MIDDLETOWN –  The Middletown High School North Softball team has been recognized as one of the best in the state of New Jersey for the past 30 years.  However, the past few seasons have set the Lions apart from the rest of the Shore.  The Lions have won multiple Shore Conference Titles in 2015 and 2016 as well as divisional titles, but the one championship that was leaving a void was scratched off the bucket list on Tuesday.  The Middletown High School North Lions softball team was able to defeat No. 2 seed Governor Livingston, 4-1, in the North 2 Group III final behind timely hitting and another amazing pitching performance from junior pitcher Malori Bell.  Senior Third Baseman, Milena Wilton, who reached the 100 hit milestone this season was a member of the Lions teams whom won the Shore Conference Titles, but suffered heartbreak in the state tournament the last three seasons.

“This is so important, especially after the tough losses from my last few years,” said Wilton.

With the win, Middletown North improved its record to 25-4 on the season.  The Lions will look to advance now in the overall Group III tournament.  The Lions have an all-around solid team under Coach Chris Hoffman and are looking to keep momentum going into this final week of the season.  The Lions’ success can also be largely attributed to Junior pitcher Malori Bell, who has been one of the most dominating players at the Shore Conference.  During this championship week, Bell has fanned 79 batters, in her last 36 innings.

The Lions’ pitching is not the only key component to this squad as the offense features 1st and 2nd Team All-Shore players in Alyssa Vetrano, Gaby Cerbo and Adriana Cerbo. Vetrano and Adriana Cerbo have also joined the 100 hit club, while multiple players on this year’s team have broken school offensive records. The Lions will face Indian Hills in the Group III semifinals on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 4 PM.  The Lions are leaning on the experience of the Junior and Senior class to carry Middletown North Softball to new heights.