On May 20, the Blue Devils softball team won its final game of the season, ending it on a much-needed high note. They went 12-8 against Livingston High School, bringing their season record to 5-19.
After losing standout players due to graduation, expectations were still high for the Blue Devils softball program heading into the 2026 season. Finishing the 2025 season at 14-11, the team was looking to remain above .500 and utilize both seniors and underclassmen to do so.
However, after a dominant 20-1 seaOn May 20, the Blue Devils softball team won its final game of the season, ending it on a much-needed high note. They went 12-8 against Livingston High School, bringing their season record to 5-19.
After losing standout players due to graduation, expectations were still high for the Blue Devils softball program heading into the 2026 season. Finishing the 2025 season at 14-11, the team was looking to remain above .500 and utilize both seniors and underclassmen to do so.
However, after a dominant 20-1 season opener win against Roselle Park, the team hit a series of unexpected challenges and tough opponents, resulting in constant losses and a finishing record of 3-9 in the UCC-Watchung division alongside their overall record of 5-19, missing the state tournament and finishing their season earlier than ever before.
The team faced adversity many times throughout a disappointing season, and they are looking to rebuild from the ground up heading into the 2027 season. Head coach Caitlin Cheddar said, “The season was really disappointing, and to say anything otherwise would be insulting people’s intelligence and character.” After starting 1-0, hopes of a successful season quickly dwindled and continued to rapidly decrease as time went on. Their longest streak without a win spanned 27 days, during which they tallied 10 consecutive losses. “We didn’t perform anywhere near the standards of Westfield softball,” Cheddar added.
Looking towards the next season, the team will lose some valuable seniors, including co-captain and pitcher Stella Pugliese, co-captain Natalie Ardente, Gia Licini, Leah Abrams, Tiana Mendez and Kayla Reyes. Pugliese reflected, “This season didn’t go the way any of us had hoped. It’s a bittersweet ending, but I’m glad I got to spend time with my teammates up until now.”
Sophomore Darby Revock, who will continue to be a crucial player in the coming seasons, said, “The seniors definitely played a role in leadership and the overall experience, so next year replacing them won’t come easy. I do think that next year is about stepping up and creating a new identity, being able to win more and continuing to build chemistry with one another. All the returning players will need to step up and lead by example, as well as help the incoming freshmen class and other players adjust to the expectations of this program.”
Pugliese noted a highlight for her this season was the Blue Devils’ win over rivals, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, early in the season. They beat the Raiders 7-0, which was a memorable and honorable moment that remained for them as the season experienced its losses. Their wins also include beating Union High School, 15-0, and Roselle Park again, 14-0.
Overall, the softball season was disappointing, to say the least, and they have their work cut out for them next year with a clear goal to make it to the state tournament. Revock added, “If we can come back stronger physically and just be more confident in our skills, it’ll definitely help us compete at a much higher level next year.”
