Donovan Catholic, Toms River, has become the gold standard for New Jersey softball in recent years, and St. John Vianney, Holmdel, is close behind. Both play in the Shore Conference with Red Bank Catholic, which hopes to become part of the conversation this season when it comes to conference and state supremacy.
“I would be disappointed if we didn’t play up to a standard where we could compete with them and possibly win a game,” coach Tony Flego said. “If we’re not playing deep into the Monmouth County, Shore Conference and state tournaments, I would say we missed the boat somewhere. I think the (A Central) division and everything is within our grasp. We just have to stay healthy and compete daily.”
And get a big win over a premiere team.
“We’ve gotta get over the hump,” the coach continued. “There’s a lot of proving ground out there for us to do that. Once we get one, we can realize we’re capable of doing this and hopefully that will carry us.”
The reason for optimism is that RBC returns every regular from a team that went 17-7 and gave SJV a scare before losing 10-9 in the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public A quarterfinals.
Sophomore pitcher Lily Hagan, who hit .446, with 7 doubles, was not only the team leader with 41 RBIs, but in the circle she had a 1.88 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 67 innings. Senior Bella Hurta forged a 1.92 ERA and 115 Ks in 73 innings, while junior Morgan O’Sullivan has improved her throwing and will also see time.
Junior catcher Jordan Terefenko (.467, 6 HR, 6 doubles, 24 RBIs, 18 runs) will handle the hurlers. Going around the infield, junior Abigail Zebick, who missed her entire sophomore year but led the Caseys in home runs with eight as a freshman, will be at first. Senior Corina Wilton (.328, 14 RBI) is at second base along with sophomore Mater Dei transfer Cailin Naughton (.500, 24 RBIs, 27 runs). Sophomore Nicole Knox (team leading .603, 47 hits, 2 HR, 8 doubles, 18 RBIs, 37 runs) is at short and senior Amelia Santos (.329, 18 RBsI) will hold down third base.
Flego has a myriad of talent in the outfield, including sophomore Sophia Lasater (.344, 13 RBIs, 26 runs), Hurta (.412, 13 doubles, 22 RBIs, 28 runs), O’Sullivan (.309, 26 RBIs, 24 runs), Maryland transfer Brianna Santangelo and freshman Tori Case. Senior sisters Lauren and Christina Gabriel will see time in the outfield and Christana can also catch.
It’s a lineup that produced a .385 team batting average and .582 slugging percentage while averaging nearly 10 runs per game last season.
“I don’t think we’ll have any easy outs,” Flego said. “I’m really excited about it. All the kids play 12 months a year. They’re well-seasoned. I don’t see any weaknesses one through nine. I think we’re gonna put a lot of pressure on opposing pitching staffs and defenses.”
Flego also runs RBC’s Catholic Athletes for Christ chapter and noted that half of his team are members.
“Our girls are all involved, one way or another, in giving back,” he said. “They are a great bunch, a tight-knit group who all do a lot of things off the field, which I think is important.”