IRVINGTON, NJ – The Irvington High School varsity softball team made tremendous strides last season.
Under head coach Jenna Weiss, the Blue Knights fashioned an impressive 14-7 final record.
Despite losing nine players to graduation, this year’s team returns a good returning nucleus looking to continue its success.
Returning players
- Sarah Smith, senior second base, third base.
- Sol Berros, sophomore shortstop.
- Maria Escobar, senior second base and catcher.
- Anya Defruesne, sophomore left fielder.
- Zekiah Enos, sophomore right fielder.
Smith, Berros and Defruense are returning starters.
The newcomers are senior outfielder Nicole Cabrera; senior pitcher Cassandra Cherridor; sophomore catcher Malika Spinger; senior outfielder Nicole Cabrera; and sophomore third base Aaliyah Mendez.
The team’s strengths include passion and willingness to learn from their mistakes, along with its overall experience, according to Weiss.
“They never quit, no matter what the situation,” said Weiss, entering her fourth year as head coach and sixth with the program.
Weiss wants her players to show positive encouragement toward each other. In addition, the coach stresses the importance of never getting too down when things aren’t going well.
Overall, Weiss’ expectation is to see her players give their best efforts and best version of themelves everyday while having fun and enjoying what the game and team have to offer.
Her message to her team: “The harder you work, the more it will pay off in the end. Keep driving for success, win or lose. Work hard, play hard and never give up; always keep your head up.”
The assistant coaches are Cristina Lopez (varsity assistant) and Jessica Ragone (junior varsity) and Colin Ruby (junior varsity).
Irvington will host East Orange Campus HS on April 2 in the season opener at Irvington Park.
NOTE: Smith has a GPA over a 4.0 and will attend Wagner University on a full scholarship. She was a Second Team All-Super Essex Conference honoree as a junior last year.
Schedule
(home games at Irvington Park)
April 2, East Orange Campus, 4 p.m.
April 4, at Immaculate Conception, 4 p.m.
April 6, Barringer, 4 p.m.
April 9, at North 13th St. Tech, 4 p.m.
April 11, at Orange, 4 p.m.
April 13, Technology, 4 p.m.
April 14, at Newark Tech
April 16, Golda Och Academy, 4 p.m.
April 17, at West Caldwell Tech
April 20, at East Orange Campus
April 21, at Newark Tech, 10 a.m.
April 23, at East Side, 4 p.m.
April 25, Immaculate Conception, 4 p.m.
April 27, at Barringer, 4 p.m.
April 30, North 13th St. Tech, 4 p.m.
May 2, Orange, 4 p.m.
May 3, Colonia, 4 p.m.
May 7, at Technology, 4 p.m.
May 11, at Franklin, 4 p.m.
May 12, at Pingry tournament, 11 a.m.
May 14, at Golda Och Academy, 4 p.m.
May 17, Newark Tech, 4 p.m.
May 18, West Caldwell Tech, 4 p.m.
May 21, Lacordaire Academy, 4 p.m.
Irvington HS softball team shows passion as season looms added by Joe Ragozzino on
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