MONTVALE—The Montvale 14U girls softball team capped off a remarkable season with a 5–3 win over Cresskill on July 24 to claim the Kinderkamack Softball League Summer Championship—their third summer title together as a core group.
According to head coach Marc Zoelle, the victory is the latest milestone for a team that has grown up playing side by side.
“Most of these girls have been playing together since T-ball in kindergarten, and it’s been a joy to watch them grow—not just as athletes, but as individuals,” Zoelle said. “Their strong bond and shared experience have built a winning tradition that they’ll carry with them into high school, as many will continue on to Pascack Hills.”
According to the team’s recap, Montvale scored five runs on six hits with five RBIs. Pitcher Nina Tuli delivered a complete-game performance, going seven innings and allowing just three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. She also scored two of Montvale’s five runs.
Madison Higgins led the offense with three RBIs on two hits, while Jaelyn Pawlyk added a triple and two RBIs. Gabriella Marino, Addyson Zoelle, and Penelope Ramm also scored, with Marino and Tuli each adding a hit.
In a fun twist, this year’s league champions received Super Bowl-style rings in place of the usual medals or trophies. “The league was creative this year,” said coach Richard Higgins.
A Winning Legacy
This championship adds to a long list of titles earned by this group, including:
- Summer Travel (Grades 1–2)
- Summer Travel (Grades 3–4)
- Spring Recreation (Grades 5–6)
- Spring Recreation (Grades 7–8)
- Summer Travel 14U (2025)
- 2024 Fieldstone Middle School Championship (first in 15 years)
As they head toward high school ball — Hills fans are in for a treat — this Montvale squad brings with them years of shared experience, countless innings, and a tradition of finishing strong.