By Jimmy Allinder
As this season unfolded, there were legitimate concerns the Monroe Township High School softball team might not be as competitive as it has been in the past.
After all, the Falcons (20-3) graduated a pair of All-Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) infielders — shortstop Casey Schieda and third baseman Cindy Foresta — plus a number of other quality starters. When pitcher Glorianna Perrotte decided to forgo her senior year and focus on rowing for the Princeton National Rowing Association’s Mercer County crew, Monroe faced an additional concern.
Despite those losses, it appears Monroe (4-0) will be as strong as ever based on this season’s initial results. In victories against Woodbridge High School, 16-4, Perth Amboy High School, 23-0, and John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, 16-1, all games failed to go the regulation seven innings because the 10-run mercy rule was applied. The Falcons defeated Colonia High School, 4-2, April 11, to keep them unbeaten.
Weather-permitting, Monroe hosted White Division opponent South Plainfield High School April 13 and will be home to Carteret High School April 16.
With no experienced starter in the circle, pitching might have been a liability, but that hasn’t been the case with Nicole Van Durza and Julia Ganit on the mound. Opponents have managed a total of seven runs against the pair, turning what might have been a liability into one of the team’s strengths.
Keith Hudak has not established specific goals for his team, which has turned into one of the top programs in the conference since he took over as head coach six years ago.
“I’m not a big goal-setter,” Hudak said. “I try and get the players to improve every day by working on fundamentals and developing qualities I believe will help us win. In the end, it will all work out.”
Hudak does believe in challenging his players to reach their potential but says it’s important to do so in a positive way. His strategy has been extremely effective in the past, and Monroe is well on its way toward winning another White Division and conference tournament title (2013 and 2014).
Seniors Sarah McGrath (outfield), Grace Martini (first base), Ashlyn Petersen (second base), Angela Mazurkiewicz (catcher), Gina Mazurkiewicz (outfield), Casey Benzi (outfield) and Hannah Fisher (outfield) bring experience, maturity and power to the lineup.
Newcomers Jenna Theoret (shortstop) and Kierstyn Pfluegger (third base) also hope to make an impact. Others who will see action include Jess Weinthal and Emma Pede.
“We’re fortunate to have one of the best classes of senior athletes in school history who have not only excelled in softball but other sports,” Hudak said. “That’s not to minimize the roles our underclassmen will have this year, though.”