Sports

BOYS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM BEATS CHARGERS: The Lancers defeated the Chargers of Science Park, 2-0, in first round action in the Essex County Tournament. The victory was achieved on Friday, April 26, in the Fitness and Wellness Center. Shown here, Lancer Tyler Ferreira gets up to score on a shot against Science Park.

Sanskriti of NJ had its 2024 cricket season kick-off for Cricket on Sunday April 21, at the Sanskriti Cricket Field in Livingston. Mayor Al Anthony; Deputy Mayor Ed Meinhardt; Township Council members Shawn Klein, Ketan Bhuptani, and Michael Vieira; Board of Education members president Pam Chirls, Parul Khemka, and Fang Gong; and Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz attended the event.

Livingston Township has declared April 22 to be “Cricket Day” since 2018, and Sanskriti has commemorated the day for the past six years. During the kick-off Nilesh Mhatre, president of the Sanskriti of NJ, thanked the town for its support.

He mentioned that for the 2024 season, there are 150 members registered for Leather Ball Cricket, 73 for Mens Tennis Ball Cricket, and 39 for Womens Tennis Ball Cricket. He added that cricket has also been introduced by the Board of Education in the school system.

This past week, the Livingston High School girls’ varsity softball team beat three teams ranked in the top 20 by the Star-Ledger, including two in the top ten.

On Wednesday, April 24, the Lancers beat Cedar Grove 8-1. Pitcher Sophia Mount was dominant, scattering four hits while striking out 11 in the SEC American Division contest. Offensively for the Lancers with multiple hits, Allie Nankivell was 3-4, with an RBI, four stolen bases and two runs scored. Val DiIanni was 2-4, with two runs scored and a stolen base. Maddie Rothfeld launched a three-run home run, which put the Lancers ahead for good; she finished the game with four RBIs.

LHS BOY’S VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM WINS: The Lancers defeated Columbia, 11-5, on the Turf on Thursday, April 18. Shown above, Livingston Junior attack player Noah Azalone, #13, carries toward the goal against the Columbia Cougars. At right, Livingston Junior midfielder Sam Goldstein, #16, sets to cut down the lane to score against the Cougars. Below, Lancer senior defenseman Evan Lastella, #34, advances the ball against Columbia. Don Schwartz Photos

The Livingston High School golf team came in second in the Mountain Ridge Tournament last Tuesday,April 16, in Caldwell. The team missed winning the tournament to Newark Academy by just one stroke however, they managed to beat such elite teams as Morristown, Millburn, and Pingry.

Leading the way for the Lancers were Ridhit Beri and Jordan Harris, who each shot a one over par 37. Aalok Dhurandhar finished with a 38, while Rhys Bernstein carded a 42. Ryan Friedman rounded out the scoring with a 43.

On Wednesday, April 17, the Lancers shot their lowest round of the season so far as they beat Bloomfield 152-222. Beri and Dhurandhar both shot an even-par 36, while Harris and newcomer A.J. Sonnenberg finished with a 40.

The team’s record now stands at 3-1. Their next match will be against Glen Ridge this Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Glen Ridge Country Club.

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.

LITTLE LEAGUE SEASON BEGINS: The Livingston Little League held opening day ceremonies at Treat Field within the Congressional Sports Complex on Saturday, April 13. Little League president Pat Ippolito introduced the many dignitaries and ceremony participants. The highlights included the ceremonial opening first pitch by Mayor Al Anthony, Little League player presentations, sponsor tables along the walkways, two inflatable amusements, pizza for all, and the season opening Little League games. Shown here, clockwise from top left: Some of the female Little League players show off the fielding technique; Yankee pitcher Zachary Shamash brings it to the plate against the Mets; Mets leadoff hitter Zach Goldfeld readies to steal second after leading off the game with a single; Jackson Giske is the first batter up in the tee ball league; and Haotian Shen reads the player’s pledge as part of the opening day ceremonies. Don Schwartz Photos

GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM DEFEATS ORANGE: The Lancers defeated Orange, 16-6, on Wednesday, April 10, at home. They next travelled to Morristown, defeating the Colonials, 14-7, on Thursday, April 11. Above, Lancer receiver Erin Podgorski, #10, turns the corner after making the reception. Don Schwartz Photo