Resilient Panthers A Force On The Softball Field This Year

This past season, the Middle Township High School softball program not only demonstrated the ability to build upon their strengths but learn from their mistakes as well.
Even though the Panthers were defeated by an opponent the first time they played, it did not mean the same result would occur in the rematch.
“In the second half of the season, we beat a couple of teams who beat us in the first half of the season, including Ocean City 2-1 in walk-off fashion in the seventh inning on our field,’’ Middle Township head coach Lauren Ruef said. “Grace Fox scored the winning run on her sister, Paige Fox’s RBI. The last game of the season was Cedar Creek. We came from behind, down two runs, and scored three runs in the top of the 7th. Again, this was a team that beat us (10-1) in the first half of the season and again Grace Fox scored the game-winning run on a hit by her sister Paige. 
“We also beat Oakcrest 14-1 late in the season after having lost to them by one run earlier in the season. We started our season 4-8 and then went 8-3 for the last half of the season. These games are representative of how hard this team worked to improve and turn their season around and [was a] clear measure of their improvement.’’
Paige Fox was a vocal leader for the Panthers this spring. 
“She plays with passion and has fun, she knows the game well,’’ Ruef said. “Paige found a way to push her teammates to work hard and be the best they can be but in a way they respected and found her to be kind about it. All of these characteristics have made her an excellent leader.’’
Victoria London also knew how to have fun playing softball, but maintained strong leadership characteristics.
“She can make everyone laugh as good as anyone I know, but she is all focus and business when she steps on the field,’’ Ruef said. “Victoria became a leader that had an amazing balance of being hard on her teammates but pick them back up. Her teammates truly respected her.’’
Lacey Abrego took the approach of being a leader by example for Middle Township.
“Her voice will not be heard as much as Paige and Victoria but she works very hard and plays hard,’’ Ruef said. “Lacey pitched the majority of innings for the team this year.’’ 
Coach Ruef mentioned senior Emmie Dayton, junior Raine DeRose, and freshman Grace Thompson as among the student-athletes who constantly progressed in positive ways this year.
“Emmie has been with MTHS for four seasons,’’ Ruef said. “She started with JV her freshman year. She then spent two years as a backup catcher for varsity, not seeing much playing time. She worked at other positions for the team in the meantime and was always ready to fill in when needed and warm up pitchers during games. This year, Emmie was our starting catcher. She improved every day and worked hard for the team. She threw a base runner out trying to steal second base in our 2-1 win against Ocean City (mentioned above) at a key time in the game.
“Grace played many positions for the team this year as a freshman. She filled in throughout the season wherever the team needed her. She had not had much experience in the outfield in her previous experience playing softball and the pitching she was facing batting at the varsity level was different than middle school and recreation softball. Grace worked hard all season to improve at everything we asked her to do. Grace caught a couple of games this season, including the last game of the season when Emmie was being sworn into the National Guard. Grace contributed a double in the game against Cedar Creek (mentioned above), caught all seven innings and threw a runner out trying to steal second base. Raine had one of the lower batting averages last season with a .224 batting average and 13 hits in 72 plate appearances. This season, Raine had one of the top batting averages on the team with a .380 batting average, 25 hits, four doubles and two home runs in 75 plate appearances.’’  
The Panthers tallied an overall record of 12-11 and they were 7-5 (third place) in the Cape Atlantic League National Division. They advanced to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 Sectional Tournament where they were defeated by Manchester Township.
“We had a large roster this year, 16 varsity players, eight of those players projected to return,’’ Ruef said. “Those eight girls worked hard this year and took advantage of practice time and any time they got in games. The eight seniors who are leaving us this year have taught everyone so much, not just about the game, but about embracing all roles on a team, commitment, never giving up, working hard and I know the younger girls will carry on what these seniors have left behind. 
“We also had a large JV roster (17 players) where there is also the talent and potential to contribute at the varsity level. I am always hopeful about ninth graders coming in as I know there are girls who play in the middle schools, recreational leagues, and travel organizations.’’