The Livingston High School softball team, ranked fourth in the state, opened its season visiting Super Essex Conference rival Nutley last Friday, April 1. The Lancers defeated Nutley, 4-3, in a tight game. The 2022 Lancers are led by seniors Emma Breschard, Janee Chestnut, Bella Lopa, Kelly Lyons, Chelsea McCormack, Haley Meierhofer, Ruhi Tawde, and Giulia Wilson.In the top of the fourth inning, with the score still 0-0, freshman Ally Nankivell reached base on an infield error and then quickly stole second. Wilson, the #3 hitter, then laced a one-out double to left center to score Nankivell for the 1-0 lead. Meierhofer followed with her own double, a ground rule double, to plate Wilson for a 2-0 advantage. Meierhofer advanced to third base on a passed ball, and that set up the squeeze play as Breschard put down the perfect bunt to score her teammate for a 3-0 lead.Junior Caitlin Mullen worked the first five innings, allowing just two hits, walking five, and striking out seven. Sophomore Sophia Mount came on the mound in relief with the score tied at 3-3, and was able to shut down the Nutley hitters.In the top of the sixth, Meierhofer hit a flyball to right center field. Both outfielders collided as the ball rolled to the wall, and Meierhofer scored to put the Lancers up by one.Game Halted by InjuryOn Monday, April 4, Livingston visited fifth ranked Mount Saint Dominic. The game was halted in the sixth inning, tied at 2-2, after home plate umpire Vinny Graziano suffered an injury. He was hit by a foul ball that dropped him to the ground.The game will be resumed at a later date.The Lancers will play at Verona tomorrow, Friday, and then play in the Anthony Larezza Invitational at Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA), where they will play #2 state ranked IHA at 9 a.m.
