Columbia HS softball team is No. 5 seed in the ECT

Columbia High’s Hudson Hassler swings at a pitch during the road win over Nutley this season. Photo by Steve Ellmore.
The Cougars gather and talk strategy during the game against Nutley.

MAPLEWOOD, NJ (updated Tuesday May 1, 2:02 p.m.) – The Columbia High School varsity softball team received the No. 5 seed in the Essex County Tournament.

The Cougars, who had a 7-4 record through April 30, will host a first round game on May 5 against the winner of No. 12 seed Montclair and No. 21 seed Orange.

The first-round winners will advance to the quarterfinals on May 12 at Verona.  The top seed is Cedar Grove; Mount St. Dominic is the second seed; West Essex is the third seed and Verona is the fourth seed.

The semifinals are May 18 at Ivy Hill Park-Seton Hall University. The final is May 19 at Ivy Hill Park.