CLASS A NORTH
Freehold
Coach: Dave Grippo, fourth season (19-42)
Record last year: 5-15
Key returners: Skylar Devorin (Jr., SS), Taylor Spallanzani (Sr., 1B) Victoria Frascino (Sr., LF), Amanda Edwards (So., C), Madison DeJesus (Sr. 2B/RF), Giana Spinelli (Jr., 3B), Courtney Dean (So., P/RF), Sam Gabriele (So., P), Kelsey Quinn (Jr. OF).
Key newcomers: Skylar Hulse (Fr., C/1B), Jessica Marshall (So., 2B/RF), Jen Vitale (So., CF).
Freehold Township
Coach: Kate Kuzma, second season (5-13)
Key returners: Megan Callahan (Sr., 3B), Gabriella Graziano (Sr., OF), Katie Tirabassi (Sr., 1B), Danielle Salvatore (Sr., P), Nicole Baptista (Jr., IF), Elissa Masin (Jr., OF), Emma Hughes (Jr., Utility), Renee Marcinczuk (Jr., P), Taylor Tobey (So., P)
Key newcomers: Nicole Eng (Sr., 2B), Ashley Priante (Sr., 3B), Amanda Lally (Sr., C), Laura Mays (Jr., OF), Christina Fontano (Jr., 2B), Allie Stephenson (Jr., OF), Caitlin Checkett (Jr., OF), Kayla Butkus (So., 1B), Heather Lally (Fr., C/3B), Kaitlin Vazquez (Fr., C/3B), Olivia Terlizzi (Fr., P/3B), Kayla Pscolka (Fr., OF).
Howell
Coach: Tricia Savino, fourth season (48-24)
Record last year: 16-8
Key returners: Paige Eckert (Jr., IF), Vivian Montgomery (Jr., C), Sabrina Rittweger (Sr., 1B).
Manalapan
Coach: Chris Hoffman, 11th season (123-121) fifth at Manalapan (40-51)
Record last year: 9-14
Key returners: Rachel Hrevnak (Jr., SS/P), Kristen Ruggerio (Jr., SS/P), Liz Lizama (Sr., OF/3B), Adriana Scimone (Sr., LF), Alex Wendolowski (Sr., OF), Olivia Cafaro (Sr., RF), Olivia Carbone (Sr., C), Brittany Piccillo (Sr., OF), Brianna Spierto (Jr., OF), Lauren Silva (So., OF), Jen Coppolla (So., C) Sarina DiBari (Jr., P), Dana Lisi (Sr., 2B), Alexis Moorman (Sr., OF), Jess Lefkowitz (Jr., OF)
Key newcomers: Julia Cafaro (Fr., OF), Nicollette Jomo (Fr., 1B), Ashely Tulko (Fr. 3B), Kelly Wall (So., 1B).
Marlboro
Coach: Nick Scalzo, seventh season (51-87)
Record last year: 12-13
Key returners: Brianna Brienza (Sr., P/SS), Bonnie Picone (Jr., C/CF), Jenny Frometa (Jr., OF), Macie Ditillo (So., OF), Phoebe Li (So., 2B), Lindsey Fhima (So., P/3B).
Key newcomers: Amanda Vollaro (Jr., 1B), Jessica Zwerin (Jr., 1B/OF), Alexandra DiGrande (So., C), Jenna Pargament (So., OF), Melanie Beal (Fr., P/OF)
Middletown North
Coach: Marc Rosner, first season
Record last year: 14-10
Key returners: Nikki Alfano (Sr., SS), Christine Gebhardt (Jr.), Payleigh Behan (Jr., 2B/OF), Liz Dorsa (So. IF/OF), Kayla Gallo (So., C/OF), Riley Kerman (So., P/OF)
Key newcomers: Emily Kernan (So., OF), Taylor Apel (Jr., OF), Ryan Rasmussen (So., 3B/C), Angela Delhanty (So., OF/1B), Mary Luchs (Jr., P/OF), Milena Wilton (Fr., 2B/3B), Alyssa Vetrano (Fr., SS/3B).
