As “My Girl,” by The Temptations, played across the field, seniors Mariella Spina, Arabella Palmeri, Calissa Biezewski Carter, and Sydney Leshnower shared one of their final moments on the field together before graduation. Each senior walked onto the softball field on May 21 alongside their fathers and brothers, tossing a softball back and forth in an emotional full-circle moment that reflected years of dedication to the sport.
The ceremony continued with heartfelt speeches, messages from loved ones, and photos shared with teammates and family members. One especially emotional moment came when the team honored a Union senior who was unable to play, recognizing her commitment and contributions despite her absence.
A Dominant Start for Colonia
The game itself quickly reflected the confidence and energy surrounding Senior Night. At the top of the first inning, Colonia’s defense immediately shut Union down, preventing any runners from advancing past first base. The Patriots looked composed and aggressive from the beginning, setting the tone early.
By the bottom of the first inning, Colonia’s offense exploded into action. Sydney Leshnower opened with a single before quickly stealing second base. A walk followed shortly after, and Sydney eventually ran home after a Union defensive error. Senior Mariella Spina also stole third base during the inning, helping Colonia build momentum and close the first inning with a 3-0 lead.
Union Struggles to Respond
The second inning only widened the gap between the two teams. Union struggled offensively, going through three straight batters and three straight outs in the top of the inning. Colonia’s defense remained locked in, giving Union very little opportunity to recover.
At the bottom of the second, Colonia continued dominating on the bases. Sydney and Calissa Biezewski Carter repeatedly pressured Union’s defense with aggressive steals and smart baserunning. With zero outs, the Patriots extended their lead to 4-0, and after one out, the score quickly jumped to 6-0. By the end of the inning, Colonia had completely taken control with an overwhelming 11-0 lead.
Mercy Rule Ends the Matchup
The third inning continued much like the first two, with Union unable to generate offense while Colonia stayed aggressive at the plate. The Patriots eventually extended the score to 18-0, leading Union to apply the mercy rule and officially end the game early.
The win served as the perfect ending to Senior Night, combining emotional moments with one of the team’s most dominant performances of the season. For the seniors, it was more than just another victory, it was a celebration of years spent together as teammates, athletes, and leaders within the Colonia softball program. For more information, visit NJ.com.
