EMERSON—The Emerson 12U softball team capped an outstanding summer with a commanding 7–0 victory over Montvale in the Kinderkamack Softball League (KSL) championship, completing an undefeated league season and cementing their place as KSL champions.
The Cavos went 12-0-1 in regular KSL play and 20-2-1 overall, with their only losses coming in the finals of two major summer tournaments—the Wyckoff Girls of Summer and the Ramsey Rumble—both against powerhouse Wyckoff 12U.
Their KSL record included two dramatic wins: one walkoff by Lucia DeSalvo vs. Hillsdale, and another by Kylie Mulhern vs. Oakland, helping define a season that spanned one-and-a-half grueling, hands-down triumphant months.
KSL Playoff Run
Emerson’s regular-season tie, a thrilling 5–5 contest, had come against Montvale—setting the stage for an inevitable rematch in the championship. Montvale reached the final by defeating River Vale and Hillsdale, while Emerson, earning a first-round bye, edged a tough Oradell team 4–2 in the semifinal.
In that semifinal win, Miranda Gray (2-for-2, walk, 2 RBIs, run), Hailey Carcich (2-for-3, 2 runs, 1 stolen base), and Lucia DeSalvo (1-for-2, RBI) led the offense. Pitching carried the day, with Lexi Perez and Alexa Palko holding Oradell to just 2 hits, combining for 9 strikeouts.
The Championship Game
The final was held Thursday, July 24, under the lights at Westvale Park in Westwood. Emerson struck early: Kylie Mulhern stole home to open the scoring, and offensive contributions poured in from across the roster.
Miranda Gray (1-for-2, 2 runs, walk, stolen base), Lucia DeSalvo (1-for-2, triple, 2 runs, 2 RBIs), Olivia Kim (1-for-1, run, walk), and Lexi Perez (2 RBIs) all played key roles at the plate. On the mound, Perez and Palko combined for a one-hitter, each recording 3 strikeouts. Defensively, Emerson was flawless—zero errors in the title game.
Season Highlights
Every player made her mark during the season:
- Taylor Zeller led the team in hits (22) and batting average (.431).
- Jackie Giella tied for most runs scored (24), led with 29 stolen bases, and logged 33 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched.
- Lila Manning had 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 2 runs in the regular season finale vs. Hillsdale to secure the top seed.
- Katie Tucker went 2-for-3 with a run scored in the Ramsey Rumble final vs. Wyckoff.
- Juliette Rose Connolly went 1-for-1 with a walk, 1 RBI, and 3 runs vs. River Edge; she finished the season with 26 strikeouts over 21 innings.
- Gabi Aguilar was 1-for-1 with 2 runs scored in the Ramsey Rumble semifinal vs. Jefferson.
- Lily Polvere delivered a 1-for-3, 2-RBI, 2-run performance vs. Lyndhurst in the Wyckoff tournament.
- Anaya Modi helped break open a regular-season game vs. Westwood with a clutch 1-for-1, 2-RBI effort.
— Staff report, based on team recap