GLEN RIDGE, NJ – The Glen Ridge High School varsity softball team gained valuable experience this season, which bodes well for the future.
Despite finishing with a 5-17 record, which head coach Rachael Hogan acknowledged was not indicative of the team’s skill and ability, the relatively young Ridgers showed much potential while enduring a tough schedule.
“We are a young team and will have the core of the team back next season, with a few others, to fill in the catcher and right fielder position from graduating seniors,” Hogan said. “We play a tough schedule and the girls played with intensity, desire and heart every game.”
The following GRHS players made All-Super Essex Conference-Colonial Division this season:
FIRST TEAM
- Ava Rollo, sophomore shortstop.
Rollo batted .298 with 17 hits, including five triples and two home runs. She particularly was patient at the plate, attested by her 16 bases on bases. Defensively, Rollo had 26 putouts and 30 assists for the season.
“Ava was fun to watch in the shortstop role this year,” said Hogan. “She really improved since last season. Her athletic ability and eagerness to always be the best, is a huge asset for the team.”
- Taylor Townson, sophomore center fielder
Townson led the team with 22 hits, 20 runs scored and 18 RBI and had a .328 batting average. Defensively, she had 27 putouts.
“Returning for her second varsity season in center field, Taylor has the speed, agility and finesse, which makes her a tremendous softball player and athlete,” Hogan said. “Taylor’s ability to track down fly balls, rob extra-base hits and steal bases, is what makes her an asset to the team.”
SECOND TEAM
- Ali Cerruto, sophomore pitcher
Cerruto split time in the pitching circle with junior Lizzie Wiede. In 66 innings pitched, Cerruto recorded 57 strikeouts.
“She did a great job this year and always showed composure and confidence when she was out there,” Hogan said. “Ali’s speed and agility on the base path, made it fun to watch her finesse while sliding and stealing bases.”
Hogan also noted that Cerruto recorded some timely hits. Cerruto finished with a batting average of .283 with 15 hits. She scored 10 runs, drove in 11 runs, and had five stolen bases on the season.
HONORABLE MENTION
- Hannah O’Connor, sophomore third baseman
O’Connor showed tremendous all-around skills, much to Hogan’s delight.
“Playing third base for us this season, Hannah improved remarkably,” said the coach. “Her ability to field a bunt and make an accurate throw, was awesome to watch. In the 129 innings played, Hannah had 16 putouts and 15 assists. Hannah excelled at the plate as well. She finished second among the team with 19 hits, 12 runs scored and six RBI.”
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