The Livingston High School softball team opened the season on April 1, and its record currently stands at 3-2.
The team scored victories against Super Essex Conference American Division teams West Essex (6-2), Montclair (8-0), and Cedar Grove (6-1). The Lancers lost against two teams from Somerset County, North Hunterdon (3-2) and Watchung Hills (5-0).
On Monday, after the solar eclipse passed, Cedar Grove, ranked third in the state, traveled to the Oval for a 5 p.m. game. Senior pitcher Sophia Mount, who will pitch at Villanova next year, got the leadoff hitter to ground out, and then struck out the next two hitters. Mount was dominant all day, as she finished with 13 strikeouts, while giving up only three hits and walking four batters.
Offensively, the Lancers were able to ignite a rally in the bottom of the second inning. Junior shortstop Sophie Rothfeld singled to right with one-out. Then, senior Caitlin Hernandez moved Rothfeld to second with a sacrifice bunt. Lilah Goldstein, a junior third basemen, then singled to center to plate Rothfeld and advance to second base on the throw home.
Up 1-0, freshman Joelle Bent doubled down the right field line for Goldstein to score. Cedar Grove then walked leadoff hitter Allie Nankivell. Senior catcher Heather Downey then laced a two run double to right center, putting the Lancers up 4-0. A fifth run was scored on a Cedar Grove error. Rothfeld finished with two hits and two runs scored, while Downey completed the game with two RBIs.
The Lancers’ busy schedules- continues through the week, with games against Hanover Park, Columbia, Caldwell, Cranford, and Mt. St. Dominic.
