Glen Ridge HS softball team has solid returning group this season

Lizzie Wiede fires a warm-up pitch in a game last season. Photo by Steve Ellmore.

GLEN RIDGE, NJ – The Glen Ridge High School varsity softball team has a good returning nucleus this season, looking to improve on last year’s 8-10 mark.

Returning players

  • Malorie Iovino, senior catcher and captain.
  • Emma Wolski, senior right fielder and captain.
  • Lizzy Komoroski, junior first base.
  • Sarina Robik, sophomore second base.
  • Ava Rollo, sophomore shortstop.
  • Hannah O’Connor, sophomore third base.
  • Lizzie Wiede, junior pitcher.
  • Ali Cerruto, sophomore pitcher.
  • Leah Chodosh, sophomore left field.
  • Taylor Townson, sophomore center field.

The aforementioned players, with the exception of Robik, are all returning starters. Robik was primarily a backup catcher last year.

Olivia Strikowsky is a newcomer. Head coach Rachael Hogan is looking to add a few more players to the roster.

Townson was the team’s top hitter last year as she was named First Team on the All-Super Essex Conference-Colonial Division. She will be the leadoff hitter. Hogan also is looking for Rollo to continue excelling at shortstop. Komorowski has been moved to first base to fill a void left by a graduated player. Iovino made Second Team on the All-SEC-Colonial last season.

Wiede and Cerruto will share time in the pitching circle. Cerruto was an Honorable Mention selection on the All-SEC-Colonial last year.

The Ridgers overall have plenty of experience, giving Hogan reason to feel very optimistic about building off last year’s progress. The Ridgers advanced to the Essex County Tournament round of 16 last spring.

Hogan, a GRHS graduate, Class of 1996, is entering her 12th year as head coach and 14th with the program. The assistant coaches are Mike Sammon, Bob Finlay, Anthony Miscia, Kelly Villa and Marisa Lopes

The Ridgers begin the season April 2 against Montclair Kimberley Academy at home at Glenfield Park.

Schedule

April 2, Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.

April 4, at Bloomfield Tech, 4 p.m.

April 5, Morris Tech, 4 p.m.

April 6, West Orange,  4 p.m.

April 9, at Millburn, 4 p.m.

April 10, Mountain Lakes, 4 p.m.

April 12, East Side, 4 p.m.

April 13, at Belleville, 4 p.m.

April 19, at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m

April 21, at Montclair, 11 a.m.

April 23, Orange, 4 p.m.

April 25, Bloomfield Tech, 4 p.m.

April 26, at Morris County Tech, 4 p.m.

April 30, at West Orange, 4 p.m.

May 2, at Caldwell, 4 p.m.

May 4, at Immulate Conception, 4 p.m.

May 7, Irvington, 4 p.m.

May 8, at Mountain Lakes, 4 p.m.

May 9, at East Side, 4 p.m.

May 14, Belleville, 4 p.m.