IN THE NEWS: Mount Softball Team Wins 6 in a Row

CALDWELL – The Mount St. Dominic Academy softball team has started the season with a 6-0 record.

“Our team is off to a great start and working very hard,” said co-head coach Rob Stern. “Team chemistry has been great, and we are getting contributions from all players.”

Sophia Kiseloski has been leading the team in the circle and at the plate.

“Sophia Kiseloski has three home runs, is batting .533 and has been outstanding pitching,” Stern said after the team’s first five games.

The Lions opened the season with a 14-0 victory over Verona on Friday, April 1.

Kiseloski pitched a no-hitter, striking out 10 and walking none, in five innings. Gianna Stern hit a three-run home run. Olivia Sasfai went 2 for 3 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. The Lions scored nine runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The Mount defeated West Essex, 12-0, on Tuesday, April 5. Kiseloski again pitched a no-hitter and went 2 for 4 with three RBI and a home run. Sydney Rosenkranz was 3 for 4 with two RBI and a home run. Olivia Bibbo was 3 for 3 with two RBI.

In a 5-0 victory over Columbia on Friday, April 8, Kiseloski and Grace Perez combine for 14 strikeouts. Rosenkranz hit a solo home run, Gianna Stern had two RBI, Bibbo went 2 for 4, and Briella Longo was 2 for 3.

The Lions defeated Red Bank Catholic, 12-1, on Saturday, April 9. Kiseloski hit a three-run home run and later hit an RBI single. Dianna Yturbe hit a home run and scored three runs. Longo and Gianna Stern each added two RBI. Perez struck out 11 batters, allowed one hit and walked four to get the victory in the circle.

On Sunday, April 10, the Lions participated in the LaRezza Invitational at Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township. They defeated St. Joseph (Conn.), 8-5.

“We had a great win Sunday vs. a very strong team from Connecticut,” Rob Stern said.

Kiseloski was 2 for 3 with four RBI and a home run. In the circle, she struck out four. Perez struck out seven and was 2 for 4. Sasfai was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Bibbo had two hits, and Yturbe had a hit and an RBI.

“Grace Perez is batting .429 (through the first five games) and had two great pitching performances this weekend,” the coach said.

The Lions’ most recent victory was against Nutley, 7-0, on Monday, April 11. Kiseloski was 2 for 4 with two RBI and a double. She also struck out nine with two hits and no runs allowed in the circle. Gianna Stern went 2 for 2 with three RBI. Sasfai finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Rosenkranz scored twice.

Through the team’s first five games, Bibbo batted .611 while Sasfai batted .571. Rosenkranz had two home runs and batted .417.

The Lions were set to face James Caldwell on Wednesday, April 13. They are scheduled to play Verona on Thursday, April 14; Ramapo (at the Pride Essex Challenge at Seton Hall University) on Saturday, April 16; and Cedar Grove on Monday, April 18.