As of April 19, 2018

After two straight trips to the state finals, the Donovan Catholic softball team looks to be a group intent on gaining that elusive title this year.

The Seraphs got off to an 8-0 start by hitting .480 as a team and allowing just five runs (three earned) during that time. Karina Gaskins was hitting .545 with seven home runs and 18 RBI, while Jayda Kearney was batting .583 with four homers and 13 RBI. Other torrid sticks belonged to Mikayla LaPlaca (.526), Kayla Roncin (.520), Amanda MacBurnie (.471), Alexa Pagano (.462), Lindsay Nelson (.450), Lindsey Hay (.444) and Kati Vazquez (.375). Nelson was 7-0 in the circle, allowing just 3 earned runs in 33 innings while striking out 46. 

Red Bank Catholic won five of its first seven behind the hot hitting of Allison Tomaino (.636), Taylor Lane (.500) and Alexandra DiBenedetto (.474). DiBenedetto was 3-0 with 35 strikeouts in 26 innings.

A 5-1 start by Notre Dame was fueled by the bats of Rachel Zingerman (.529), Alexis Staniec (.429), Hailee Jantorno (.524) and Ashley Giampolo (.500). Staniec is 2-1 with an 0.00 ERA while Emily Sharlach is 2-0.

Holy Cross opened at 4-2 behind the offense of Emma Chiemiego (.474), Camryn Curiale (.455) and Tessa Bruneau (.388) and the pitching of Bruneau and Chiemiego, who were both 2-1.

Along with Lindsey Baron, St. John Vianney’s 6-0 start was aided by Alexis Agrapides (.421), Jessica Campana (.444) and pitcher Julia Parker (5-0, 44 strikeouts).