully contesting the charges. Unfortunately, many individuals fall into common traps that can worsen their situation and negatively impact the outcome of their case. Here's a list of the three most common mistakes that people tend to make after being arrested for DUI.
1. Failing to Hire Reputable DUI Attorneys in North Brunswick, NJ
When selecting a lawyer for a DUI case, you can consult your family lawyer, seek a recommendation from a friend, or find a local attorney. The biggest thing to remember is that you should hire an attorney who understands DUI law and has a solid reputation in DUI defense. Legal issues can be complicated in New Jersey, which is why competent support is paramount. Presenting the right defenses at the right time is crucial; otherwise, you may lose those opportunities. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and witnesses may become unavailable. A case that seems winnable can quickly turn into a lost cause. Remember that failing to act is also a choice.
2. Downplaying DUI Consequences
Understanding the implications of a conviction is a key part of strategizing your defense and can influence your defense approach. Factors such as how your home state handles convictions, the impact of any previous offenses, whether you are a commercial driver or the potential effects on your employment should be explored with a DUI lawyer who is familiar with the possible repercussions of your unique situation.
3. Giving Up and Pleading Guilty
Anyone can choose to plead guilty. However, if you decide to challenge your DUI charge, you have a chance of winning. By pleading guilty, you forfeit that opportunity. There are many scientific and constitutional challenges that can lead to the dismissal of your DUI case. When you plead guilty, you give up your right to contest these issues and force the State to prove its case against you. It's important to check that your lawyer is well-equipped to spot the issues that could lead to a successful defense in your case
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DUI Dismissals Start with Great DUI Lawyers in North Brunswick, NJ
Since 1988, Edward G. Appel, Esq. and his team of criminal defense attorneys have fought hard for the rights of clients just like you - men and women who have been charged with a DUI in New Jersey. Because the truth is that a DUI conviction can change your life in an instant.
Opportunities that you once had may be lost, sometimes forever. Having an experienced and dedicated defense attorney by your side can mean the difference between incarceration and dismissed charges or a diminished sentence. It's critical that you exercise your right to hire an attorney who can protect your freedom and defend you in court. Call the offices of Edward G. Appel to learn more about DUI law in New Jersey and to schedule your initial consultation today.
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Latest News in North Brunswick, NJ
Old Bridges moves past North Brunswick in Central, Group 4 - Baseball recap
N.J. High School Sports Deskhttps://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/05/old-bridges-moves-past-north-brunswick-in-central-group-4-baseball-recap.html
John Smith struck out six batters in five shutout innings as Old Bridge defeated North Brunswick 13-0 in the first round of the Central, Group 4 Tournament in Matawan.Complete Box Score »The second-seeded Knights (16-10) wasted no time establishing control, scoring four runs in the first inning before adding two more in the third and breaking the game open with a seven-run fourth inning.Noah Balbuena led the offensive onslaug...
John Smith struck out six batters in five shutout innings as Old Bridge defeated North Brunswick 13-0 in the first round of the Central, Group 4 Tournament in Matawan.
The second-seeded Knights (16-10) wasted no time establishing control, scoring four runs in the first inning before adding two more in the third and breaking the game open with a seven-run fourth inning.
Noah Balbuena led the offensive onslaught for Old Bridge, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Jared Volpe added a double and a triple while driving in two runs, and Erich Schikschenet contributed a single and a triple with two runs scored.
Smith was masterful on the mound, allowing just two hits and one walk while keeping the Raiders off the scoreboard. The Knights’ offense collected 12 hits.
For 15th-seeded North Brunswick (5-16), Tim DeGaetano and Willy Pena each went 1-for-2, accounting for the Raiders’ only hits of the game.
With the victory, Old Bridge advances to the quarterfinals where it will host 10th-seeded Manalapan.
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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
Seven most expensive homes sold in North Brunswick, May 5-18
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2025/05/seven-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-north-brunswick-may-5-18.html
A house that sold for $700,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in North Brunswick between May 5 and May 18.In total, eight residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past two weeks, with an average price of $9.7 million. The average price per square foot was $311.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of May 5 to the week of May 18 even if the property may have been sold earlier.7. $245K, condominium at 8...
A house that sold for $700,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in North Brunswick between May 5 and May 18.
In total, eight residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past two weeks, with an average price of $9.7 million. The average price per square foot was $311.
The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded from the week of May 5 to the week of May 18 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
7. $245K, condominium at 811 N. Oaks Blvd.
The property at 811 N. Oaks Blvd. in North Brunswick has new owners. The price was $245,000. The condominium was built in 1982 and has a living area of 942 square feet. The price per square foot is $260. The deal was finalized on April 25.
6. $320K, condominium at 277 Kempsey Drive
A sale has been finalized for a condominium at 277 Kempsey Drive in North Brunswick. The price was $320,000 and the new owners took over the condominium in April. The condo was built in 1989 and the living area totals 855 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $374. The deal was finalized on April 23.
