By Josh Lashley
WEST MILFORD — At last the considerable snowfall is behind us — well at least we think it is — and it’s time for spring sports fans to concentrate on outdoor athletic competitions.
That certainly includes softball, and the West Milford High School softball program is worth keeping an eye on.
The Highlanders compiled a stout 21-8 overall record in 2017 and advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 3 Sectional Tournament championship round. Old Tappan topped West Milford for the North 1 Group 3 Sectional crown, but this is a new season and there’s a brand new sense of optimism surrounding the Highlanders.
Key returning players to the varsity roster include Alexa Barca (senior, catcher and first base), Abigail Porch (senior, short stop), Kayla Yuhas (senior, second base), Mackenzie McGuinness (junior, third base), Natalie Marzalik (junior, outfield), Samantha Amundson (junior, outfield), Jenna Moran (junior, catcher) and Jessica Perucki (junior, pitcher and first base).
Key varsity newcomers include Anna Brand (sophomore, outfield), Natasha Ford (junior, pitcher) and Kristen Cienki (junior, first base).
"Alexa Barca, Abigail Porch and Kayla Yuhas are senior four-year starters," head coach Nicole Gwinnett said. “They have been the driving force of our success over the years. They have been leaders since day one on and off the field. They display hard work and dedication, and are role models for the younger girls."
The Highlanders are part of the Big North Conference Independence Division along with Passaic Valley, Fair Lawn, Lakeland, Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills. They are scheduled to face Wayne Hills on the road April 11.
"[We are a] contender for sure if everyone stays healthy," Gwinnett said. "We have a lot of experience returning. It would be hard to say [which Divisional team is the favorite] since every team in our conference can contend with each other every day. We need to be ready to play every game; it doesn’t matter who the team is."
The Highlanders ventured to Florida in the pre-season for what Gwinnett said was a productive, team-uniting experience.
"Our Florida trip was very successful, especially with the snow here," Gwinnett said. "We played a very competitive schedule, going 3-3. We were very happy with our results."