Columbia HS softball team enjoys success this season; boasts All-SEC and All-Area players

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MAPLEWOOD – The Columbia High School varsity softball team posted a successful 13-12 overall record this season, including a 7-5 record in the Super Essex Conference-Liberty Division.

The Cougars, under head coach Cliff Smith, hope to build off this year’s success as they return seven of nine starters for next season,. Smith also said a very talented freshmen group will arrive.

“We look forward to return of one our pitchers, Cukie John, who was out all season with an injury, but will be back and ready to go next spring,” Smith said. “After we started 3-8 this season, I really challenged the girls to find it in themselves, a way to start winning games. What they did with that was go 10-4 the rest of the way. They worked extremely hard in every practice and took everything I said to them and implemented it into the games. I could not be more proud of the growth of this young team, and am really excited for the bright future ahead.”

The following CHS players have earned Worrall Media All-Area honors:

First team:

Sophomore pitcher Jordan Stephan.

Sophomore shortstop Maya Goldner.

Sophomore catcher Ally Krause.

Sophomore first baseman Sophie Goldman.

Second team:

Senior left fielder Bridget Sherman.

Senior third baseman Gabby Salinardo.

In addition, the following CHS players earned All-SEC-Liberty Division:

First Team: Jordan Stephan.

Second Team: Ally Krause and Maya Goldner.

Honorable Mention: Bridget Sherman and Sophie Goldman.