SKYLAND CONFERENCE
Delaware Division
HILLSBOROUGH
Coach: Cheryl Iaione, 29th season
Last season record: 3-18
Top letterwinners lost: Grace Brouillard (C), Claire Marcinek (OF), Lily McDonough (SS).
Roster: Anna Antonelli (So., OF), Alexis Carlisle (Fr., C/1B), Kayla Chess (Sr., 3B), Kathy Cohen (Jr., C/2B), Sophia Franciscus (Fr., P/2B), Kiley Fuller (So., P/OF), Ellery Lambert (Sr., OF/2B), Kallahan Lewis (Jr., CF), Madison Lutzky (So., P/OF), Arden McDonough (So., 1B), Sadie Miliano (So., OF).
Outlook: After two trips to the state finals in three seasons, the Raiders underwent an extremely rare rebuilding campaign a year ago, and after losing three starters to graduation, including a pair of four-year starters in Claire Marcinek and catcher Grace Brouillard, it remains to be seen if Hillsborough can climb back to prominence, especially against a stacked Delaware Division.
Boro does return a two-year starter and three-time letterwinner in Kayla Chess, who is the lone holdover from the team that went to the 2023 Group 4 final, and she’ll be relied upon on and off the field. Sophomore Arden McDonough, who saw regular time as a freshman, should also be a big bat for the Raiders. Sophomores Madison Lutzky and Kiley Fuller each saw regular time in the circle last year and are expected to again, with freshman Sophia Franciscus also in the pitching mix. Senior co-captain Ellery Lambert-Smith joins Chess in handling the leadership.
Coach Cheryl Iaione said the team has improved but still has a way to go. The leadership of Chess and Lambert Smith has been outstanding, Iaione said, and the club has worked hard in the offseason weight training program. They are very focused and have great work ethic, which should go a long way toward shortening the learning curve.
HUNTERDON CENTRAL
Coach: Kelly Rieder, 11th season
Last season record: 15-11, HWST champs
Top letterwinners lost: Kaitlyn Kozak (P).
Roster: Grace Griesler (Sr., 3B/C), Cassie Stallwood (Sr., C/OF), Zoe Totaro (Sr., Inf.), Emily Van Cleef (Sr., P/Inf.), Julia Duggan (Sr., 1B), Maitland Halsted (Sr., OF), Paige Seemon (Sr., OF), Sara Czarnecki (Sr., Inf.), Isabella Icangelo (Jr., OF/Inf.), Lindsay O’Donnell (Jr., OF/Inf.), Jessica Yip (Jr., Inf.), Rylie Cooke (So., P), Cambria Tucker (So., Inf.).
Outlook: The Red Devils are coming off a very interesting season. On one hand, their 15 wins was their lowest ...
