Nutley’s Helyna Bissell shines in state championship win to cap softball career

NUTLEY – Helyna Bissell, of Nutley, finished her high school softball career this month with a state Non-Public B championship.  Bissell, team co-captain, helped lead Lodi Immaculate Conception to a 3-0 victory over Benedictine Academy in the state Non-Public B championship game on June 10 at Kean University, going 2-for-3 with a single and RBI double to close out her last game.

Bissell adds it to her 2014 state championship win in the coveted Non-Public A, making her the only player in New Jersey to win a softball championship in both Non-Public A and Non-Public B, along with two Essex County Tournament and two Super Essex Conference-American Division championships. Bissell played for Mount Saint Dominic Academy before transferring to Lodi Immaculate Conception.

The win was also No. 600 and the fourth consecutive state championship for head coach Jeff Horohonich.

When asked what her most memorable moment of her career was, Bissell replied, “It would have to be getting the final out against IHA (Immaculate Heart Academy) to win the Non-Public A North Championship in 2014.  We went on to win the state championship that year.”

Bissell’s cumulative stats include .426 batting average with 143 hits, 101 RBIs, 17 home runs, six triples and 38 doubles.

Bissell said, “It’s been a good run and I’ve really enjoyed playing for Coach ‘H’ (Horohonich) this year.”

Horohonich added, “Helyna was a great addition to our program. She has a work ethic second to none and led by example, on and off the field.  She is one of the best power hitters I’ve ever coached.”

Bissell will continue her softball career this fall at Morehead State University in Kentucky.  When asked about the transition to college, Bissell replied, “I’m excited about what the future holds for me at Morehead.”