West Essex High School Softball Team Captures State Section Championship

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — The West Essex High School girls softball team has brought home its first state section championship since 2010.

The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently honored the team members for their outstanding 2016 season. The board’s commendations were sponsored and presented to the team coaches by District IV Freeholder Leonard Luciano of West Caldwell.

According to a county news release, the West Essex High School Girls Softball Team completed its season by winning the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 Tournament (NJSIAA), defeating Morris Hills on May 24, 2016, 10-0.

It marked the first time since 2010 that West Essex won a state section championship, county officials stated.

“I can only imagine how proud your coaches, athletic director, parents and entire school are of each and every one of you,” Luciano told the players during the commendation ceremony.

According to county officials, the team also won the Essex County Championship by defeating Newark Eastside 15-0 on May 7, Bloomfield 3-0 on May 14, Cedar Grove 8-1 on May 20, and Montclair 11-3 on May 21. That marked the first time since 2007 that West Essex won the Essex County Championship.

The team ended its season with 23 wins, officials stated.

Team members included: Seniors Kate Jencarelli and Dinore Gashi; Juniors Sami Huetter, Bridget Betley, Alexa Vardiman, Madison Gemma, Amanda Garofalo, Rachel Rodriguez, Marissa Corso, and Alexa Estrada; Sophomores Lilly James, Amanda Schwartz, and Alex Apito; Freshmen Julia Vardiman and Gianna Waack.

Coaching and administrative staff included: Head Coach Andrea Mondadori Llauget, Assistant Coaches Jason Ahmed, Steven Mondadori and Dominick Linsalato, Athletic Director Anthony Minnella Superintendent Barbara Longo, Principal Caesar Diliberto, Assistant Principals Julie Hoebee and Damion Macioci, Athletic Trainers John Mascola and Kevin Gramata and School Security Officer Pete Davis.

Photo: Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders

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