Glen Ridge HS softball team features solid mix of youth, experience

Lizzie Wiede delivers a warmup pitch against Columbia last season. Photo by Steve Ellmore

GLEN RIDGE, NJ – The Glen Ridge High School varsity softball team has an encouraging mix of youth and experience this season.

Indeed, head coach Rachael Hogan has reason to feel hopeful for this year and for years to come, as the team looks to improve from a two-win campaign last spring.

“Being that we have a young team once again, it helps build the strong fundamentals to make the program successful,” said Hogan, a GRHS alum who is entering her 12th season at the helm. “The freshmen players are coming into the season with some knowledge and enthusiasm that will add to the program, as well as the returning players who are just as eager to be competitive.”

The returning seniors are first baseman Lucy Smeets, second baseman Abbie Robik, infielder Sonia Kinikhabwala, and outfielder Jaymi Pena. The returning juniors are catcher Malorie Iovino and outfielder Emma Wolski. The returning sophomores are second baseman Brooke Scanlon, third baseman Lizzy Komorowski, and pitcher Lizzie Wiede. The freshmen include pitcher Ali Cerruto, shortstop Ava Rollo, outfielders Taylor Townson and Leah Chodosh, and catcher Sarina Robik.

Hogan is confident that the freshmen can become significant contributors.

“Losing our shortstop, Sydney Carey, outfielder Alex Mondsini and Margo Scanlon to graduation has left some key openings to be filled. I think the incoming freshmen, along with a few upperclassmen, will do the job,” Hogan said.

GRHS begins the season Saturday, April 1, against Millburn on the road at 11 a.m.

“As I look into the start of the season, I always want our girls to be competitive and play with intensity, and most importantly, to enjoy their time on the softball diamond,” Hogan said.

The varsity assistant coaches are Anthony Miscia, Kelly Villa, Bob Finlay and Mike Sammon. Miscia is Hogan’s father, who has been with the program for more than 20 years. Hogan played for her father while at GRHS.

Schedule

April 1, Millburn (Away), 11 a.m.

April 3, Montclair Kimberley Academy (Home), 4 p.m.

April 5, Bloomfield Tech (A), 4 p.m.

April 13, East Side (H), 4:15 p.m.

April 18, Bloomfield (H), 4 p.m.

April 20, Montclair Kimberley Academy (A), 4 p.m.

April 21, Mountain Lakes (A), 4 p.m.

April 22, Belleville (A), 11 a.m.

April 24, Science (A), 4 p.m.

April 25, Bloomfield Tech (H), 4 p.m.

May 3, East Side (A), 4:15 p.m.