Underclass on the rise

Team captain, Danielle Flores, hits the ball before running to first base.

BY JULIET KELLY

The determined softball team ended a competitive season 7-18, recovering from a slow 2-8 start. The young team featured just three seniors and two juniors to lead the three freshmen and ten sophomores.

In the beginning of the season the team secured a high score win. “We won against South Plainfield 18-15, which is one of the toughest teams in our division,” said junior Victoria Keller, who finished third on the team with 11 runs scored. “That win meant a lot to us because it proved we could compete with strong teams when everyone m gave their all.”

The team featured two senior captains, Danielle Flores and Gianna Lombardi. Flores ended the season with 15 RBIs, while Lombardi recorded 32 strikeouts in the circle. “Anything that we felt we needed to work on, we practiced and brought that to the game,” said Lombardi.

Sophomore Sophia Fazzino, who hit a home run in a close game with Monroe, runs to first base.

The players focused on hard work after gaining new team members. “The biggest challenge would, since our team is so young, was everyone trying to find their confidence on the field,” said Flores.” “It takes time for a team to play as one and since this is new to so many that was def one of our issues.”

Freshman pitcher Skyeler Pellowski led the team with 37 hits. “A highlight of the season was beating South Brunswick in extra innings during the Battle of the Brunswicks tournament while I was pitching,” said Pellowski. “I struck out nine batters, our team played great defense, and I was able to hit the walk-off single to win the game.”

Skyeler Pellowski sprints to first base.

For team bonding, the team hosted an Olympics themed practice, which strengthened the team and created unforgettable memories. “We had four teams of four, and we competed against each other in tons of different challenges,” said Flores. “It brought us really close as a team.”

Every player made memories and had learning experiences this season. “My favorite memory was honestly just all the little moments with the team: the bus rides, inside jokes, and laughing,” said junior Nicolette Ampania.

The team honored their seniors on April 16th by playing an exciting game on Senior Night. “We went into extra innings and international tie breaker against Spotswood,” said Keller. “Even though the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, the whole team was the most fired up and excited we had been all season.”

The infielders celebrate after making a play.
Skyeler Pellowski, who led the team with 37 hits, takes her stance waiting for the pitch.
Sophomore Cira Limaldi, who ended the season with 18 runs, gets ready to swing.
Freshman Skyeler Pellowski holds the base while makeing a catch at second base.