Howell High School’s softball team is again confirming that the Rebels are among the best in the Shore Conference.
Sporting a 9-5 overall record and sitting second in the A North Division, the Rebels are having another banner campaign.
“We take each game one game at a time,” Rebels head coach Tricia Savino said. “We’re tying to stay focused, play well defensively and stay consistent at the plate. If we do those things, we could have a very successful season ahead of us.”
The pitching of Alexis Ruiz and the defense behind her have been Howell’s trademarks this spring.
Ruiz, who showed plenty of promise last year, has developed great chemistry with catcher Vivian Montgomery. Together they are staying one step of ahead of the hitters. The Rebels have relied on Ruiz to keep them in games.
“Alexis has been our ace on the mound,” Savino said.
Sabrina Rittweger (first base) and Paige Eckert (second base) are the cornerstones of a very solid infield defense that includes Haylie Barnes (shortstop) and Mackenzie Vogler (third base).
Center fielder Taylor Mennie can chase down fly balls with the best of them, as many potential extra-base hits have landed in her glove.
“Taylor has been a true leader for the Rebels,” Savino said. “Taking charge in center field and coming through for the team with her bat, she is always doing her best to keep the team up and into every play of the game.”
The Rebels offense can be explosive. They’ve scored 12 or more runs in five games. But as Savino pointed out, consistency hasn’t always been there. The team has scored three or fewer runs five times and is 1-4 in those games.
Montgomery has been Howell’s most consistent hitter, Savino noted. Eckert and Rittweger have been steady contributors as well. “Sabrina works hard every day,” the coach said. “She has been really doing her part offensively but has also been making great plays at first base for us.
“Paige has been an asset for us in the field and at the plate. Coming off a great sophomore year last year, I expect even greater accomplishments from her for the remainder of the season.”
Howell shared the A North Division title with Middletown High School North last year and is back in the hunt this year. After losses to Middletown North and current division leader Middletown High School South, the Rebels were in danger of falling out of the race. But they were able to avenge their early season loss to Middletown North, 6-2, to remain in the hunt.
Alexarae Rizzo hit a home run and Montgomery had three RBIs in the win. Howell hosts Middletown South May 8.
In the first round of the Monmouth County Tournament, the Rebels proved they can be clutch. Trailing Colts Neck High School, 2-1, in the seventh inning, Eckert blasted a solo home run to tie the score and send the game into extra innings. In the eighth, Emily DeGenova’s RBI single won it, 3-2.
The Rebels have 10 players returning from last year’s championship team, which can explain the club’s good start this year. In addition to Rittweger, Mennie, Rizzo, Eckert, Montgomery, Ruiz, Barnes and DeGenova, Bridget Coulahan (right field) and Mackenzie Richard (outfield) are the other veterans.
Vogler, Halley Polisano (outfield) and Linda Rizzo (pitcher) are the key newcomers.
May 9 is the deadline for softball teams to be .500 or better to qualify for the NJSIAA sectional championships. Howell is assured of a spot and currently is No. 4 in power points in Central Jersey Group IV.
Marlboro High School (9-4) is 11th, while Manalapan High School (5-9) sits in the 10th position.