Local Softball Teams Prepared For Tough Challenges

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Things are beginning to heat up, not just temperature wise, but also across the local high school sports landscape. A pair of teams hoping to make a strong impression on the softball field this spring is the Middle Township High School and Wildwood Catholic High School programs.
Upon closer examination of each squad: 
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP:
After finishing with 11 victories in 2018 and making an appearance in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 Sectional Tournament, key returning student athletes for the Panthers include Paige Fox (senior, first base, First-Team All Conference in 2018), Victoria London (senior, infield), Lacey Abrego (senior, pitcher, utility player) and Grace Fox (senior, outfield).
Among the newcomers looking to impact the varsity lineup are Charlotte Selover (sophomore, pitcher, utility player) and Grace Thompson (freshman, utility player).
“Our senior class [will be looked upon as leaders] any of them could rise to be leaders,’’ Middle Township head coach Lauren Ruef said. “[We want to] continue to improve throughout the season to be able to compete with anyone in our Division and Group.’’
The Panthers compete in the Cape Atlantic League National Division. On April 16, they have a road game scheduled at Lower Cape May.
“We hope to improve throughout the season to be able to compete with anyone in the Division,’’ Ruef said. “It is usually a competitive Division.’’
WILDWOOD CATHOLIC:
After finishing with a record of 21-8 and capturing the NJSIAA South Non Public B championship last year, the Crusaders are once again a squad to contend with this season.
Key returning student athletes for Wildwood Catholic include Anna Mae Peterson (senior, first base), Mercedes Rivera (senior, center field), Noelle Probst (senior, catcher, pitcher), Isabella Rivera (senior, infield), Emily Cimino (senior, pitcher, first base) and Brianna Bailey (sophomore, short stop).
Promising newcomers looking to positively influence the varsity lineup include Caroline Deegler (sophomore, infield, outfield, catcher), Kasami Hitaffer (junior, infield, outfield), Alyssa Katz (senior, infield, outfield) and Isabell Tengaglia (sophomore, infield, outfield).
“We are a senior heavy team and we are looking for them to continue to lead the team,’’ Wildwood Catholic head coach Matt Megines said. “They display their leadership skills in the classroom, practice field and team functions.’’
The Crusaders are scheduled to travel to face Our Lady of Mercy on April 12. They compete in the Cape Atlantic League United Division.
“We hope to get better every day,’’ Megines said. “We hope to continue to grow as a team and hopefully win a few games.’’