The Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association released its first regular season rankings on Tuesday, and one team made a significant leap to the top of the standings. Algonac, which was ranked second in the preseason polls, has now ascended to the number one spot in Division 3, displacing the previously top-ranked team.
Bountiful catcher Athena Tongaonevai is making a significant impact on the team’s success this season, both offensively and defensively. With her astute defensive strategies and newfound offensive mindset, she’s contributed to the team’s 15-2 record and 11-game winning streak. Tongaonevai’s eight home runs and .538 batting average highlight her offensive prowess, which she attributes to a desire to support her hard-working pitcher. The team’s experienced roster, with Tongaonevai as a senior leader, has also played a crucial role in their impressive start to the season.
Tuesday’s high school sports scene witnessed a plethora of exceptional performances, with baseball, softball, and boys volleyball athletes dominating the headlines. Ryan Hunter, Barrett Johnson, Jase Pashales, Randall Riley, and Andrew Torres showcased their offensive prowess on the baseball field, while Jenna Becker, Brooklynn Braun, Madison Castellon, Madilyn Lowy, and Halley Redd stole the show in softball. In boys volleyball, Kingston Jerome, Andrew Muniz, Easton Welbourne, Talen Wolf, and the outstanding team from Shadow Ridge left an indelible mark on the court.
In a dominant display on Tuesday, Greenfield High School’s softball team emerged victorious against Mount Greylock, securing an impressive 18-0 win. The Green Wave’s triumph was further solidified by the exceptional pitching performance of MacKenzie Paulin, who masterfully threw a no-hitter shutout against the opposing team.
James Logan pitcher Anastasia Marquez struck out 12 in a complete game as the Colts beat host Newark Memorial 5-0. Marquez’s performance helped James Logan improve to 16-1 overall and 9-0 in the Mission Valley Athletic League. The Colts have allowed only six runs during their 14-game winning streak. Coach Mandy Camuso believes this year’s team has the potential to make a deep run in the North Coast Section playoffs. Marquez, Villapando, and other team leaders are confident in their abilities and are eager to compete for a sixth section title.
Waynesboro secured a thrilling 4-2 win over Big Spring on Tuesday, with Riley Shetler delivering an exceptional performance at the plate and on the mound. Shetler went a perfect 3-for-3, connecting on a towering home run and driving in two crucial runs. Her dominant pitching display saw her strike out three batters while keeping Big Spring scoreless over four innings, securing the win for Waynesboro. Davina Raudabaugh and Sophie Wickard contributed RBIs for Big Spring, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Shetler’s brilliance.
Freshman Savanna Burkeen stole the show for Dunellen, driving in seven runs with a double, triple, and two additional hits. Rose Ciccolella also contributed with four hits and three runs, boosting Dunellen’s record to 3-4.
East Pennsboro High School’s softball team displayed an offensive explosion on Tuesday, crushing Harrisburg High School 25-0. The team’s triumph was fueled by the remarkable performance of Irys Kline, who went 2-for-2 with a triple, a home run, and five RBIs. Gracie Barder contributed with a 2-for-3 performance and three RBIs, while C Coleman also added three RBIs to the tally. Gabby Miller, Chelsea Hoover, and Lauren Stup each chipped in with one RBI, highlighting the team’s depth and dominance at the plate.
Watchung Hills softball team earned a 5-1 victory against Bridgewater-Raritan on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023. Mia Simon’s impressive pitching performance, striking out 8 batters and allowing only one unearned run, was crucial in securing the win for Watchung Hills. Ella Stevinson and Maddie DiSarno contributed offensively, each driving in two runs. Bridgewater-Raritan’s Melanie Artuso and Angela Tremarco had notable performances as well.
Erin Townley’s exceptional performance on the mound powered South Plainfield to a convincing 10-0 victory over Bayonne. Townley’s dominance included a six-inning one-hit shutout, striking out 10 batters while issuing only four walks. Nicole Swatko’s impressive 3-for-4 performance, featuring a double and two RBIs, further contributed to South Plainfield’s success. Lindsay Oller’s two doubles, two runs, and two RBIs, along with Hailey Fonti’s two singles and two RBIs, rounded out the Tigers’ offensive efforts. Despite Annie O’Neill registering Bayonne’s lone hit, the Bees suffered their first loss of the season, dropping their record to 13-1.