Middletown South
Coach: Tom Erbig, 35th season (687-221-1)
Record last year: 18-10
Key returners: Julia Beck (Sr., CF), Alex Corrigan (Sr., SS), Nicki Curran (Sr., 2B), Tiffani Lambert (Sr., P), Phoenix Starick (Sr., C), Julia Blarr (Jr., 3B), Ally Massa (Jr., 1B), Maddie McMahon (Jr., P).
Key newcomers: Jordyn DellaValle (Jr., OF), Ciara Sullivan (Jr., OF), Hannah Wisialko (Jr., C), Sarah Corey (So., Utility).
Softball Preview: St. John Vianney seeks to build on 2014 success
RELATED: Softball Preview: St. John Vianney seeks to build on 2014 success
CLASS A CENTRAL
Holmdel
Coach: Nora Bosmans, third season (20-30)
Record last year: 13-15
Key returners: April Licato (Sr., C), Jackie Wong (Sr., 1B), Ashley Wong (Sr., P), Nicole Ponisi (Sr., OF), Ishi Kalyanaraman (So., OF), Mattie Milkowski (So., OF).
Key newcomers: Jessica Shangle (So., OF), Mariah Flanaghan (Fr., 2B), Carly Cooperstein (Sr., OF), Dominque Chilelli (Jr., OF), Victoria Porchetta (Jr., IF), Lori Purcell (So., OF), Gianna Guerin (So., 2B).
Manasquan
Coach: Amy Certo, 10th season (128-99)
Record last year: 23-5
Key returners: Meghan Gilly (Sr., 2B), Aubrey Jones (Sr., 3B/OF), Quinn Saito (Sr., C/1B), Olivia Galinis (Sr., P/1B), Shakyra Moore (3B/OF), Victoria Galvan (So., P), Brinley Schmidt (So., SS).
Monmouth
Coach: Audra Corson. seventh season
Record last year: 9-13
Key returners: Jade Eggleston (Sr.), Taylor Hager (Sr.), Kayla Hueston (Sr.), Michelle Montefinese (Sr.), Haley Pszeniczny (Sr.), Jessica Pszeniczny (So.).
Key newcomers: Nicole Vanmeerbeke (So.), Kim Fawcett (So.), Danielle Kroll (Fr.), Brooke Michalowski (Jr.).
Raritan
Coach Aado Kommendant, 14th season (287-86-1) seventh at Raritan (117-54)
Record last year: 20-10
Key returners: Daniella Marino (Sr., SS), Nicole Coppolino (Jr., P), Bethany Budner (Sr., IF/P), Bethany Evans (Sr., 1B), Brianna Rinaldi (Sr., CF/SS), Alexa Sammarco (Jr., 2B), Clare DeJoy (So., OF), Hallie Barone (So., OF), Nicole Kirse (So., IF/OF/P), Michelle Nestor (So., C).
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Emery (So., OF), Ashley Marino (Fr., IF/OF), Analesa DiLaurenzio (Fr., IF/OF), Alexis Zinckgraf (Fr., OF/P).
Rumson-Fair Haven
Coach: Heather Immesberger, second season (1-18)
Record last year: 1-17
Key returners: Kiera McCay (Jr., P), Grethchen Volk (So., 3B), Kyra Sourlis (So., 2B), Nicole Russo (So., OF), Rachel Hohorst (So., 1B), Maureen O’Leary (So. OF), Leigh Forsyth (Jr., OF), Karly Abraham (Sr. IF).
Key newcomers: Jessica Tornquist (So., OF), Kylie McCabe (Fr., SS), Isabel Licata (Fr., C), Joy Lucey (Fr., OF), Kayla Leight Robinson (Fr., OF).
Shore
Coach: Rich Santangelo, sixth season
Record last year: 8-15
Key returners: Jess Layton (Sr., 1B), Morgan Bohnert (Jr., OF), Kaitlyn Herring (Jr., P), Hallah Davis (So., OF)
Key newcomers: Eva Mehrtens (So., C), Grace Matier (So., SS), Taylor Sniffen (So., 3B), Cassie Morales (Jr., 2B), Diana Stevenson (Fr., 2B), Emily Ronan (So., SS/OF), Julia Sgro (So., OF), Kelly McNicholas (So., 1B), Brooke Wortman (Fr., 1B).
