West Orange HS softball team clinches SEC-Colonial Division title

The West Orange High School softball team gathers to celebrate Danielle Fastiggi’s 100th career hit. Fastiggi is shown kneeling in the center and holding the poster.

WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange High School softball team enjoyed a successful season.

The Mountaineers clinched the Super Essex Conference-Colonial Division championship with a 14-6 win over Montclair Kimberley Academy on May 21.

The 7-1 record in division play placed the Mountaineers in first place, and added to the excitement of Nahtali Simpson’s shattering the all-time hits record on May 10, along with Danielle Fastiggi’s 100th career hit in the first round win over Passaic County Tech in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 4 state tournament on May 17.

Sophia Scholz pitched five innings in the win over MKA. Erin Vermeal, Fastiggi, Andreyah Ageday, Meghan White, Melissa Callen and Cam Fiore all reached base safely three times.

“Great defense was played by all, including Nahtali Simpson recording eight putouts,” said WOHS head coach Joel Troast. “I am very proud of the girls for competing as a team throughout the season. Winning the conference was the number one goal for us and it is amazing that these girls were able to accomplish it. When I think back on the conference games and how we won them, it’s nice to know that all the girls contributed in one way or another that helped us 7-1 in conference play. I am very proud of them. So well-deserved!”

Scholz said, “I think everyone worked hard and proved what we can do when we’re together, as a team.”

Senior captain and second basemen Meghan White said, “We came into this season ready to work hard, play as a team, and do our best and it paid off with the ultimate prize: conference champs!”

WOHS, seeded ninth, fell to top-seeded Fair Lawn, 6-5, in the North 1, Group 4 quarterfinals on May 23 to finish the season with a 16-12 overall record.