The Wellington High School girls varsity softball team, under the leadership of head coach Mark Boretti, is off to a strong start to its 2023 season. After its first nine games, the Wolverines are sporting an impressive 8-1 record. Of the eight victories, four of them have been shutouts.
The only blemish on the schedule was a close 3-1 loss in extra innings to Coral Springs Charter School on March 8. “Coral Springs Charter is one of the top teams in the state,” Boretti said.
Three of the team’s big wins have been against local rivals. On March 3, the squad shut out Palm Beach Gardens High School, 10-0. On March 10, Wellington outscored Park Vista High School, 6-4. And on March 16, Wellington doubled up Palm Beach Central High School, 10-5.
Without a doubt, the key player on this year’s team is senior Jordan White, who is leading by example as a pitcher and a hitter.
After the first nine games, White is leading the team in several offensive categories. She leads the team with the top batting average (.542) and the best on-base percentage (.542). White is also the team leader for runs batted in (18), hits (13), home runs (3) and has the team’s best slugging percentage (.958).
Inside the circle, White is the team’s top pitcher with a stingy earned run average of 0.69. When she is not inside the circle hurling strikes, White, who bats third in the lineup, is the designated player, which is softball’s equivalent of baseball’s designated hitter.
“Jordan is doing it all for us this year — as a pitcher and as a hitter. It’s great to see, and she’s enjoying it,” Boretti said.
In addition to White’s role as a pitcher and a hitter, she is also a team co-captain alongside fellow seniors Kaitlyn Campbell and Kylie McCann. Campbell plays left field, and McCann plays second base. “We are getting great leadership from our three senior co-captains,” Boretti said. “Our success this spring has truly been a team effort. Last year’s freshmen are this year’s sophomores, and they are playing strong. We have some talented juniors, as well, who are led by Kelsie Riggan.”
Besides White, three other Wolverines are batting over .400 this spring. Junior infielder Ava Matrascia is hitting .500, Campbell is swinging the bat at a .481 clip and Riggan’s batting average is .417. Campbell is batting lead-off, while Riggan is batting fifth in the lineup.
“Kaitlyn is a bunter and a slapper who gets on base. Kelsie is batting fifth, which is a good slot to help drive in runs,” Boretti said.
Wellington resumes play on Tuesday, March 28 when the team travels to Royal Palm Beach High School. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
