Last season’s records in parenthesis
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (15-8) - The Trojans lose only pitcher Hayley Wieczerzak to graduation, with fellow All-Area honoree Liz Negron primed to take over in the circle. St. Thomas is a slight favorite in what appears to be at least a three-team race with Spotswood and South Plainfield in the GMC Red Division and the county tournament. STA has won five of the last six GMC Tournaments.
2. South Plainfield (21-5) - Antonia Pacillo takes over for Dan Panzarella, who resigned as the state’s all-time leading softball coaching winner after leading the Tigers to the GMCT title in his 43rd campaign. The Tigers lose Player of the Year Lindsay Oller, but will contend again with Erin Townley back in the circle.
3. Spotswood (19-9) - The Chargers move to the rarified air of the Red Division after capturing the White Division crown a year ago. Spotswood appears to be up to the task behind ace Ava Mormile.
4. Old Bridge (21-6) - The Knights advanced to the GMCT championship game last year, but suffered some heavy losses to graduation. Pitcher Gianna Lombardi and first baseman Amanda Jupinka are tasked with leading the revival.
5. Metuchen (11-11) - The Bulldogs should be back in the hunt this spring after a rebuilding campaign. Junior Alicia Montalbano is one of the best returning pitchers in the county.
6. East Brunswick (16-10) - The Bears are the favorites in the White Division, especially with Spotswood upgraded to the Red. Anna Stagliano provides experience in the circle and Isabella Warrington is coming off a breakout freshman season at the plate.
7. Sayreville (13-8) - The Bombers put together a late six-game winning streak last season before suffering a 2-1 loss to Old Bridge in the GMCT quarterfinals. Pitcher Josie Vanore and first baseman Rosie Joseph return to the top contender in the White Division.
8. North Brunswick (17-7) - The Raiders move up to the White Division after sweeping the Blue last year and will be challenged by the daily grind of better competition. Jordan Tarabokia might be the top pitcher in the division and should keep North Brunswick in those divisional tests.
9. Colonia (15-11) – Former assistant coach Nicole Donoghue assumes command at her alma and will try to stay in the hunt in the White Division. Junior Mariella Spina is being counted on at the plate and in the circle.
10. Woodbridge (11-9) - last season No. 10 - Mike Jago, son of legendary Woodbridge softball coach Stew Jago, takes over as head coach after serving on an interim basis last year, and figures to have the Barrons back in the middle of the crowded White Division race. Maddy Brenner returns in the circle with plenty of offensive support.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com:
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