Enter your number to get our free mobile app

The Shore Conference Softball Coaches Association and the Shore Sports Network will recognize senior softball players who have yet to take the field in 2020 because of the lockdown forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each coach who chose to participate listed their respective seniors with comments on each. These senior recognitions will be released by division, beginning today with Class A North and continuing on Friday with Class A Central, Monday with Class A South and so on. 

Introduction by Ryan Pringle – Ocean Township Head Coach

We are in the midst of the nicest spring that I can remember. And trust me when I tell you, spring coaches are experts on weather history. But rather than watching our athletes learn, grow, and compete on the field, we are all stuck in quarantine, trying to flatten the curve. It is certainly necessary and important, and by staying home we are doing our part in slowing the spread of this virus. But I cannot help but think about what is being taken away from so many of our kids across the country.

Participating in team sports is one of the most magical and special things our students get to experience during their short window of time in high school. The memories and relationships that are built through sports can last a lifetime, and the lessons learned on the field can often translate to future success off the field. While our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will have an opportunity to compete again next season, our seniors are in danger of never competing in their school colors again, and to me, that is a heartbreaking thought.

There are a lot of great things that come with being a high school coach, but one of my favorites is watching seniors lay it all on the line during their final season. I have been very lucky to coach some incredible kids during my tenure, and this year, I was looking forward to watching a few more seniors lace them up one last time. With these senior athletes in mind, I reached out to our Shore Conference Softball Coaches’ Association, and below is a list of some of our seniors that we are thinking about during this suspension of play. Here is what our coaches have to say about their seniors:

CLASS A NORTH

Howell coach Tricia Savino – 9th Season

  • Kayla Coughlin, OF - Drew University commitment; .321 on-base percentage in 2019.  Led outfield in assists.
  • Keira Quinn, OF/P - .341 on-base percentage in 2019. Led team in triples. Zero runs allowed in 10 innings of relief pitching.
  • Hannah Skrzenski, OF/SS - .282 on-base percentage in 2019. Leading team returner in home runs.  Game-winning hit in Central Jersey Group 4 quarterfinal win over Freehold Township.

 

Freehold Boro coach Matt Scaglione – 1st Season

  • Jessica Praet, OF - Jess is a 4-year varsity player, she is a leader on the field and plays with an intensity you want all your players to have.
  • Madison Wolfe, 1B - Madison loves the game and it shows in how hard she works.

 

Freehold Township coach Mike Stoia – 4th Season

  • Lauren Pscolka, SS - Returning first-team All-Shore member who had 37 Hits, 25 RBIs, 7 HRs, and 14 SB
  • Zoey Valentino, C - two-time returning first-team All-Shore member who had 32 hits, 45 RBIs, 11 HRs.
  • Gia McKnight, P- two-time third-team All-Shore selections.41 career wins
  • Heather Priante, CF - A three-year starter who has been a leader in our outfield.
  • Kristen Pagliaro, RF - Last year battled an injury that sidelined her for the year. This year she is 100% healthy and has returned to her all A-North self!
  • Emily Madonia, 1B - Solid defensive first basemen and looking to contribute more at the plate.

 

Manalapan coach Bill Smith – 3rd Season

  • Nicole Doxbeck, OF - After doing track for three years, Nicole came out for softball as a senior. Getting back into the flow of the game would have allowed her to compete for a spot in a crowded outfield. She has great speed and a great attitude. The Braves are excited to see Nicole's full potential.
  • Maude Fouque, OF - The world traveler, Maude has been from Singapore to England, and Canada to California. She is an immensely talented and intelligent outfielder who has a great sense for tracking the ball in the air. Maude is going to be a staple in the Braves' everyday lineup and is poised to have a great senior season.
  • Jordyn Graime, SS/P - The UMass commit has been a cornerstone for the program since her freshman year. Jordyn has taken the ball against the toughest teams on the Braves schedule year in and year out. The senior captain is even better at shortstop and showed some power as a junior! Jordyn's talent is unquestionable, and her work ethic and maturity will serve her well as the team's emotional leader.
  • Charlotte Piper, 1B/P - One of the sweetest swings at he Shore! Charlotte started her junior season off at the plate going 10-for-10 and 12-for-13. Charlotte is as solid as they come at first base and a fierce competitor in the circle. Charlotte was named captain and is excited to fulfill that role.
  • Madison Reel, OF - Madison is a coach's dream. She has been a wonderful teammate and a hard worker for four years. Madison is competing for an outfield position but has the versatility to play infield, as well. No matter what, Madison is going to be a constant contributor for the Braves.
  • Alaina Scimone, C/OF/1B - Alaina has the potential to be talked about in the same breath as some of the best players in the Shore. the captain and future Penn State Nittany Lion is as athletic as she is versatile. Alaina could play at any level of the defense from being a steady backstop to flying around patrolling the outfield to a trusted and dependable first baseman. Alaina is also dangerous at the plate with six career home runs.

 

Class A North softball seniors

 

Marlboro coach Nick Scalzo – 12th Season

  • Jayna Kramsky- P/1B - Jayna Is a three-year starter who has been named captain her senior year. Jayna has been a big part of our program and will be missed. Jayna will continue playing softball at New York University next year.
  • Alexa Frazzeto- P/IF - Alexa is solid in the circle and we were looking for her to be a big part of our season this year.

 

Middletown South coach Lisa Smith – 4th Season

  • Melanie Blarr, 1B - Melanie is a team leader and very solid offensively and defensively. She hits for power and has a great work ethic. She has committed to play softball at Stevens Institute of Technology in the fall.
  • Carolyn Yahn, OF/C - Carolyn is a very versatile player and can play multiple positions. She plays with passion and gives her all. She will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in the fall.
  • Julianna Green, C - Julianna has a strong arm behind the plate and is very fast. She is athletic and has the ability to play multiple positions. She has committed to play softball at Berry College in the fall.

I believe I speak for all spring coaches of all spring sports when I say that I hope we get back on the field soon. I love coaching and I love all the things that come with it. The players, the coaches, the umpires and the competitive spirit of the game all combine to create a truly special experience. I miss seeing my players and the opposing coaches and umpires that have become my spring family. Earlier this year, we lost one of the great umpires in our sport, Jimmy Griffin. He was one of the best guys I have met since I started coaching softball and I would be remiss if I did not mention him here. We all miss you, Jimmy. The game will not be the same without you. Rest in peace my friend - Ryan Pringle, Ocean Township head coach.

 

READ MORE: Inspiring Stories From the Coronavirus Pandemic

 

 

 

More From Shore Sports Network