Experienced Softball Team Ready for Season's Start

In looking to the softball season ahead, senior Tina Scolaro said the Watchung Hills Regional team has something special going for it that will help propel the team.

"I have to say we're probably the only team in the school that gets along in school and out of school—and I think that's going to help us," she said.

Much of that comaraderie comes from the team's history playing together—fully two-thirds of the varsity team is returning from last year. The team lost several key players to graduation, including ace pitcher Grace Hurley (who's now playing for Drew University) and Jamie Schoenbach.

But Scolaro says the team has added some potent new threats, adding, "I feel like we got some good add-ins."

Head Coach Mike D'Alessandro agrees, pointing out the strengths his new players—Shannon Pilsbury, Carissa Montrone, Gina Priore, Stephanie Huff and Stephanie Teixeira—add to the lineup. 

He said Huff, a left-handed batter, is the team's speed threat and Priore is a versatile player.

And he's impressed with how well his returning players are doing—pitcher Abby Cline has added to her already considerable skills, all-around player Meghan Kovac, and Dana Mertz.

"She's already hit three home runs in our pre-season," D'Alessandro said. "She's sort of the key to our offense."

And, he added, Jessica Gaeta and McKayla Brady have "really stepped up."

The roster is rounded out by Lindsey Ball, Brooke Nitti and Brionna Palton, who proved instrumental in last year's winning season.

"They're working really hard—I'm really proud of their effort," D'Alessandro said.

The team battles in a tough conference, with Hillsborough, Bridgewater and Hunterdon Central on the schedule, but D'Alessandro believes his returning players give the team the strengths needed to advance further into the post-season this year.

Roster