Rangers post 56 runs in 3 victories

It did not take very long for the Wallkill Valley Regional High School softball team to display its offensive fire power this season.

In their three victories through Sunday, April 23, the Rangers tallied 56 runs.

On Friday, April 28, Wallkill Valley is scheduled to host Hackettstown.

“This year we hope to see a winning overall season record, division record, and a further run in both the county and (NJSIAA) state tournaments,’’ head coach Sarah Ablahani said.

“Last year, we installed our first annual benefit game, where the team members selected breast cancer research as their donation of choice. We raised over $1,000 to donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“This year, the players selected mental health awareness/suicide prevention as the cause of choice and we’ll be donating towards the Peyton Heart Project. The game will be held on May 12 at home against Sussex Tech at 4 p.m. This will also double as our Senior Day.’’

Key returning student athletes include seniors Erin Anderson (first base), Giana Carreiro (second base) and Ashley Roccisano (pitcher) and juniors Kaylyn Bowden (outfield), Cami Brunner (pitcher), Lily Kays (third base), Makayla Mehmedi (short stop) and Jackie Schels (outfield).

Newcomers looking to make a positive impression include freshmen Kaylee Fagan (catcher), Grace Insalaco (outfield) and Jadyn Milligan (outfield and utility player).

“All of our returners are now juniors and seniors and have the ability and the expectation to take on leadership roles,’’ Ablahani said. “With many different strengths, personalities and positions filled by returners, we’re looking to each of them to communicate, lead by example, pick each other up, and provide the energy and motivation that’s needed to succeed this year.’’

Wallkill Valley competes in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Colonial Division along with Newton, Morris Tech, Sussex Tech, Hackettstown and Hopatcong.

“We’ve been hovering in the middle of the pack of our division the last few years and this year we aim to make it to the top teams competing for a division title,’’ Ablahani said. “We’ve had tough competition games against several of our division opponents.

“Newton is new to our conference this year after being in the Freedom Division previously so we’ve got eyes on them as the ones to beat this year.’’