Sara Scozzari (24) of New Egypt takes a practice swing before stepping into the batters box during the sixth inning of the Cinnaminson vs. New Egypt softball game at New Egypt High School in New Egypt, Thursday, May 11, 2023.Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media
INF: Sara Scozzari, New Egypt, Sr.
Scozzari earns a second all-state selection after being chosen second team a year ago. The Warriors’ shortstop led the program to three straight sectional titles. The senior finished this season with 49 hits, including 20 for extra bases - four of which were home runs. Scozzari scored 40 runs and knocked in 25 and also finished with a career-high 21 stolen bases. She had at least three hits in eight games. For her career, the Albany commit finished with 169 hits, 123 runs and 100 RBI.
INF: Gianna Stern, Mount St. Dominic, Sr.
One of the best infielders in the state, the Monmouth commit had a career year as one of the top players on the state’s No. 2-ranked team to end the season. In addition to being a slick fielding vacuum at second base who doesn’t make many errors and helps anchor an otherwise young infield, Stern made a big impact at the dish as well. She hit .476 with 49 hits and 27 runs scored while also driving in 32 runs as Mount’s No. 3 hole hitter. She had 15 extra-base hits with three homers and 18 walks as well. She was a key senior leader on this team, coming up big in big games between her 16 hits against Top 20 teams or her clutch outings in the county and state tournament.
OF: Sophia Bordi, Haddon Heights, Jr.
The reigning state Player of the Year was limited to two games and 10 1/3 innings in the circle but was able to move the outfield where she was a still a dominant player and showed her athleticism in center field. An injury cost Bordi her final 10 games, but the Oklahoma commit did enough in her 14 games to earn a third-team spot after back-to-back years on the first team. Bordi came to the plate 54 times and reached base on 37 occasions, a .685 on-base percentage. She went 20-for-37 for a .541 batting average and 11 of her hits went for extra bases, including four home runs. She also drew 17 walks as her offense improved dramatically from her first two productive seasons. Bordi scored 16 runs and knocked in 24. In those 10 1/3 innings on the mound, Bordi allowed just two earned runs and struck out 24.
OF: Mikayla Conklin, High Point, Sr.
Conklin was one of the biggest speed threats in the state, which in turn made her a threat in multiple facets. The center fielder set the table for a 21-win High Point team that made the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament final and a section semifinal. She finished the year with 50 hits and a .505 average, with at least one hit in 22 out of 26 games. She also had 18 multi-hit games and most impressively, she stole 50 bases. One of only 13 players in the entire state this season with 50 hits, Conklin is the only one to reach that mark and also swipe 50 bags, which ranked third in the state this season. Also an adept fielder with impressive range patrolling the outfield, scored 40 runs this year and finishes her career at the Sussex County school with 162 hits, 125 runs scored and 123 stolen bases.
OF: Megan McNally, West Morris, Jr.
McNally reached the 50-hit plateau for the second year in a row as she finished her junior campaign with 51 hits across West Morris’ 26 games played. She recorded at least one hit in all but two games this season and had 16 multi-hit games as well. She drew eight walks and stole 12 bases, while also adding six doubles and three triples, so she upped her power numbers and could get on base and make things happen. She scored 42 runs and drove in a career-high 25. In six tournament games — three county and three state — she had 11 hits and through three seasons in Chester, she’s got 138 hits, 112 runs scored, 63 RBI, 57 stolen bases and is a career .554 hitter.