Sunblock, sand, and softball—can you name a better combination? The palm trees swayed as the breeze of fastballs whipped through the air during the school’s Girls Varsity Softball Trip. On April 14th through the 19th, the team flew to Florida for spring training and to play against a couple of teams. The team stayed in Titusville, Florida, which is about 50 minutes from Orlando and 25 minutes from Cocoa Beach. The girls participated in team practices, beach days, and day trips.

The team practiced once or twice every day at nearby fields. The Varsity Team played two teams: a local club team from Florida and a team from Arkansas. The players enjoyed facing off with teams outside of Bergen County and saw it as a new challenge for them. “It was pretty crazy to believe that we were in Florida, all together. The teams we played were really good,” said Alessandra Bontia (’19), when asked about the other competing teams. “They all came from places where they play softball all year round, so they had that advantage. But it was cool playing outside in the warm weather.” The Florida trip was a great opportunity for the team to enjoy the fun and competitive aspects of softball that make it such a great sport.  

In between the games and practices, the team made time to do fun activities together. “We were close to Cocoa Beach, so we went there two times,” said Lizzy Palo (’18), when asked about all the different activities the team took part in during the trip. “Some of the girls went to an Escape The Room one day and the other girls stayed behind and hung out by the pool at the hotel. We played mini golf as a large group one night, went to Downtown Disney, and would get together for most dinners.”

The trip was the perfect activity for the entire team to bond and get some nice, warm practice before the height of the season. The team experienced a great time together and overall made the players closer as a team. “It is such a young program and we have so much potential with everyone on the team, said Bontia whe n asked if she has a message for anyone interested in the sport. “We love having new people to help mentor and play with. I’m excited to see where the program is headed, and please come out to support.”