By John Beisser, Special Writer
Softball improves to 11-4
The Hillsborough High softball team is excelling in all phases of the game and entered this week sporting an 11-4 overall record, having won 10 of its last 12 games after starting out 1-2.
There have been several keys to the Raiders’ success, none bigger than consistent starting pitching. Junior Brittany Ksiezopolski has been a stalwart in the circle for the Raiders and sports an overall record of 9-3. Sophomore Ashley Lamont checks in with a 2-1 record.
”When you get quality pitching, you’re in every game and that’s what we’ve been getting,” said veteran head coach Cheryl Iaione. “Brittany has been outstanding and Ashley has been very solid when called upon. In addition to quality pitching, our defense has been good and we’re getting some timely hitting.”
The hottest bats of late have been freshman third baseman Alison Shimko, junior centerfielder KristiAnn Ivone, senior second baseman Christine Fisher and senior leftfielder Vanessa Burshnic.
Hillsborough owns a host of quality victories, highlighted by wins over Governor Livingston, North Hunterdon, Cedar Grove, Immaculata and Bridgewater.
Iaione says her team has displayed excellent focus all season long and that camaraderie and teamwork have been excellent.
”It’s a long season and I think the girls have done a great job,” said Iaione. “There’s a lot going on this time of year. You’ve got proms, student trips, graduation coming up, and college choices — just a lot of potential distractions. But through it all, the girls have done just a great job.
”If there’s one area we need to improve upon it would be consistency,” she added. “We’ll play a few good games in a row and then struggle at times. But overall I’m very pleased with the team.”
The Raiders faced a big week. On Tuesday, they traveled to Voorhees before hosting Watchung Hills today. On Saturday, the Raiders will meet Gill-St. Bernard’s in the quarterfinal round of the Somerset County Tournament. The Raiders are seeded No. 2 in the county event while Bernards checks in at No. 7. Each of the top four seeds was rewarded with double-byes into the quarterfinal round.
The Raiders earned a trip to the county finals a year ago en route to a 21-5 record and are looking to return to the finals this season. If the pitching remains solid, the Raiders will stand a good chance of again reaching the finals.