St. John Vianney
Coach: Kim Lombardi, 11th season
Record last year: 26-2
Key returners: Ashley Ventura (Sr., P), Erica Krumbine (Sr., 2B), Helena Coppola (Jr., LF)
Key newcomers: Claire Stefanelli (Sr., OF), Shelli Rivard (Fr., IF), Lindsey Baron (Fr., OF), Courtney Mahoney (Fr., P/IF/OF), Alexa Steensen (Fr. C/IF)
CLASS A SOUTH
Brick
Coach: Tim Puglisi, fourth year (12-51)
Record last year: 2-16
Key returners: Jess McDonaugh (Sr., 1B), Tori Hart (Sr., OF/IF), Nicole DiFoglio (Sr, IF), Kristi Kawa (Sr., OF), Jess Heinly (Sr., OF), Kelsey Jones (Jr., OF), Christine Frazee (So., P), Erica O’Rourke (So., IF), Olivia Stragapede (So., C).
Key newcomers: Alexa Halley (Fr., IF), Corinne Connelly (Fr., C), Samantha Le (Fr., IF), Marisa Nahrwold (Fr., P/IF).
Brick Memorial
Coach: Michael Cintron, first season
Record last year: 12-12
Key returners: Jess Borman (Sr., P), Hannah Kowalski (Sr., 2B), Sierra Cullo (Sr., RF), Allison Slobiski (Jr., LF), Nicholle Baechler (So., 1B), Allie Immerso (So., CF), Tori Lucarelli (So., SS), Megan Lapinski (Jr., C), Jordyn Rochinksi (So., C).
Key newcomers: Jordan Pfister (So., P), Maggie McCarthy (Jr., 3B), Olivia DeCicco (Jr., 3B), Julie Mannon (OF), Kristen Dilloian (1B), Maria Cuccurullo (IF)
Jackson Memorial
Coach: Chris Roma
Record last year: 18-6
Key returners: Sara Marques (Sr.), Jordan Barcus (Sr.), Dana Variello (Jr.), Jill Parinello (Jr.), Morgan Novak (Jr.), Paige Finnegan (So.), Jordyn Calderon (So.), Jill Mcguinness (So.), Hannah Moss (So.), Nicole Scotto (So.).
Key newcomers: Tori Aguilar (Fr.), Breanna Sorochka (Fr.), Samanth Sheppard (Fr.)
Lacey
Coach: Tom Faulkner, first season
Record last year: 15-11
Key returners: Emily Dezendorf, (Jr., C), Kayla Kohout (Jr., CF), Monica Brignola (Jr., OF), Chelsea Howard (So., P/1B), Kristen Santoro (So., 2B), Kelly Fleck (So., SS), Elie Wright (Jr., 3B).
Key newcomers: Sarah Fischer (Jr., OF), Lindsey Opacity (Jr., 1B), Marissa Ilaria (So., OF/IF), Brianna Lynch (So., OF), Julia Rusak (So., 3B/1B).
Toms River North
Coach: Maryellen Tutzauer, 14th season (208-132)
Record last year: 18-6
Key returners: Taylor Ward (Sr., IF), Brielle Cerchio (Jr., 1B), Brielle Iacobino (Sr., OF), Sam Salomon (Jr., IF), Amanda Joyce (So., C), Jade Warner (So., IF), Taylor Burgoyne (Jr., P)
Key newcomers: Sam Monetti (Sr., OF), Alex D’Ambro (Sr., OF), Lillian Trella (So., C), Kaitlyn Clancy (Fr., C), Tara Flavin (Fr., OF), Taylor Palmer (Fr., OF), Emily Ponticello (Fr., OF), Lauryn Schuber (Fr., P)
Toms River East
Coach: Danielle Olsen
Record last year: 13-10
Key returners: Alyssa Cenci (Sr., LF), Lauren Coppinger (Sr., P/OF), Sam Lanzano (Jr., 3B), Liana Lamicella (Jr., RF), Kyleigh Norris (Jr., C), Jenna Platten (Jr., CF), Shea Branda (Jr., 2B), Alyssa Raimondo (So., SS), Hailey Smith (Jr, 1B), Jordyn Ferone (So., OF).
