It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Deserted Village gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Spotswood, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mundy Avenue Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Jasper Stone Italian Steakhouse or visit Thomas Edison National Historical Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Spotswood, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spotswood, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spotswood, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SPOTSWOOD – Parents are putting forth a last-ditch effort to save Immaculate Conception School (ICS) from closing permanently at the end of the school year.The Save ICS – Together Foundation aims to raise $500,000 in a short period to balance the school’s deficit and “rebuild,” said Kimberly Tinger, a parent and Home School Association member.Tinger said the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school “did not close the door on us” and has given supporters a chance to save it.&...
SPOTSWOOD – Parents are putting forth a last-ditch effort to save Immaculate Conception School (ICS) from closing permanently at the end of the school year.
The Save ICS – Together Foundation aims to raise $500,000 in a short period to balance the school’s deficit and “rebuild,” said Kimberly Tinger, a parent and Home School Association member.
Tinger said the Diocese of Metuchen which oversees the school “did not close the door on us” and has given supporters a chance to save it.
"We have a chance now, a very small window of time to create a new business model for ICS," she said. "It would have to be accompanied by a significant fundraising effort to close the financial gap in the short term as our school rebuilds.”
ICS, which opened for the 1960-61 school year, currently serves 89 students in grades pre-K-8. The diocese announced in April it would be closing to due low enrollment.
Tinger said it will take an “heroic effort” to raise the funding.
"We have launched multiple outlets for support," she said. "The key to this foundation is our commitment to keep our Immaculate Conception School open and sustainable for the benefit of our children and families, as well as the community. We don’t want to see another Catholic school be cast into oblivion and its students, faculty, and families left in devastation."
The group has launched the Save ICS - Together Pledge Drive, a one-year financial commitment to support the 2025–2026 school year. Tinger said 100% of all donations and pledges will go to ICS upon reopening for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. Should efforts fall short, all donations and pledges will be nullified, she said.
Enrollment at the school has been on a steady decline over the past five years. ICS served 194 students in the 2021-22 school year, and only 38 students were registered for the next school year earlier this spring, Anthony P. Kearns, chancellor and spokesperson for the diocese, said previously.
Kearns previously said Bishop James F. Checchio, bishop of Metuchen since 2016, has made Catholic education a priority and has been loath to close any diocesan schools.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
EAST BRUNSWICK — Monroe pitcher Monica Bukowczyk was perfect through three innings of Saturday’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinal against Spotswood.Her teammates were perfect for all seven as the Falcons’ flawless defensive play was a key component in the team’s 8-1 victory that earned them their first trip to the GMCT semifinals since 2016 against top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday at Mannino Park in Old Bridge.Shoddy defense by Spotswood gifted Monroe four runs in the first in...
EAST BRUNSWICK — Monroe pitcher Monica Bukowczyk was perfect through three innings of Saturday’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinal against Spotswood.
Her teammates were perfect for all seven as the Falcons’ flawless defensive play was a key component in the team’s 8-1 victory that earned them their first trip to the GMCT semifinals since 2016 against top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday at Mannino Park in Old Bridge.
Shoddy defense by Spotswood gifted Monroe four runs in the first inning and the Falcons’ refusal to cede a single extra base via error, wild pitch or passed ball enabled them to stay in control throughout as Bukowczyk hurled a three-hitter with four strikeouts and a pair of six-inning walks.
Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.“Our defense has been huge. I knew from the very beginning that we had a good team, but the thing that plagued us last year was errors,” Monroe coach Marissa Vogtman said. “When we play well defensively we win big, and the last four games that we’ve played we’ve had zero errors and we’ve won four games. And they know that.”
Fourth-seeded Monroe (11-8) and Bukowczyk (8-6) defeated the fifth-seeded Chargers (11-11) in both of their divisional matches as the senior ace failed to yield a run over 13 innings, giving her a certain level of confidence going in.
“It helped me just because I kind of knew their strengths and weaknesses already,” Bukowczyk explained. “It gave me a little confidence knowing that I haven’t given up any runs to them in either of those two games. It kind of gave me a leg up for this game.”
Bukowczyk’s younger sister, Brianna, went 3-for-3 with a walk and three stolen bases, including an infield single to lead off the game. She stole second, took third on an error and scored on a passed ball. Isabella Rubino reached first on an error on a bunt and scored on a single by Monica Bukowczyk, who went 3-for-3 with a double, a sacrifice fly and two RBIs.
