Vernon softball team looks to keep growing

VERNON — It’s often been stated by coaches and athletes alike that more can be learned from a loss than from a victory.

For instance, when a team suffers a setback, it’s a good opportunity to take a step back and consider some reasons for the loss. Maybe it’s a lack of focus or not paying attention to fundamentals or not implementing what was worked on in practice that caused a defeat.

The Vernon High School softball team learned how much the desire to keep competing no matter what can lead to positive, if not always winning, results.

“The Newton game at Newton (was memorable) do to the fact that we never stopped fighting and came back in the seventh inning to win (6-5 on April 15)," Vernon coach Kerry Ludeking said.

“Another game was High Point at High Point (a 12-11 loss on April 24), we didn't win but I loved watching our team fight and work together. We were down by 10 going into the fifth inning and we worked so hard to get on base and score. We scored nine, continued playing and the following innings scored two more, until the bottom of the eighth with the game tied, High Point strung two good hits together to score the winning run."

A variety of players at a variety of times and from a variety of grade levels stood up as leaders this spring for the Vikings.

“Leaders were many depending on the day or the situation," Ludeking said. “My two seniors Regina Incarnato and Morgan Fox really helped lead a very young team to understand high school softball. At the same time, junior Lindsay Verrico was a great leader on the field with always showing her confidence. Yet my freshmen starters knew enough to call a time out or bring the team together when something was needed."

The Vikings finished with an seven wins this year and advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group III Sectional Tournament before losing to Old Tappan.

“This team is young and if they stay consistent with playing offseason and playing together, we can continue to grow to better play," Ludeking said. “This team is extremely hard working. We have the basics, now we have to continue to keep putting it all together."