In a season with weather perfect for picking up a bat and ball, the girls of the JP Stevens softball team are on a winning streak, impressing both fans and opponents with not only their imposing skill sets but also their unwavering determination. Before the season had even officially started, the team had begun to work tirelessly to hone their abilities and develop their teamwork for future games. But, such a tightly knit team was the product of several of the girls knowing each other from their childhoods, playing on teams with each other even from their elementary years. With their chemistry being developed before even coming together during high school, the team poses a significant advantage as they only continue to grow stronger. 

Led by Coach Bischoff, Ratti, and Travis, the team has trained to maintain their winning record in their division. Their hard work has paid off immensely, with the team winning a string of games against some of the toughest competitions in the district. Each of the players adds their own sense of spirit and skill to the game, no matter their position on or off the field. As the team kicked off the season with a game against East Brunswick, the girls were dedicated to getting their win, scoring 7-5, and reliving that win during their recent game at Monroe. Hoping to continue the winning streak, the team is excited for their senior night against Basking Ridge as the players continue to work on their personal records. Senior, Nicolette Diserio, who finished with 7 doubles and 11 RBIs, was able to lead the team with 15 runs scored. Emma Clemens, junior, was also able to keep up the momentum in several plays, and we hope to see the team as a whole continue to gain power in the 2023 spring season. 

But it’s not just their skills on the field that make the team stand out. They are also active members of their community and are always looking for ways to give back. The team tends to look forward to the Autism Awareness Game that they participate in with the Team Work Unlimited Foundation. Though it is a great way to raise money and bring awareness to autism, it is always a fun game for the players knowing they are playing for a cause greater than themselves. With their upcoming events like Senior Night against Basking Ridge and GMCs, the team loves games like these that fight against their nerves, especially as their main goals are continuing their success in the GMC tournament and further advancing in the State Playoffs.

With goals like these, team chemistry is very important to the players which are evident on and off the field. Coach Ratti stresses “a full team effort and all players contributing no matter what their role may be” to make sure every girl knows it takes all of them for a victory. Aside from their time on the field, the girls are together during team eats, post-game Rita’s, and movie nights. This bond is only emphasized by their success during games as the dugout is as loud as can be when one of their teammates steps up to the plate. Especially with the nerves during a stressful game, it’s important to have people that are rooting for you to truly make up the team effort. This team of young athletes has been an example of great sportsmanship and dedication to their community, and we are eager to see what they accomplish on the field.