Columbia, behind the strong guidance of coach Cliff Smith, returns its ace in the circle in Claire Schupe, who is also a terrific hitter, as is junior catcher Eva Clevenger, who missed all of last season with an injury but is back to help propel the Cougars in 2025.
Livingston is led by one of the state’s top players, senior center fielder Allie Nankivell (University of Delaware commit) who enters 2025 with a career .508 batting average. She hit .500 and stole 42 bases last spring.
The Rothfeld sisters, senior third baseman Maddie and junior shortstop Sophie, along with speedy sophomore 2B-OF Val Dilanni are among the other veteran players to watch for the Lancers.
Looking ahead, the Mount, Cedar Grove, Columbia and Livingston, along with other solid Essex teams such as Nutley and Caldwell, will participate in the Panthers’ Black & Gold Showcase (see full schedule below) which is set for Saturday, April 26.
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