Mount Softball Dominates, Wins 10th Straight SEC American Div. Title

It’s been a stellar season for the Mount Softball team (17-1). Not only are they #1 in the NJ.com Top 20, but they are also the 2024 SEC American Division Champions, winning their 10th straight conference title! The team boasts impressive talent, with standout players like Jillian Cianfrocca. Cianfrocca, a sophomore, shines with a remarkable .552 batting average, backed by 32 hits (7 of which are home runs), 25 runs scored and 24 RBIs. Senior Gianna Stern adds to the team's prowess with a solid .407 batting average and 22 hits, while also proving herself to be a tremendous fielding second baseman. Additionally, senior Olivia Bibbo brings her consistent fielding to the table, locking down the outfield at center field as well as to the plate with a .307 batting average and 15 hits and 14 RBIs. These players exemplify excellence on the field, propelling the Mount to victory with their stellar performances.

The team is not just a force to be reckoned with at the plate; they also dominate on the pitching mound. Freshman Ava Kelshaw has been a standout performer, boasting an impressive 0.78 ERA and a staggering 138 strikeouts over 99 innings pitched. Kelshaw's precision and skill have been instrumental in keeping opposing teams at bay, setting a high standard for the team's pitching rotation. Kelshaw just recently won the Jersey Sport Zone Week 3 Game Ball for her dominant performance in a 1-0 over Colts Neck. Kelshaw finished the day, logging 10 innings pitched, 16 strikeouts, a no hitter, only 1 walk, and most importantly, a win. Joining Kelshaw is fellow freshman Natalia Marecki, who has also made a significant impact on the team's pitching success. Marecki demonstrates a 1.05 ERA and 35 strikeouts in just 20 innings pitched, showing her talent and potential as a key player for the Mount when Kelshaw needs a rest. Together, Kelshaw and Marecki form a formidable duo on the mound, providing the Mount with a strong defensive foundation. Their exceptional performances, coupled with the team's offensive prowess, make the Mount a formidable opponent in every game they play.

In other news, Bibbo has verbally committed to Sacred Heart University to continue her softball career, joining Naya Martinez and Gianna Stern who recently signed to play softball at Seton Hall University and Monmouth University respectively.

Here’s how the other teams are faring:

Lacrosse (5-7)

Mount Lacrosse features a strong roster with standout performances from Junior Jayden DeSilva, who leads the team with an impressive 70 points from 40 goals and 30 assists. Senior Erin Murphy also shines, contributing 62 points with 46 goals and 16 assists, while fellow Senior Liana Gumpel rounds out a nice offensive trio with 34 points, including 25 goals and 9 assists. In goal, Junior Gabby Lipari leads the charge, with 110 goals against and making 109 saves in 11 games, demonstrating her skill and determination.

Mount Lacrosse had a really nice run of 5 wins in 7 games over Millburn, Morris Hills, Parsippany Hills, Vernon and Governor Livingston. An extremely close 12-13 loss to Livingston could have made it 6 wins in 7 games.

In addition, Murphy reached a milestone by scoring her 200th goal and is just 1 point away from reaching 300 points in her career, while DeSilva achieved her 200th point. These achievements highlight the skill and dedication of these players, adding to the team's overall success and competitive spirit. The team's total stats reflect their competitive spirit and dedication to the game.

Track

The Mount Track Team has been showing their talent and determination in recent competitions, bringing home several impressive achievements.

At the Paul Beck Relays, Anna Cacciacarne '24 and Natalia Feliz '25 took home a gold medal in the Shot Put Relay, while Cacciacarne and Ciaran Fernandez '27 secured another gold in the Javelin Relay.

At the Blue Devil Relays, Mackenzie Williamson '25, Cacciacarne, and Fernandez earned a silver medal in the Javelin Relays.

Additionally, at the Dodgertown Relays, Cacciacarne and Fernandez secured a gold medal in the Javelin Relays.

At the Essex County Relays, the team continued their success with top-three finishes in the Javelin Relay (2nd Place) by Cacciacarne and Fernandez, as well as the Distance Medley (3rd Place) by Bella Dressler ‘25, Lo Middleton ‘25, Lilly Nachbaur ‘25, and Madison Cronin ‘25.

Cacciacarne also set a new school record in the Spring Shot Put with a remarkable throw of 38 feet 1.5 inches.

Overall, the Mount Track Team's achievements reflect their dedication to their sport and serve as an inspiration to their fellow athletes. Congratulations to all the athletes for their outstanding performances!

In off-season sport news:

Mount Soccer sophomore phenom Lena Tusche ‘26 was selected to the U-17 USA Women’s Youth National Team Training Camp Roster, which is an incredible honor, as only 24 players from across the country get selected to this roster.