5. $325K, condominium at 154 Darwin Lane
The sale of a condominium at 154 Darwin Lane in North Brunswick has been finalized. The price was $325,000, and the new owners took over the condominium in April. It was built in 1989 and has a living area of 855 square feet. The price per square foot was $380. The deal was finalized on April 25.
4. $470K, condominium at 9 Dartmouth Way
The sale of a condominium at 9 Dartmouth Way, North Brunswick, has been finalized. The price was $470,000, and the new owners took over the condominium in April. The condominium was built in 1989 and has a living area of 1,760 square feet. The price per square foot was $267. The deal was finalized on April 21.
3. $500K, single-family residence at 918 Livingston Ave.
A 1,638-square-foot single-family residence at 918 Livingston Ave. in North Brunswick has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $500,000, $305 per square foot. The property was built in 1920. The deal was finalized on April 22.
2. $625K, single-family home at 1831 Holly Road
A 1,794-square-foot single-family home at 1831 Holly Road, North Brunswick, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $625,000, $348 per square foot. The house was built in 1972. The deal was finalized on April 23.
1. $700K, single-family house at 1484 Carlisle Road
The property at 1484 Carlisle Road in North Brunswick has new owners. The price was $700,000. The detached house was built in 1969 and has a living area of 2,368 square feet. The price per square foot is $296. The deal was finalized on April 21.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
Boys Lacrosse: St. Joseph (Met.) vs. East Brunswick, GMC Final, May 13, 2025
Mile Djordjiovskihttps://www.nj.com/galleries/DGZNZYEBKZEMDCMC424W6YSUGM/
1 / 32Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance MediaBoys Lacrosse: St. Joseph (Met.) vs. East Brunswick, GMC Final, May 13, 2025Nick Zaneto (1) of St. Joseph (Met.) celebrates after winning the boys lacrosse game between St. Joseph (Met.) and East Brunswick in the GMC Final at North Brunswick Township High School in North Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025....
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Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Boys Lacrosse: St. Joseph (Met.) vs. East Brunswick, GMC Final, May 13, 2025
Nick Zaneto (1) of St. Joseph (Met.) celebrates after winning the boys lacrosse game between St. Joseph (Met.) and East Brunswick in the GMC Final at North Brunswick Township High School in North Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.Get Photo
2 / 32
Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Boys Lacrosse: St. Joseph (Met.) vs. East Brunswick, GMC Final, May 13, 2025
St. Joseph (Met.) hoists the trophy after winning the boys lacrosse game between St. Joseph (Met.) and East Brunswick in the GMC Final at North Brunswick Township High School in North Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.Get Photo
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Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media
Boys Lacrosse: St. Joseph (Met.) vs. East Brunswick, GMC Final, May 13, 2025
St. Joseph (Met.) celebrates after winning the boys lacrosse game between St. Joseph (Met.) and East Brunswick in the GMC Final at North Brunswick Township High School in North Brunswick, NJ on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.Get Photo
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A retro burger restaurant is opening its first Middlesex County location
Jenna Intersimonehttps://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/04/23/freddys-frozen-custard-steakburgers-open-north-brunswick/83201195007/
“Steakburger” isn’t a marketing buzzword at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.At the retro-themed, fast-casual restaurant with 550 locations, steakburgers are made-to-order with premium beef that’s a far cry from that of bagged hamburgers slinged by fast-food chains. They're also embellished with a house seasoning and hand-smashed for a crispy edge.And soon, Middlesex County residents will be able to try them.Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will open its first Middl...
“Steakburger” isn’t a marketing buzzword at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
At the retro-themed, fast-casual restaurant with 550 locations, steakburgers are made-to-order with premium beef that’s a far cry from that of bagged hamburgers slinged by fast-food chains. They're also embellished with a house seasoning and hand-smashed for a crispy edge.
And soon, Middlesex County residents will be able to try them.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will open its first Middlesex County location in North Brunswick at 2418 Route 1 in June.
The brand has one other Central Jersey restaurant in Linden, and its three other Garden State restaurants are in South Jersey.
“My plan was always to open as many Freddy’s as I could,” said North Brunswick franchisee Ethan Coleman, who also owns the Linden location. “There’s a lot of new development in North Brunswick between the train station, other restaurants and apartments, so it’s a growing area with a lot of traffic.”
Soon, that traffic will have a reason to stop at the new restaurant in front of Regal Cinemas.
Steakburgers come in varieties such as the original double with cheese, mustard, onion and pickles; and the prime rib with two steakburger patties, prime rib, melted Swiss cheese, grilled onions, sauteed portobello mushrooms and garlic aioli.
Other items on the menu include chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs (including a chili cheese version), and sides like cheese curds, onion rings, tater tots and Freddy’s slightly thicker take on shoestring fries.
Fans of the brand, known as “Fredheads,” often dip their fries and other fare in Freddy’s signature fry sauce, which is “like a cousin of Thousand Island dressing but seasoned a little differently,” Coleman said. “It’s so good, I dip my burger into it."
It comes in traditional, spicy and smoky varieties, and people can also purchase bottles of it to take home.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – hence its name – is also known for its frozen custard.