Key newcomers: Kira Apanel (So., SS), Arizona Dimon (Sr., OF)
Toms River South
Coach: Tom Malek, seventh season (54-94)
Record last year: 2-21
Key returners: Sam Allen (Jr., OF), Sam Vogel (Jr., P/IF), Jessica White (Jr., C), Denielle Ferreri (So., SS), Herley Gowoy (Jr., 3B), Nancy Condoluci (Sr., C), Katey Anderson (Sr., OF), Taylor Leuck (Jr., P/IF), Gabby Loffredo (Jr., OF), Ashley Barton (Sr., OF), Dionna Gonnella (Jr., 1B), Sam Fennell (Sr., OF).
Key newcomers: Hayley Tomaro (Fr., P/1B), Sara Weeman (So., OF), Kaitlyn Aschoff (So., IF), Callie Salmons (So., C), Brittany Harding (So., IF), Alyssa Marshall (So., OF).
CLASS B NORTH
Colts Neck
Coach: Julie Saporito-Acuna, sixth year
Record last year: 3-15
Key returners: Meghan Royle (Sr., SS), Molly Jackson (Sr., 3B), Natalie Farparan (Jr., C).
Key newcomers: Olivia Sardoff (Fr., P), Jamie DiMario (Jr., P), Payton Mahoney (Fr., OF/3B), Catherine Grillo (Fr., 1B/OF)
Long Branch
Coach: Laura Bland, first season
Record last year: 2-18
Key returners: Alexa Rodriguez (Sr., 3B), Jillisa Curry (Sr., CF), Che’Kasha Andrews (Jr., SS), Amanda Giron (So., C)
Key newcomers: Mary Brantly (So., P), Maria Alcala-Cowan (Fr., P), Meliha Emini (Fr., OF).
Matawan
Coach: Bob Dubina, 11th season (202-57), second at Matawan (14-12)
Record last year: 14-12
Key returners: Erin Powers (Sr., P), Tracey Brereton (Jr., C), Samantha Buchman (Jr., OF), Hadassah Curry (Jr., IF), Samantha Boyne (Jr., IF), Gabby Caponigro (Jr., Utility), Lauren Conroy (So., IF), Meghan Rutch (So., P), Jen Lloyd (So., Utility).
Key newcomers: Amanda Hunter (Fr., C), Olivia Caponigro (Fr, Utility), Jessica Veary (So., P/IF), Mary Dinardo (Fr., OF).
Ocean
Coach: Ryan Pringle, second season (17-9)
Record last year: 17-9
Key returners: Veronica Woehr (Jr., 1B), Michaela Pembleton (Sr., P), Giovanna Russomanno (So., 3B/P), Morgan Walsh (So., C), Kelli Shaprio (Sr., CF), Kaitlyn Pascua (Sr., OF), Mckenzie Clare (Sr., 2B), Gabby Ferrara (Sr., OF), Katherine Maggs (Sr., OF).
Key newcomers: Emily Eyester (Sr., Utility), Taylor Bell (Jr., 1B/DP), Lexi Agrios (Jr., IF), Giana Graziano (Fr., SS/P), Brianna Roskey (Fr., IF), Emma Vasen (Fr., C/3B).
Red Bank Catholic
Coach: Tony Flego, fifth season (65-39)
Record last year: 15-13
Key returners: Gabby Bram (Sr., 1B/P), Brynne Bauman (Sr., 3B/C), Mary Klecko (Sr., 1B), Allie Savino (Sr.), Lyndsay Benitez (Jr., SS), Anne Flego (Jr., CF), Tess Griswold (Jr., C), Brianna Hagan (Jr., OF), Lauren Szulc (Jr.), Lauren Cleary (So.), Maggie Rue (So., OF).