Brielle Zarsky reached first on a passed ball after striking out and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brianna Lavan, before Ava Lucadamo singled home Monica for the 4-0 cushion.
“That definitely boasted my confidence even more because I knew that even if I did give up a run or two, I knew that my team had my back and my team would score even more runs after that first inning,” Monica Bukowczyk offered.
Vogtman has stressed the need for her team to get out of the gate quickly.
“It’s something we talk about before every single game,” Vogtman noted. “We want to get on top of teams right away. It’s just attacking the ball and getting on top and, hopefully, staying on top.”
That lead held until the fifth, when Monica Bukowczyk led off with a double and scored on Lavan’s single up the middle.
Spotswood scratched out a run in the top of the sixth as Reese Cunningham took first on Bukowyczyk’s first walk and Gabriellle Hill doubled her home.
The top of the Monroe order answered with three more runs in the bottom of the sixth as Brianna Bukowczyk singled, stole second and scored on Rubino’s single. Rubino scored on Monica’s sacrifice fly and Zarsky, who walked, scored by beating a throw to the plate on Kaitlyn Ventura’s grounder.
Spotswood ace Ava Mormile (9-8), forced to pitch from behind all afternoon, struck out seven and walked three.
St. Thomas defeated Monroe by scores of 7-0 and 10-1, but the Falcons enter this time riding a season-long, four-game winning streak and victories in 11 of 16 outings since an 0-3 start. The way the bats have been hitting and the defense has been playing behind their right-handed ace, anything is possible.
“Monica’s been incredible the last seven games,” said Vogtman. “She has been the anchor. She’s been keeping her composure, she’s been hitting the strike zone. We feel confident with her in the circle.”
EAST BRUNSWICK – There’s never any panic, never any tension in tight spots. Close games are just the norm for the St. Joseph baseball team. The Falcons simply keep on playing frazzle-free.Take their Jim Muldowney Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament run. St. Joseph won back-to-back, walk-off 1-0 games in extra innings to reach Saturday’s semifinal against eighth-seeded Spotswood.Baseball: Murphy's gem, key hit lifts Edison to first GMCT final in 24 yearsLegendary coach "Diamond Jim" Muldowney...
EAST BRUNSWICK – There’s never any panic, never any tension in tight spots. Close games are just the norm for the St. Joseph baseball team. The Falcons simply keep on playing frazzle-free.
Take their Jim Muldowney Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament run. St. Joseph won back-to-back, walk-off 1-0 games in extra innings to reach Saturday’s semifinal against eighth-seeded Spotswood.
Baseball: Murphy's gem, key hit lifts Edison to first GMCT final in 24 yearsLegendary coach "Diamond Jim" Muldowney receives another honor with his number retiredWhy should the semi turn out any different?
Spotswood led 3-1 entering the last of the seventh with the bottom of the order coming up for St. Joseph.
“There wasn’t one person in that dugout sitting down,” senior JP Zayle said. “I didn’t hear any background noise about people saying it’s over. We all knew that until our last strike is called, we’re in that game.”
St. Joseph’s Bobby Christensen tied it with a two-RBI double and Zayle followed up with the walk-off hit as the Falcons won 4-3 in another thriller.
It’s fun, right?
“I mean, I love it,” Christensen said. “I’ll take that spot in the bottom of the seventh, second and third down two every single time in my life. That’s what I play baseball for.”
The fifth-seeded Falcons advance to play 11th-seeded Edison in Saturday’s (May 24) final at East Brunswick Magnet.
Saturday, the Falcons’ Richie Zangara battled through bases-loaded jams in the third and fifth innings, limiting damage. He allowed three runs in five innings with 10 strikeouts. Monday, Zangara threw eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts in the 1-0 win over Sayreville in the first round.
“Richie gave us a gutsy performance,” Falcons coach Dennis McCaffery said. “He really did. He’s been dynamite for us this year and it’s just another day out on the mound for Richie. He did a great job today.”
Domenic Erbafina earned his second win in relief in the GMCT by throwing two shutout innings allowing just a hit. Zayle went 2-for-4 and drove in St. Joe’s first run in the third inning.
Spotswood (14-9) ace Carter Cumiskey matched Zangara most of the day allowing a run and three hits until the seventh, which started with a strikeout. With one out, No. 8 hitter Walter Christian doubled and pinch-hitter Luke Baranauskas singled to set up the heroics at the end.
Christensen drove a 2-2 pitch to deep center to make it 3-3. Zayle’s hit up the middle gave St. Joseph, incredibly, its third straight walk-off win in the elimination tournament.