Vanilla and chocolate frozen custard is churned throughout the day and scooped by hand, old school-style. Twenty blended toppings are available to choose from to turn the custard into a shake, sundae or “concrete” — lightly blended so it's still thick enough to eat with a spoon.
“It’s like we’re operating a frozen custard parlor at the front of the restaurant, which fits with our retro vibe,” Coleman said.
With red diner-style plush booths and checkered flooring, “the restaurant has that Americana feel that harkens back to when people went to the soda shop like Freddy did when he was growing up,” Coleman continued.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was inspired by Freddy Simon, a Kansas U.S. Army veteran who served in the Pacific Rim region during World War II. A self-proclaimed “regular guy,” was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during service, as well as a Bronze Star for valor.
After Freddy worked in the hospitality industry for more than a half-century, two of his six children, Bill and Randy Simon, along with their business partner Scott Redler, opened Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, in honor of their father.
More than two decades later, the Freddy’s menu and retro vibe remains much the same, but the brand seeks to keep up with today’s customers, Coleman said, which is why it continues to expand. Freddy’s offers in-app ordering, mobile carry out and drive-thru service.
“We deliver on the expectations that people have today but stay true to what people like from previous eras,” Coleman said. “Freddy’s serves the classics that people love it for in the current ways that they like to experience restaurants.”
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
Josie Vanore slams the door for Sayreville softball in win over North Brunswick
Josh Rosenfeldhttps://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/softball/2025/04/08/nj-softball-vanore-slams-door-for-sayreville-in-w-at-north-brunswick/82985958007/
NORTH BRUNSWICK — After scratching out a trio of runs in the top of the fifth inning to break open a tie game Tuesday, the Sayreville High School softball team turned to its ace, Josie Vanore, to close the door on North Brunswick.The petite junior didn’t just close the door, she slammed it shut, put a lock on it and threw away the key by retiring nine of the final 10 batters to preserve a three-hit, 4-1 Greater Middlesex Conference White Division triumph.Vanore recorded six of her 10 strikeouts over t...
NORTH BRUNSWICK — After scratching out a trio of runs in the top of the fifth inning to break open a tie game Tuesday, the Sayreville High School softball team turned to its ace, Josie Vanore, to close the door on North Brunswick.
The petite junior didn’t just close the door, she slammed it shut, put a lock on it and threw away the key by retiring nine of the final 10 batters to preserve a three-hit, 4-1 Greater Middlesex Conference White Division triumph.
Vanore recorded six of her 10 strikeouts over the last three frames, and the lone blip on her record down the stretch was a wind-blown single to right.
“She’s doing phenomenal, we are very proud of her,” Sayreville coach Amanda Moken said. “She came in ready again for this season, she’s moving the ball well, getting ahead of the count and she just has such poise (in the circle). Her composure is just dominant for us.”
Sayreville (2-1) seemed to capitalize on every opening the Raiders (1-2) presented it. North Brunswick committed infield errors on the first two batters in the third inning, and scored a run without a hit as Hailey Kirkpatrick’s grounder up the middle drove in Mya Infante.
Infante, Rose Joseph and Vanore led off the fifth with consecutive singles, and two more errors facilitated the three-run rally.
“We’re very aggressive on the basepaths, we don’t hesitate, and I feel like having that smart mentality on the bases with our girls is important,” stated Moken. “They take advantage, for sure.”
Aggressive base-running led to North Brunswick’s answering with a run in the bottom of the third to immediately knot the score. Gabby Melendez drilled a two-out double to right center, stole third and scored on a throwing error.
But that was all the Raiders could muster against Vanore, who struck out 90 in 93 innings last year, with a 2.77 ERA as the Bombers’ ace. She has fanned 25 batters in 18 innings this year and further reduced her ERA below the 1.91 mark she started the game with Tuesday by not allowing an earned run.
“I’ve been lifting a lot more and working a lot more on my speed,” said Vanore, who now counts six pitches in her repertoire.
The velocity on her fastball has increased noticeably and she complements it with her changeup, drop, curve, rise and a wicked screwball.
Perhaps her biggest challenge was the 40-degree weather and brisk wind that stirred up from time to time.
“It was very difficult because your hands are cold, so you don’t have a really good grip on the ball,” she said. “So, it’s hard to get your spins down.”
She got nearly flawless defense from her fielders, the lone error coming on the throw that led to the unearned run.
“The defense is strong, they’re a strong unit and they’re right behind Josie,” Moken noted. “They fight out there and they know that each out matters, each play, and they work hard.”
North Brunswick continues to adjust to life after sweeping the Blue Division last year to earn promotion to the highly-competitive White, where two errors often lead to a run as they did in the third inning Tuesday.
The Raiders got another stellar effort in defeat from Jordan Tarabokia (1-2), who hurled a five-inning no-hitter against J.P. Stevens on Saturday and struck out 10 while walking two against one of the GMC’s better lineups Tuesday. She, too, did a marvelous job of maintaining her focus after her team’s defensive lapses.
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