Softball Player of the Week: Governor Livington’s Alyssa Monaco wins Week 5 honors
The Governor Livingston High School softball team was slammed by graduation in the offseason, losing two All-Area players and its two top pitchers after going 19-7. And while some of the key bats from a year ago returned, the Highlanders have to rely on a pair of arms with a grand total of 10 varsity innings, and sophomore Alyssa Monaco has quickly emerged as a true ace.
Thanks to Monaco and a lineup that’s produced 7.4 runs per game, Governor Livingston is well on its way to another big year, sporting a 17-6 record entering action Saturday, as well as the No. 1 seed in the Union County Tournament.
More: Softball roundup: Daily May results and links for Skyland , GMC, area Union County
More: Softball rankings and notebook: Skyland Conference and area UCC, through May 6
That included a 4-0 stint last week where Monaco allowed just four earned runs in 27 innings, surrendering just 15 hits, seven walks and striking out 24. She’s 14-6 for the season with a 2.29 ERA, walking 37 and striking out 79 in 116 1/3 innings.
“Alyssa has really been outstanding for us so far, and the great thing is she has consistently improved each and every game,” Governor Livingston Erin Lanigan said. “She worked hard in the offseason, and it shows. Last season, she pitched a full game, plus an inning or so of relief for us as a freshman, so I think she came in this season with the first-time varsity jitters already out of her system.
“She’s humble and confident, and isn’t afraid to go at batters with all her secondary stuff. She’s gotten us out of some tough situations and it’s been really exciting to watch. She also has immense trust in her fielders behind her, and the dynamic between her and our catcher, Vanessa Popola, is really a special thing. For me, I think one of the exciting things is that Lyss is just a sophomore, and I’m really looking forward to two more seasons with her and to see what she can accomplish.”
Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Softball Player of the Week: Governor Livington’s Alyssa Monaco
