Sheridan Propelling Aviators Softball

It's the eve of the Bergen County Tournament and junior Julia Sheridan has mixed emotions about the game.

It is the first county game for the Aviators in more than 20 years.

"I am really excited and nervous at the same time," said Sheridan on Friday.

The 24th-seeded Hasbrouck Heights ultimately dropped a 12-2 decision to No. 9 Glen Rock on Saturday. But despite the loss, just getting into the county tourney marked good things to come for the future of the Aviators.

"That was one of the best accomplishments," said Sheridan about qualifying for the tournament. 

The junior pitcher has been a big part of the success so far this season for Hasbrouck Heights which is now 6-4 under first-year head coach Jackie Ferranti.

"I think I have a lot more accuracy," said Sheridan who started last week with a 2.44 ERA. "I lost some speed, but I have more control."

Ferranti said that Sheridan has the intangibles along with her arm to be one of the best in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference as well as the county.

"She has a good strikeout pitch," said Ferranti, adding that Sheridan averages between seven and 10 strikeouts a game and posted 15 Ks against Hudson Catholic for a season high. "She's very competitive and an intense player."

The junior hurler has a consistent four-pitch repertoire, with another two in her bag of tricks. "My curveball has been striking out a lot of batters," said Sheridan, a three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and soccer.

What does she like about pitching in softball? "I like that I have more control of the game," said Sheridan.

Last summer Sheridan played for the Tri-Boro Sting in the UGALS program. But this season she hopes to be part of a Hasbrouck Heights team. "My coach (Ferrenti) has been very enthusiastic about it," said Sheridan, who is hitting .524 so far this season for the Aviators.

Sheridan has not decided on where she'd like to attend college, and said she's interested in playing soccer and softball.