By Alexa Sadowski, Sports Editor

The small softball team of 14 has made a name for itself in only its second season as a varsity sport and its first season in the Shore Conference. Led by head coach Robert O’Brien, assistant coach Andrea Carini and junior captains Jane Banahan, Patti Frees and Carolyn Litwin, the team finished the regular season with a 13-11 record with a 7-5 divisional record, a vast improvement from last year’s overall 4-8 record.

The junior captains along with junior pitcher Bailey Powers have contributed to the winning record while supplying the young team with positivity, leadership and words of encouragement. Banahan leads the team in runs scored and hit the first-ever home run for the team earlier in the season.

Sophomore Hannah M. won the game ball for her four-hit, three-RBI performance against Roselle Catholic on April 27. (Photo courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone)

The younger players have also been major contributors on the field. Freshman Emma Rokoszak scored 29 runs with 63 at bats and was nominated for nj.com’s poll for the top freshman softball player in the state. Sophomore Madison Kelly led the team in both at bats and hits. She was also voted Shore Conference Softball Player of the Week when she finished with four hits in four at-bats with one home run and eight RBIs in a win against Henry Hudson. Kelly won the poll after receiving over 10,000 votes. Sophomore Hannah McCarthy won the Central Jersey Softball game ball for her performance during an April 27 game against Roselle Catholic, where she had four hits in five at-bats and three RBIs.

The ninth-seeded Monarchs played in – and won – their first state tournament game on May 20 when they defeated eighth seed Roselle Catholic 25-5. In the second round on May 23, the team lost to first seed St. Joseph’s in Hammonton.

“My favorite part of this season was of course winning, but more so watching the team come together,” Powers said. “I have been able to see this group evolve into a team that represents Trinity Hall with sportsmanship in state and division games throughout New Jersey.”