Key newcomers: Dana McCulloch (So., 3B), Michelle Kugelmann (So.), Siobhan Cottell, (So., 1B/OF), Colby Coppola (Fr., P), Gabby Ciancio (Fr.), Taylor Lane (Fr.), Allison Tomaino (Fr., 2B)
Red Bank
Coach: Denise D’Esposito, fifth season (58-42)
Record last year: 16-11
Key returners: Katie Serkus, Jessica Scotti, Srvidya Tyler, Jaime Mannino, Lauren Bevaqua, Nicole Lauro
Key newcomers: Dary Olex-Memoli, Lauren Terpak, Carly Keller, Kristen Dinglestedt, Kansis Calabrese, Lexas Banfield, Hayley Rienzo, Tyra Vaughn
Wall
Coach: Tony Vodola, 29th season (559-184)
Record last year: 19-6
Key returners: Colleen Brennan (Jr., 2B), Casey DeSarno (Jr., SS), Jackie Howarth (Jr., P/LF), Emily Mowen (Jr., RF/C), Katie Wingel (Sr., 1B), Carley Layton (So., IF/OF).
CLASS B CENTRAL
Asbury Park
Coach: David Johnson, fifth season
Record last year: 0-14
Key returners: Destiny Smith (Sr., P), Kevasia Davis (Sr., RF), Sadeirra Henderson (Sr., 2B), Shavonna Pearsal (Jr., P), Toraya Reid (Sr., CF), Abigaelle Romolus (Fr., RF), Keyonna Weaver (Sr., 1B), Kiara Wood (So., C), Idaysha Clayton (Sr., RF), Mary Graham (So., P), Rahasia Bellamy (Sr, 1B, OF), Jasmin Islas (So., 3B, RF).
Key newcomers: Breasia Love (Fr., RF), Jessica Gonzalez (Fr., LF), Larhea Childress (Fr., RF), Talmaijah Pipkin (Fr., OF).
Henry Hudson
Coach: John Corneliusen, sixth season (57-40)
Record last year: 13-6
Key returners: Julia DiGiorgio (Sr., 3B), Kendall Keelen (Sr., P), Linda Gallagher (Sr., CF), Rebecca Vaughan (Sr., C), Chirstine Doelger (Sr., Utility), Ali Quast (Jr., 1B), Olivia Iannace (So., SS)
Key newcomers: Gabby Villali (Sr.), Vincenza Villali (So., OF), Emma Curry (Fr., C/OF), Kamryn Hubeny (Fr., OF/P) Sophia Shea (Fr., OF/Utility).
Keansburg
Coach: George Hoff, ninth season (76-87)
Record last year: 11-9
Key returners: Angela Osterbye (Jr.), Stephanie Walters (Jr.), Bobbie Burdick (Jr.), Erin Best (Jr.), Cheyenne Lyons (So.), Lexie Espino (Jr.), Samantha Cunha (Jr.), Allison Superior (Jr.).
Key newcomers: Brittany Willie (Sr.), Faith Madden (Jr.), Elizabeth Connor (Jr.), Julia Reis (Jr.).
Keyport
Coach: Henry Arlequin, first season
Record last year: 4-13
Key returners: Erin Harrigan (Sr.), Gabrielle Piccini (Sr.), Anita Demaj (Sr.), Jasmyne Medina (Jr.), Grace Henning (Jr.), Alexis Bennett (So.)
Key newcomers: Hannah Thompson (Fr.), Marlana Dant (Fr.)
Mater Dei
Coach: Jeanne Dickinson, 34th season (451-268-1)
Record last year: 15-6
Key returners: Jamie Luminoso (Sr., IF), Brooke Trotta (Sr., CF), Samantha Cavalli (Jr., C), Maggie Klatt (Jr., 1B/OF), Kayley Anthony (So., Utility), Paige Fernandez (So., P), Tyrah graves (So., SS).
Key newcomers: Jayme Lewandowski (So., OF), Jocelyn Dacquel (Fr., OF), Kathryn Murray (Fr., OF/C), Valerie Zoda (Fr., 2B).
