The varsity softball team opened its season against Nutley last Monday, April 3. The Lancers defeated Nutley, 11-1, in .ve innings for its .rst victory of the season, and went on to defeat Montclair, as well.
Junior So.a Mount, a Villanova softball 2025 commit, was dominant the entire game in the circle, striking out 16, allowing only two hits, and walking none. Junior catcher Heather Downey, led the attack with three hits and an RBI. Senior Caitlin Mullen, who will play at Stetson University in Florida next year, hit an RBI triple in the .rst inning, then launched her .rst homer of the season to right center. It was a two-run blast to bring the early score to 7-0. Sophomore Allie Nankivell reached base safely three times, scoring three runs and stealing two bases, .nishing 2 for 3 on the day.
The Lancers traveled to Montclair on Saturday morning for their second SEC American Division game of the year. Livingston defeated Montclair, 8-0.
Mullen was in control throughout the game, only allowing one hit through .ve innings of work, striking out .ve and walking four. Mount (Continued on Page A-6) finished the game, striking out four for the save.
Mullen and Nankivell led the offense with three hits and a run scored by each. Nankivell also had an RBI and three stolen bases. Sophomores Ovilia Melucci (RBI) and Maddie Rothfeld (two RBI) each tripled and Downey was 2-3 at the plate, recording two doubles and two RBI.
The team is scheduled to play Cedar Grove, Columbia, Caldwell and Donovan Catholic in the coming weeks.
