For Trenton High, there’s a season-ending win to celebrate
TRENTON » While the Trenton High School softball program has rarely been about wins and losses, when a victory does come its way it’s perhaps sweeter than anywhere else.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise there was unbridled joy at Trenton on Tuesday afternoon when the Tornadoes avoided another winless year by beating Willlingboro, 13-3, on the last day of the season.
With the victory, Trenton ended a 33game losing streak that dated to the last game of 2019 when it beat Trenton Catholic on the final day of that season.
“I’m just very happy for all of them,” said veteran Trenton coach Ryan McCamy. “It was a very dedicated group that came to practice every day with a smile and a drive to improve. They put in a ton of work day in and day out, so I’m thrilled they were able to experience the joy of winning.”
Prior to playing Willingboro, the only teams Trenton had any realistic chance of beating were Princeton (3-13) and Nottingham (2-12). Playing in one of the toughest conferences (the Colonial Valley) in the entire state, this year in particular also got off a rough start.
In its first eight games, Trenton was outscored 176-9 and all nine of those runs came in one game against Hamilton (6-11). As has long been their way, the Trenton girls did not let all the setbacks get them down and continued to improve, even if it often wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.
On Tuesday, its perseverance finally paid off as Trenton (1-16) not only won, but did it with ease by run ruling Willingboro in four and a half innings.
In this game, sophomore Ji’Asia Robinson picked up her first varsity win with a four-hitter and five strikeouts. Offensively, Nevayah Baldwin smacked a big triple and Syrai Jenkins reached base all four times.
In addition, Wilmari Torres and Ayana Lozada each lined out three hits. Collecting two hits apiece against the Chimeras were Robinson, Baldwin, Zyah Seruby, Ambar Pena and Alma Batista. Korionna Tyson and Evenly Vasquez each had one hit and Juana Melendez played a strong game at third base.
“Ultimately it was just an all-around team effort,” said McCamy. “The players stuck to the game plan, had each other’s backs, and played with a purpose. It was a great way to go into the off-season and a great send off for our seniors.”
It was also a very popular victory in CVC circles. Every year you hear opposing coaches in Mercer County compliment McCamy and his players for their positive attitude and sportsmanship.