Season Preview: Fort Lee Softball

After a rainout on Friday, when they were scheduled to play at Bergenfield, the Fort Lee softball team is expected to play their season opening game Saturday morning at home against Ridgefield.

The team may look a bit different to fans from a year ago as Fort Lee graduated seven players, leaving five starting spots open for newcomers.

One of the most notable losses is the departure of award-winning outfielder Amanda Alvarez.

“I think the graduation of an all-county player at a school like Fort Lee is obviously a big loss,” head coach Bob Aughey said of Alvarez. “She provided not only the outstanding play but she led by example.”

First baseman Jessica Stigliano has also moved on, as has pitcher Jaclyn Abrams, who pitched every inning of every game on a team that advanced to the postseason.

But to reach the playoffs again this season, the Lady Bridgemen will be looking to some new players at new positions.

Junior Anthe Nikolaidis has been taking ground balls at first base this season, and will be starting their this season.

“Jessica was a great first baseman last year,” said senior Brianna Mattessich. “And we’re expecting a lot from Anthe this year.”

Additionally, Fort Lee also has a younger outfield, as senior right fielder Morgan Romba will be joined in the outfield by freshman Caitlyn McKenna in center and sophomore Renee Mattesich in left.

“[McKenna] and [Mattesich] have not played at all, but I will tell you this, they are talented,” said coach Aughey.

And there is also the spot in the center circle for a newcomer, as the Lady Bridgemen turn to another freshman in pitcher Amanda Maldonado.

But as junior catcher Megan Gimson returns to work with a new thrower, her teammates already think it will be a smooth transition for the athlete behind the plate.

“Last year, we had Jackie who was experienced and a great pitcher and one of the best to come to Fort Lee,” Mattessich said. “For Megan to come from that to a rookie pitcher, I think she will be able to handle it and that will really test how good she is. I think she will do a great job behind the plate.”

The team also returns three starting players in the infield as Brianna Mattessich is back at third base for another season along with the double-play combo of juniors Jillian Scrivanich at shortstop and Nikki Farber at second. 

“They are both juniors so they have been working together last year and will continue to work together next year,” Morgan Romba said. “They have a good bond and a good flow.”

Although the team has described some of their play as “poor” in the early scrimmages, they have their goals written out before the first game begins.

Each player has goals they have for the season individually, but coach Aughey also has his team goals as a priority for the group as a whole.

“We set the same goals as we did last year and the year before and we need to work hard to get to those goals,” Aughey said. “We want to always finish above a .500 record, we want to get into the county tournament and get into the state tournament.”

That mission was supposed to start Friday at Bergenfield, but it will instead start today at 11 a.m. at home. The team's next game is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. vs. Cliffside Park at Fort Lee.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Saturday's game had been postponed as well. The team is playing today.