Point Beach
Coach: Silvio DeCristofano, sixth season (59-38)
Record last year: 9-9
Key returners: Alexa Russell (Sr., SS), Nicole Luliano (Sr., RF), Kellyann Ohlinger (Sr., C/3B), Samantha Kelly (Sr., 2B/C), Sarah Scott (Jr., 3B), Alex Barnes (Jr., 1B), Ashley Kelly (Jr, CF), Theresa Hulse (Jr., 1B), Erinne Regan (Jr., LF), Connie Pietranico (Jr., 2B).
Key newcomers: Jillian Lamb (Jr., OF), Cameron Himes (So., IF), Kayla Evertz (So., IF/P), Kylee Kells (Fr., P), Katie Ranuro (Fr., IF)
Ranney
Coach: Kim Harris, first season
Record last year: 1-12
Key returners: Lexi Redish (So., P), Jamie Shamilian (So., C), Rose Sweetwood (So., Utility).
Key newcomers: Anna Csiky (So., SS), Rachael Chalnick (Fr., IF).
St. Rose
Coach: Sean Bayha, third season (24-24)
Record last year: 13-10
Key returners: Kristin DiPasquale (Sr., C), Brianna Mclnerney (Jr., P), Kristin Case (Jr., 2B), Brianna McCarren (Jr., 1B), Jillian Barry (So., SS), Bryn Onoshko (So., OF).
Key newcomers: Victoria Ryan (Jr., OF), Bridget Thomspon (So., 1B), Ciara Thompson (So., OF), Kaitlin Thompson (So., OF), Lynelle Scanlon (So., C), Courtney Schmitt (So., P), Lauren Kruthers (So., OF), Emily DeFalco (Fr., IF), Emily Mclnerney (Fr., OF), Kristen Doran (Fr., OF), Maddy Looney (Fr., OF), Brianna Boggs (Fr., OF), Sadie Ruiz-Dolores (Fr., OF), Doris Fonrose (Fr., OF).
CLASS B SOUTH
Barnegat
Coach: Michael L. Palmieri, first season
Record last year: 12-11
Key returners: Tara Jackson (Sr., CF), Roxy Urso (So., C), Megan Magoon (So., SS), Emma Lloyd (So., OF).
Key newcomers: Jackie Dino (Fr., P).
Central
Coach: Steve Stout, 12th season (149-89)
Record last year: 11-10
Key returners: Stephanie Pepper (Sr., P), Erin Trapp (Sr., OF), Emily Bush (Jr., OF), Kaitlyn Diou (Jr., IF), Sabrina DeCamp (Jr., OF), Alyssa Jacoby (So., IF) Elena Menacho (So., IF).
Key newcomers: Haylie Foldhazy (Jr., IF), Jessica Ward (Jr., OF), Alexis Colangelo (So., IF), Hannah Donner (So., IF), Shannon Edler (So., OF), Xyala Johnson-Jones (So., IF), Tiffany Vaetn (So., IF), Madison Avallone (Fr., OF), Ryanne Fetzer (Fr., C), Emma Fitzgerald (Fr., IF), Isabella Gura (Fr., P).
Donovan Catholic
Coach: Debbie Schwartz, 27th season, second at DC (520-171)
Record last year: 19-5
Key returners: Summer Abner (Sr.), Rebecca Drake (Sr.), Mackenzie Baker (Sr.), Kelcy McGeehan (Sr.), Nicole Davis (Jr.), Emilie Zuhowski (Jr.), Danielle DeStasio (So.), Abby Kelly (So.), Alexis Krempa (So.), KellyAnn Leath (So.).
Key newcomers: Adrienne Babick (Fr.), Erika Chevrier (Fr.), Lea Concepcion (Fr.), Alyssa Hirschy (Fr.), Grace Leone (Fr.), Amanda MacBurnie (Fr.), Alexa Pagano (Fr.).
