WEST ORANGE – The West Orange High School varsity softball team has shown much enthusiasm this season.
“I am very pleased with the attitudes and passion the kids show up with every day to enjoy playing the game of softball together,” WOHS fourth-year head coach Joel Troast said. “On and off the field, these are some the greatest student-athletes to work with. They show up, have fun and compete while giving 100 percent and I can not ask for anything more of them.”
The Mountaineers had a 5-8 record recently. Their biggest win was against Caldwell, 9-1, April 27.
The returning starters from last year are leading the way this season. Sophomore shortstop Nahtali Simpson has 22 hits, including going 4-for-4 with a double, two RBI and four runs against Caldwell. Junior pitcher/left fielder Emma Scalora has 17 hits at the plate and a 3-4 record on the mound. Senior captain/catcher Chyna Chitty, who has 18 hits, has demonstrated great leadership skills on the field and in the classroom, noted Troast. Junior first baseman Amanda Scalora has 11 hits; sophomore right fielder Danielle Fastiggi has 12 hits; and sophomore third baseman Siena Pizzano has nine hits. Senior three-year starting outfielder Heidi Paulson consistently has been making big plays in the outfield and throughout her career, Troast said.
Senior Dominique Lewis, returning from an injury, is now 2-4 on the season and pitched best game during the win over Caldwell.
Sophomore Meghan White and senior Taylor Dellacqua, both newcomers, share time at second base and as the designated player, doing a nice job replacing last year’s captain, Natalie Covello, said Troast.
Also contributing are sophomore Aliyah Perkins, junior Abigail Klausner and freshmen Erin Vermeal and Andreyah Ageday.
The Mountaineers have put in a lot of work in the off-season and the results have shown as they are off to their best start under Troast.
WOHS, seeded 13th, will visit fourth-seeded Livingston in the first round of the Essex County Tournament on or by May 7.
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