The Falcons (13-6) are in their fourth GMCT final in the last five years with championships in 2021 and 2023. The team has bonded under the Hall of Fame coach McCaffery, who took over in January leading a squad with several returning players.
There were some early rough patches but the streaking Falcons have won seven straight.
“The whole season was building until this tournament and we did it perfectly,” Zayle said. “Everything seems to be clicking. We’ve won the shootout games. We’ve won the close games. This is three straight walk-offs in a row and, honestly, I’ve never been on a team like this. I played for a lot of teams in my life. I’ve never been on a team like this that doesn’t quit. We don’t quit.”
Christensen added, “Coach McCaffery believed in us from day one and we knew that this was going to be a full team-thing. … We just battled the whole game, we never gave up. We knew we were always in this game and we had a chance. And now we’ll celebrate this tonight but have a long six days to get ready for the championship to hopefully bring this back home.”
MILLTOWN, NJ - Joyce Kilmer's Class of 2025 is enjoying their summer vacation. The class of 109 students will soon be starting their high school journeys. Many will enter Spotswood High School. Spotswood High School holds its orientation for incoming freshmen on Thursday, August 21, at 9 a.m. with classes beginning on Thursday, September 4. Others will be heading to one of the Middlesex Magnet Schools, which also begin classes for the 2025-26 academic year on September 4, or private and parochial schools in the area.Joyce Kilmer's Cla...
MILLTOWN, NJ - Joyce Kilmer's Class of 2025 is enjoying their summer vacation. The class of 109 students will soon be starting their high school journeys. Many will enter Spotswood High School. Spotswood High School holds its orientation for incoming freshmen on Thursday, August 21, at 9 a.m. with classes beginning on Thursday, September 4. Others will be heading to one of the Middlesex Magnet Schools, which also begin classes for the 2025-26 academic year on September 4, or private and parochial schools in the area.
Joyce Kilmer's Class of 2025 included Jack Abrams, Emmanuela Algerio, E'Vah Amegor, Daddyel Aparicio, Julian Araujo, Chris Awad, Jordyn Ayres, Daniel Bergondo, Marissa Borrero, Yara Boumansour, Ryan Brescher, Benjamin Bruno, Maksymilian Brzezinski, Yauheniya Bulakhava, Anthony Cacace, Cece Calandruccio, Yar'ryon Campbell, Sophia Canto, Nicole Carvajal, Aaron Cerna, Flourish Chiejina, Chelsea Cooper Kayla Coore, Carly Creighton, Vincenzo Curcio, Narkielys De Jesus, Anthony DeVito, Nina Dominguez, Alyssa Dunlap, Kimberly Espinoza, Liam Essig, Braxton Evans, Michael Ferrer, Molly Fiorillo, Ryan Forney, Jack Katcher, Mia Garner, Anthony Gergis, Marcos Ghali, Emely Gomez Barrera, Veronica Greenberg, Jace Hampton, Clarins Hanna, Aubrey Hitchcock, Monica Hodgson, Charlotte Holsten, Alexis Jackson, Edwin, Jaquez, Isabella Jerez, Kyan Kesley, Sydney Kozak, Harrison Kreiger, Kendall Kreiger, Erick Krier, Kadyn Kuziemski, Ethan Lawless, Maliya Lazar, Lucas Lehmkuhl, Kayla Lewandowski, Ayra Malik, Sophia Mendieta, Juliana Mercado, Ketevan, Mindorashvili, Joseph Modeste, Olivia Modeste, Ashly Molano, Tatianna Mora, Donato Moronta, Shannon Murray, Rachael Nagy, Dominic Napurano, Jake Nunn, Matthew Palmer, Stella Perdoni, Emily Perlson, Mason Pinder, Benjamin Pirro, Isabella Pizar, William Pizar, Samuel Pough, Brielle Poulsen, Edward Quackenbush, Charlie Rathmill, Kaitlyn Reaves, Angelina Rezkalla, Camila Rico, Aubrey Ring, Ozzie Rivas, Aniyah Rodriguez, James Salapka, Criss Sanchez Nila, Alexa Sati, Luca Scalora, Gavin Scammacca, Lily Schiavino, Christina Siacavelas, Nikolaos Siacavelas, Jack Sickles, Ben Spaulding, Nico Spisso, Talia Van Derveer, Tyler Vogel, Peyton Walsh, Michael White, Juliet Yasutis, Hannah Young, Evan Zier and Maya Zink.
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