Jackson Liberty
Coach: Laura Borrelli, eighth season (99-62)
Record last year: 9-12
Key returners: Alexys Fatovic (Sr., OF), Chelsea Czapkowski (Jr., C), Ashley Eckett (Jr., 2B), Tayler Martini (Jr., OF), Kayla Conners (So., SS), Brianna Holder (So., 3B).
Key newcomers: Alexis DeJesus (Sr., OF), Julia DeJohn (Sr., 1B), Tiffany Antonelli (So., OF), Meghan Conroy (Fr., P), Amanda Harrison (Fr., OF), Madison Rodriguez (Fr., OF), Annabelle Santino (Fr., 1B), Kelly Trainor (Fr., OF).
Lakewood
Coach: Kelly Armstrong, third season (3-34)
Record last year: 1-18
Key returners: Marisol Mendez (Sr., IF/P), Crystal Mendez (So., OF), Cindy Carrillo (Jr., IF/P), Iris Torres (Jr., C), Cathy Rivera (So., IF), Jackelyn Vasquez (So., C/IF), Kristen Mitchell (Sr., IF/OF).
Key newcomers: Emily Cruz, (So., P), Dana Rohena (Jr., IF), Yazzmin Sunnerville (So., P), Bianca Iriarte (So., IF)
Manchester
Coach: Mike Columbo
Record last year: 9-13
Key returners: Julia Ott (Sr., 3B), Nicolette Maloney (Sr., C), Kate Kettman (Sr., 1B), Jenna Parliament (Sr., OF), Madison Leppert (Sr., OF), Mallory Wettengel (Jr., 2B), Alyssa Hampton (So., P).
Key newcomers: Brooke Roman (Jr., OF), Brooke Leiser (So., 2B/OF), Anja Kane (Fr., SS), Hailey Himpele (So., SS/OF).
Point Boro
Coach: Steve Ferullo, 27th season
Record last year: 5-15
Key returners: Ali Blisnuk (Sr., 1B/3B), Amanda Caputo (Sr., P), Melissa Alfonso (Jr., C), Mary McKeon (Jr., SS), Olivia Youngman (So., P/1B), Jamie Morris (So., 2B).
Key newcomers: Grace Wilson (So., OF), Kate Drew (So., OF), Ali Nagle (Jr., P), Brianna Alexander (Jr., 3B), Colleen Mari (Jr., C/OF), Danielle Payton (Fr., OF), Samantha Inneo (Fr., P).
Pinelands
Coach: Keith Lowe, ninth season (125-59)
Record last year: 27-4
Key returners: Naomi Stas (Sr., P), Stephanie Healy (Sr., C), Shannon Herron (Sr., OF), Kurstin Binshedler (Sr., IF), Emily Dancisin (Sr., IF), Lexi Carman, Madison Dancisin (So., OF), Niciole Burke (So., IF), Ashley Cusicanqui (Sr., OF).
Key newcomers: Nicole Ramirez (So., IF), Cassidy Buckley (So, IF), Amanda Cusicanqui (So. IF), Jesse Rising (Fr., P/1B), Brianna Suralik (Fr., IF/OF).
Brett Bodner
FIVE KEY DATES
Raritan at Wall, April 1
Opening day starts with a bang, as the Rockets, No. 7 in the APP Top 10 and one of the top teams in the Class A Central division, will clash with Wall, the No 6 team and defending Class B North champions.
Donovan Catholic at Pinelands, April 7
These two Class B South rivals, who are No. 2 and No. 3 in the APP Top 10, will meet for the first time in the regular season. Last year both the Wildcats and Griffins shared the division title, while this year each will be looking to win it outright.
Middletown South at Middletown North, April 10
This crosstown rivalry matchup of two APP Top 10 teams could go a long way in deciding Class A North. The Lions shared the division title with Howell last season, while the Eagles finished in second place.
Howell at Middletown South, April 20
The No. 5 Eagles could make an early season statement not only with a win over No. 9 Middletown North, but also over the defending co-champion Rebels in a competitive Class A North.
Manasquan at Wall, May 15
By this point in the season, this could be a matchup of two division champions, with the added rivalry factors also playing a role. The No. 4 Warriors clinched the public school title in the Class A Central last year.
