May 9, 2025
By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor
With a 6-10 record as of May 8, the softball team has demonstrated significant improvement since the end of last season, which concluded with a 3-19 record.
Junior catcher Gianna Lembo, who has played on varsity for three years, said the team had an impressive start to the season, winning 13-1 away against Manchester Regional High School on March 31 and 20-8 away against Garfield High School on April 2.
“We had good hits and plays in the field, showcasing how we can win many games this season,” Lembo said. “[We] understand each other and the game better.”
Despite the team’s accomplishments, Lembo said this is a rebuilding year with eight freshmen on varsity.
“The team has such a good, strong vibe. I feel like this is the closest we’ve ever been in my years of high school. The good bond we have is going to make us thrive.”
“We are all very talented players, but sometimes we lack IQ, [which involves] knowing where to go with the ball and being one step ahead of every play,” Lembo said. “[It] is an easy fix when everyone collaborates together.”
Lembo said the team perseveres and works through tough times together.
“We motivate each other by being leaders and showcasing how to do the right thing. Constructive criticism is how we motivate ourselves to be better at softball,” Lembo said.
Sophomore third baseman Olivia Syed, who joined varsity last year, said that during the remainder of the season, the team needs to strengthen its communication and stay focused during games.
She said one of the team’s best qualities is its resilience.
“No matter what challenges we face, whether it’s a tough loss or errors during a game, we always bounce back and continue to fight,” Syed said.
She said her goal is for the team to continue building its chemistry to end the season with a winning record.
“Compared to last season, this year definitely feels more competitive and more challenging, but in a good way. We’re pushing ourselves more, and I feel like we’ve all grown a lot,” Syed said.
She said the players celebrate their small achievements as well as their big wins.
“We [encourage] each other by staying positive, being loud in the dugout and always having each other’s backs,” Syed said.
She said being a good teammate is just as important as what a player does on the field.
“My biggest responsibility is to always support my teammates, whether it’s picking someone up after a mistake or cheering for them after a great play,” Syed said.
Junior second baseman Aitana Lozano, who has been on varsity for three years, described the team as a family.
“The team has such a good, strong vibe. I feel like this is the closest we’ve ever been in my years of high school. The good bond we have is going to make us thrive,” Lozano said.
She said the players are taking every practice and game seriously.
“I want to get back all the losses we shouldn’t have dealt with last year. This year, we are taking it personally. We are coming to everyone who doubted us and showing them that Lyndhurst softball is catching up,” said Lozano.
