BY ANALISE SAINVIL
The softball team returns ready to begin the new season after finishing last season with a 10–16 record and a 4–6 mark in the GMC Red Division. The team brings back nine varsity players, providing experience as the program looks to build on last year’s progress.
The team competed through a challenging schedule last season while adjusting to several obstacles throughout the year. “We started off a little rocky and faced adversity in the beginning of the season,” said Sophia Fazzino, who hit three doubles as a freshman last year. “Although we went through hardship, those tough times pushed us to get to know each other better and led us toward a more unified team.”
Among the returning players stands sophomore Cira Limaldi, who recorded 25 hits, 18 runs, and 12 RBIs while batting .338 last season. “I would say we had a lot of distractions in the beginning of the season, and we overcame them making us stronger as a whole,” said Limaldi.
Senior Danielle Flores also returns after leading the team at the plate last season with a .382 batting average, 29 hits, and 27 RBIs. “My expectations are very high,” said Flores. “I am so ready for my senior year and excited for all the upcoming talent.”
The team will also rely on its pitching staff, including Gianna Lombardi, who has pitched more than 400 career innings and recorded 48 strikeouts across 112 innings last season. “We had distractions in the beginning of the season but were able to overcome them and focus,” said Lombardi.
Kendall Riggleman also returns to the circle after pitching 35.1 innings with 13 strikeouts last season, giving the team additional depth on the mound. “We definitely started the season at a disadvantage, losing a majority of our starters from the previous year,” said Riggleman. “However, everyone stepped up to fill the roles that we needed.”
The team expects several underclassmen to take on larger roles this season as the roster adjusts following last year’s graduating class. “This year’s team looks different since we lost many seniors, but it opens new opportunities for the underclassmen to step up,” said Ampania.
Players have worked during the offseason to be the best they can be. “I am preparing for this season by making sure I am ‘moving the needle’ every day,” said Fazzino. “That means practice, the gym, watching college games, and doing something every day to improve my game.”
The girls will open their season Thursday, April 2 against Monroe at 10 a.m. “I expect to win some games while enjoying my season with my friends. I can’t wait to spend every day doing the sport I love with the people I love,” said Jenna Pullano.
Posted on March 25, 2026
Photos by Lors Photography
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