Youth Softball Champions Honored: ‘You Made Nutley Proud’

NUTLEY, NJ — It was a season that was “nothing short of phenomenal,” as one Nutley official put it.

The Nutley Board of Commissioners recently welcomed the Nutley High School varsity and 7th/8th grade softball teams to Town Hall to honor both teams’ outstanding achievements during their 2022 seasons.

The NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 State Sectional Champions NHS team enjoyed an outstanding season, finishing with a remarkable 21 wins and 6 losses. The team finished as the 2nd-ranked in Essex County, 4th in Group 3, and 17th in the state.

Meanwhile, the Nutley Girls Seventh and Eighth Grade Softball team concluded their season with a similarly spectacular record, boasting 10 wins,1 loss and 1 tie while marching their way to a Suburban League Championship.

“You made Nutley proud,” Mayor Joseph Scarpelli told the young athletes. “When you go through a season like this I always say, you win together, you lose together. You laugh together, cry together. The girl next to you, 20 years from now is still going to be your best friend. Congratulations to you and the coaches.”

“This is a very auspicious evening,” Commissioner Mauro Tucci agreed. “Not only are we honoring one Nutley team, which is more than anyone ever expected, but we are honoring two teams.”

“What you have accomplished is nothing short of phenomenal,” Tucci added.

Other kudos came from:

• Commissioner John Kelly – “Congratulations to those who are seniors. Use this success as a launching point to the next phase of your life.”
• Commissioner Thomas Evans – “To achieve the excellence you have achieved, there are values that go with that. One is integrity: recognizing what you need to do to be successful. Respect: respecting one another whether it’s a good day or a bad day, being there for one another. And accountability: Showing up every day. Doing what it takes. I encourage you to take all of this into your future, wherever that may be.”

The Nutley High School Varsity Softball team includes the following members: Luca Blancato, Nikki Chiccheti, Lia DeMaio, Syndey Hess, Fallyn Stoeckel, Mia DiPiano, Giulianna Fazio, Gianna Lembo, Robin Niland, Sasha Wanko, Sianna Kantor, Gabriella Mariano, Skye Stoeckel, Meghan Spina, and Lola Thompson. They are coached by Head Coach Luann Zullo and Assistant Coaches Mike DiPiano, Brielle Riccardi, Michele Puzio, Stefanie Ruffo, and Breanna DeMaio.

The Nutley Girls Seventh and Eighth Grade Softball team is comprised of Makenna DeJianne, Natalia Kit,Riley Clinton, Sofia Rocha, Zoey Vonroth, Thea Deffabio, Kaitlyn Nellegar, Olivia Miller, Julianna Delorenzo, Caitlyn Moccio, Isabella Baez and Samantha Grella. They are led by Head coach Kim DeJianne and Assistant Coaches Juan Ecchavaria and Tim Nellegar.

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