Irvington HS softball team boasts experience; seeks successful season

IRVINGTON – The Irvington High School varsity softball team returns a strong group from last year’s team and hopes to have a successful season.

The Lady Blue Knights, despite losing sisters Linda and Leana Thomas to graduation, return the following players:

Seniors: Aisha Springer, outfielder; Ashley Foreman, outfielder; Janecee Forde, first baseman; and Jada Forde, catcher/shortstop.

Juniors: Adjeline Akrong, outfielder/third baseman and Julie Evra, second/third baseman.

Sophomores: Cassandra Cheridor, outfielder; Sarah Smith, second baseman.

According to head coach Jenna Weiss, the top hitters in the lineup are Jada and Janecee Forde; Evra and Akrong.

The newcomers who will contribute are junior second baseman Jackelyn Vicuna and freshman outfielder/shortstop Anya Dufresne.

The Blue Knights’ strengths include hard work, dedication, preparation, commitment and resiliency, said Weiss.

The team’s goals are to “learn from their mistakes; take one pitch and one play at a time; never give up no matter winning or losing; stay committed to each other; and pick each other up in a positive way,” said Weiss.

Responsibility and trust will be the factors in achieving those goals, Weiss added.

Weiss’ assistant coach is Cristina Lopez.

The Blue Knights lost to Newark Side in the season opener Friday, April 1, at Orange Park field.

Schedule

April 6, at Belleville

April 8, at Bloomfield Tech

April 11, Arts

April 13, at Millburn

April 15, Bloomfield Tech

April 20, at Saint Vincent Academy

April 22, at University

April 25, Belleville

April 27, at Science Park

April 28, at Union

April 29, at New Brunswick

May 2, at Arts

May 5, New Brunswick

May 9, Millburn

May 11, at Bloomfield Tech

May 13, Lakewood

May 17, at Snyder