Velardi, a former Belleville High School star, took over the reins in 2016 after serving as an assistant coach on the 2015 state championship Cedar Grove squad. She has proceeded to have quite the run beginning with her first of four state titles in 2017.      

 

Now the Panthers will look to keep on track for that much-anticipated shot at three straight Group 1 titles as they are now two wins away from making history heading into Tuesday's Group 1 state semifinal vs. Indian Hills at Panther Park.

 

On the horizon for that victor is the overall Group 1 state championship game slated for Friday, June 13, during a full day of public school group finals at Ivy Hill Park which has assumed status as the state finals site for all six group state championship games, including the Non-Public A final (Mount St. Dominic vs. Donoavan Catholic) 1 p.m., Wednesday (June 11).

 

 Follow Steve Tober on 'X' @Chattermeister

 

   

 

The current run of Group 1 power Cedar Grove with star senior Cayce Kavakich and the head coach Nikki Velardi guiding the Panthers, reminds one of great history in Group 1 in the Garden State scholastic circles, particularly the Whippany Park team of 1989-92 with standouts such as pitcher Toni Fortunato. In bottom photo are a few of the 1992 Wildcats, Susie Fieldstein, Sandy Peltz, Saha Caulfield, Weezy Calderone, all-state pitcher Toni Fortunato and Tricia Cobane. (Photos by Jeff Stiefbold and also courtesy of Facebook)