Somerville Upset

Tenth-seeded Colonia upset seventh-seeded Somerville in the first round of the NJSIAA softball tournament on Tuesday, May 26. The Patriots played the defensive game and won 3-0. Senior pitcher Mariella Spina put on a show. She allowed two hits, zero runs, walked one batter and struck out six.

When asked about her performance, Spina said “I think collectively as a team we all wanted to win the Somerville game and that’s why we did so well. I wanted to win so I was very focused on the game and on my pitches.” This focus definitely paid off for Colonia.

On the offensive side, Colonia only managed four hits. Junior Hailey Conklin collected two of them. She was 2-3 with two RBIs and walked once. Sydney Leshnower and Julianna Manto earned one hit apiece. Spina had one RBI. Colonia scored all three of their runs in the fifth inning.

Conklin commented, “Our first-round state game against Somerville, a higher seeded team, showed the determination our team had all season. We knew it would be a tough game, and it turned into a pitching and defensive battle. Our defense made key plays behind our pitcher, while offensively we had to take advantage of every opportunity. Although the final score was 3-0, it was a very competitive game with only four hits coming from our team. I was fortunate to contribute two hits and two RBIs, but it was truly a complete team win. Overall, this season was about growth, learning, how to compete together as a team, and most importantly having fun!”

Somerville pitcher Sarah Graber struck out nine in seven innings, allowed four hits and walked five while surrendering three runs, two of which were earned. The senior notched the 500th strikeout of her career.

The 10th-seeded Patriots (11-15) faced second-seeded North Hunterdon on Thursday, May 28, in the sectional quarterfinal. Unfortunately, this game led to the end of their season.

Season Reflection

Reflecting on the season, Conklin said, “The 2026 Colonia Softball season consisted of only a few returning varsity players and many underclassmen stepping into bigger roles. Our team had to learn and grow together quickly. Each day we strengthened chemistry and improved, through hard work every day at practice and in games.” As a sophomore, she received first team all division and second team all-conference, currency awaiting this year’s post season awards. The junior accumulated an impressive .515 batting average this season. Her consistency has been impressive throughout the season and her career. The team will also have her returning for her senior season next year.

Similarly, Spina said “This was definitely a rebuilding year after we lost a bunch of seniors last year. We have a young team with a lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see the underclassmen grow.” Spina had success in her senior year. Throughout the season she accumulated 86 strikeouts. She also had 28 hits, reaching the 100 career hits mark in her career.

There is a bright future for Colonia softball.