May 16, 2024
By Isabella Apple
Staff Writer
With a 3-16 record, the softball players are focusing on making the most of the remainder of the season to bring home more wins.
Although the team had a strong start, winning 21-2 in its home opener against Palisades Park High School on April 3, it lost the next seven games. The team broke its losing streak on April 20, winning 13-3 in New Milford against Cresskill High School in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer Tournament.
Junior outfielder Kiana Marizan, who joined varsity last year, said despite the team’s weak record, all the players are improving.
“Games could be better, but… I believe it will get better because I know all the girls play their hardest,” Marizan said.
She said she strives to keep her teammates energized during games.
“I always cheer on my teammates, whether they make a great play or get themselves on base,” Marizan said.
Junior pitcher Alexis Goula, who joined varsity this year, said the players began the season with high expectations because they had experience playing together.
“The team was very new last year,” Goula said. “This year, we already know each other, so we were expected [to accomplish] more.”
Goula said this season, she is proud to have developed her skills at fielding the ball and has made it her goal to throw more strikes than in her previous seasons on junior varsity.
“I have to improve my pitching speed,” Goula said. “When I achieve a faster pitching speed, the batter will have less time to react to the ball, causing them to swing at it.”
Sophomore pitcher Mia Montalto, who joined varsity last year, said she wants to work on staying focused during games and maintaining her stamina.
“I always cheer on my teammates, whether they make a great play or get themselves on base.”
“No matter the situation, if you are down by 15 [runs] or if you are tired, you should always have consistent energy,” Montalto said.
She said this season is more challenging than the previous one, but she is optimistic because the players have begun to understand each other’s playing styles and are strengthening their communication.
“Even though we… have not been majorly successful, I feel that our team is really starting to become a family,” said Montalto.
