The Nutley High School softball team, also known as the Raiders, is having a promising season under the leadership of head coach Luann Zullo. As of April 23, the team had a solid 7-4 record, with several impressive wins and standout individual performances.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The Raiders began their season with a tough 16-4 loss to Cedar Grove on April 1 at Yanticaw Park. However, they quickly bounced back with three straight victories:
- Newark Academy (6-1) on April 3 in Livingston
- Glen Ridge (9-7) on April 8 at home
- Payne Tech (12-1) on April 9 in Newark
Despite losing to Caldwell (3-0) and Montclair (4-2) on April 14 and 15, Nutley came back strong with dominant wins over:
- Bloomfield (10-0) on April 16
- West Essex (5-2) on April 17
- Montclair Kimberley Academy (11-1) on April 21
- A second win against Newark Academy (3-0) on April 23
They also played a close game against Verona, narrowly losing 5-4 on April 19.
Star Players Driving the Team
Nutley’s performance has been powered by both experienced seniors and talented underclassmen. Key players include:
- Camryn Ortega (sophomore outfielder) – A standout with a .469 batting average through April 21
- Gabriella Mariano (senior shortstop) – Hitting .367 and showing power at the plate with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs
- Kaitlyn Nellegar (sophomore first base) – Batting .333
- Sianna Kantor (senior center fielder) – Also batting .333
- Sophia Rocha (sophomore left fielder) – Batting .300
Young Talent Making an Impact
The team also features several young contributors who are proving to be valuable assets:
- Gigi Liloia (freshman pitcher/right fielder)
- Makenna DeJianne (sophomore pitcher/third base)
- Zoey Von Roth (sophomore second base)
- Sophia Delanzo (freshman catcher) – Notably hit a double in the game against Glen Ridge
In that same game, Mariano’s home runs and 5 RBIs, along with 2 hits each from Ortega and Kantor, played a big role in the team’s victory.
Looking Ahead: Essex County Tournament
With the Essex County Tournament approaching, the Raiders are hoping to carry their momentum into the postseason. The seeding meeting was scheduled for April 28, and Nutley will be aiming for a favorable position to compete with the best in the county.
The Nutley High School softball team has shown great teamwork, talent, and resilience this season. With a mix of strong leadership from senior players and promising performances from underclassmen, the Raiders are gearing up for a competitive postseason run in the Essex County Tournament. Fans and families are watching closely as this spirited team continues to build on its success.
