LHS Softball Gears Up For Big Week

Despite a few recent setbacks, the Livingston softball team is still enjoying a very successful season.

The Lady Lancers (10-7-1) have a big week ahead starting with a game Tuesday at Morris Knolls. On Saturday, Livingston will host Caldwell in an Essex County Tournament quarterfinal.

“We have seven losses we could’ve had some better luck, but they’re a scrappy bunch,” said 11th-year head coach Jason Daily. “They compete in every game. Playing in the SEC (Super Essex Conference) is difficult. It’s a very competitive conference.”

On Saturday, Livingston, the fourth seed, defeated Verona, 15-0, in five innings in a ECT first round game.

Kaitlyn Reilly had two hits with three RBI and Alex Bell added two hits and drove in a pair of runs to key the decision. Alex Pizzoli and Jess Peslak combined on a two-hitter against Verona. The pitching of both have been bright spot for all season.

“In my eyes, they’re both No. 1 pitchers,” said Daily. “Alex (Pizzoli) is a senior left-hander and has done a great job as has Jess, who is our sophomore.”

Pizzoli is one of Livingston’s six seniors, along with Michelle Canvisser, Rebecca Herman, Jess Icolari, Michelle Millman and Bell.

“Alex Bell is our No. 3 hitter and is having an outstanding season offensively and defensively," Daily said.

“We have our core of six seniors and we have three juniors that start as well,” Daily said. “The rest is a nice mix of freshmen and sophomores.”

Livingston, which has reached the semifinal round of the ECT each of the last three seasons, is seeking to get to the final for the first time since it last won the event in 2006.

Livingston also won ECT crowns in 1985 and 1992 and has reached the final seven times.

The Lancers will be facing Caldwell for the second time this spring after defeating its rival, 4-2, on May 6.

“Livingston is a great program with a lot of history,” Daily said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge of the quarterfinal against Caldwell on Saturday.”

Volleyball

The varsity volleyball team took out Bloomfield in the semifinals of the Essex County Tournament on Saturday. They will face Belleville at home in Saturday at 1 p.m. in ECT final.

Boys Lax

LHS will take on Millburn in the annual Jake Cup game on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Livingston.