The Livingston Lancer softball team celebrated several accomplishments in recent weeks. The team played three games, including two against SEC American division opponents. The Lancers defeated Hanover Park, 14-0, on Wednesday; Columbia, 5-2 on Thursday; and lost to Mt. St. Dominic, 4-3, on Monday.
There have been two Lancer softball milestones accomplished so far this season. Senior Sophia Mount recorded her 400th career strikeout on April 7. Allie Nankivell, a junior, collected her 100th career hit on Monday.
Livingston traveled to Maplewood last Thursday to take on Columbia. The Lancers jumped out right away, scoring one run in the first inning. Leadoffhitter Allie Nankivell began (Continued on Page A-8) with a single up the middle and quickly stole both second and third bases. Senior Heather Downey hit into a fielder’s choice and Nankivell raced home for the 1-0 lead. Mount, who will pitch at Division I Villanova next year, stayed in control throughout the game. Columbia was able to manufacture two runs in the fourth inning, but Mount limited the Cougars to three hits, while striking out nine batters.
JuniorSophieRothfeldandDowney combined for four hits, and knocked in all five runs. Nankivell had her best offensive game to date, finishing with three hits, four runs and eight stolen bases. Freshman Valentina DiIanni stole two bases and scored once.
Mt. St. Dominic defeated Livingston 4-3 on Monday in Caldwell. Olivia Melucci scored a run and hit a two-run double in the fourth inning. Junior Maddie Rothfeld doubled and scored, and sophomore Tvisha Reikhy singled and scored.
Mount dominated on Wednesday against Hanover Park, tossing a five inning no-hitter, striking out 12 while walking three. Offensively, Sophie Rothfeld was 2-3, including a threerun home run in the fourth inning. Maddie Rothfeld was 2-4 with an RBI. Freshmen Joelle Bent, Alex Altieri, and DiIanni each singled, as did Nankivell and Downey. Downey scored three times, Melucci and Nankivell twice, freshmen Abby Kiem, Olivia Mount and DiIanni scored once each.
The softball team is set to take part in the Panther Invitational this upcoming Saturday, April 20. They will be playing against Red Bank Catholic High School in Cedar Grove.
