After finishing a game short of the .500 mark and exiting the state tournament in the first round last season, the Metuchen High School softball team will look to improve upon last year’s finish when the new season gets under way April 1. The Bulldogs will battle county rival New Brunswick on opening day.
Expectations are high this season because the Bulldogs return seven seniors to the diamond this spring. Leading the way is senior pitcher Caitlyn Zahn. Zahn, the team’s ace the past two seasons, is likely to pitch the majority of innings again this year.
“Caitlyn pitched every inning the last two years,” Metuchen head coach Krsytle Petty said. “She’s been our workhorse, and she’s looked really good thus far.”
Metuchen will have the luxury of handing the ball to a talented duo of freshmen should the need arise. First-year varsity players Halle Pinero and Fallon Mellilo have looked strong in preseason and are likely the future of the program.
“I’m not sure how much the freshmen will be used to pitch this year,” Petty said. “I do think they could complement Caitlyn pretty well.”
Whoever enters the pitching circle is sure to hurl to senior catcher and threeyear starter Lauren Ruegger. Ruegger batted just under .350 last season and appears likely to resume her role as the team’s cleanup hitter.
On the right side of the infield, seniors Rebecca Grayzel and Lindsey Peragallo return to first and second base respectively.
“Rebecca will hit in the three-hole once again,” Petty said. “She had a nice year at the plate and she’s a strong power hitter.”
Peragallo is expected to bat second in the order and help set the table for Grayzel and Ruegger.
“Lindsey is a good spot-hitter,” Petty said. “She’s quick on the bases and just an all-around solid player.”
On the left side, shortstop Hannah Thomas and third baseman Katie Meehan return to thwart opposing hitters.
“Hannah will hit atop the order and she’s very smart and quick on the bases,” Petty said. “Both are very solid defensively and Katie gives us another power hitter.”
Senior Kaycie Green will lead the outfield from center and will be joined by junior Caroline Murphy in left and Laura Steziale in right.
“Kaycie has been hitting well in scrimmages,” Petty said. “We’re looking for her to step up and control the outfield this year.”
Murphy, a returning starter, has shown tremendous improvement and adds more speed on the base paths.
“She’s a nice lefty slap-hitter,” Petty said. “She’s also a very smart player and is looking good right now.”
Melissa Veralque rounds out the varsity team and is expected to see time as a utility player and base runner.
“Melissa is a nice addition,” Petty said. “She gives us an added dimension and fits in well with the team.”
Last year’s team finished third in the competitive Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division. With virtually the entire team intact, the Bulldogs like their chances of finishing closer to the top of the division.
“We’re really excited about this season,” Petty said. “We think this could be the year for us to turn the corner and put our program on the map.”