MSO Girls Softball 10U Team Making Great Strides

The MSO Girls Softball 10U (age ten and under) are having a very productive season this summer. The team's record is 3-3 in the Parkway Summer League. With four remaining games, the Villagers aim to have a strong finish.

In tournament play they won the 10U Babe Ruth District Championship with a 4-1 record in the tournament. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the state round of the Babe Ruth State Championship that was held this past weekend in Kinnelon, NJ. The Villagers will be playing in two more tournaments: the first in Elizabeth this coming weekend and then the League Tournament at the end of July.

"It was a great experience playing in the Babe Ruth League for the girls as they played by the more competitive ASA Babe Ruth softball rules. The team is proud of its performance in tournament play because they improved significantly—each and every game," said Christine Labat, Head Coach.

It is a true team effort with Jordan Stephan and Connie Labat as starting pitchers. Both also play a mean Third Base. Dani Finkelman plays third and is a solid closer. Sydney Loh and Maya Goldner play first base and outfield. Clementine Sherman holds down second base and runs the infield. Lilly Young is becoming a short stop specialist while Grace Turvey, Ally Krause, Cukie John and Eleanor Jaworski use teamwork to cover the outfield. And Julia Rego catches and throws runners out who try to steal base with rocket-like throws down the third base line.

"The team is getting better and better every game. We have a great team—focused on winning and honing our softball skills. The team has truly represented the Maplewood/South Orange Softball League with professionalism and class all over the state," stated assistant coach Mike Labat. He continued, "Our girls are the most Resilient 9- and 10-year-olds I have ever seen play softball – they are truly amazing!"

The team's head coach is Christine Labat and her assistant coaches are Becky Young and Mike Labat.