The WHS community has always prided itself on the students’ exceptional athletic programs, and this year WHS softball has lived up to the standards. The softball team has had an incredible season, working hard to earn first place in the Union County Conference rankings. To date, their record impressively stands at 17-2.

However, the girls have only just begun. The team is equipped to use their strong momentum from counties to succeed in the upcoming sectional state tournament. “We have had a lot of success this season and I really believe we can do well,” said starting pitcher and senior co-captain Michaela Hobson. She continued, “We have the talent and we all work so well together, so I really believe we can do it.” 

Ready to face the competition in the state tournament, Varsity Coach Caitlin Cheddar stated, “Single elimination tournaments are tricky because it’s not just about having a talented team. It usually comes down to the team that won’t take no for an answer. The winner is always a team that has the endurance, desire and determination to see it through. It takes full team buy-in. We’re hoping to be that team this spring.” 

The tournament will require determination, which the varsity softball team has demonstrated all year. Senior and fellow co-captain Molly Stogner said, “We have had our ups and downs and have worked hard to get through the downs. But we are looking forward to a successful run at states.”

Despite a two-week stint of self-quarantining for a few unlucky seniors at the beginning of their season, junior Casey Laguna said, “The team dynamic did not fall and we were able to leave those two weeks undefeated.” Experiencing unconventional circumstances during this pandemic is not new, yet the team was able to make it out stronger on the other side.

On June 1, the team will play Scotch Plains-Fanwood for the first round of the sectional state tournament. They hope to continue their excellent record for the remainder of this season.