Junior pitcher Lexi Siller has been a key contributor to the Pascack Valley Softball Team so far this spring. The team currently has a record of 12-3 and are 6-1 in the Big North. This season, Lexi has an earned run average (ERA) of 1.27 as a pitcher. For hitting, she has a batting average of .370%, two home runs, and 16 RBIs. 

Since Siller was young, she has always loved playing the game. 

“I have been playing softball all my life,” Siller said. “I started out with tee ball and then transitioned into softball. I have always loved it and especially love pitching.”

Coach Lauren Bacsik is proud of what Siller has accomplished and done so far here at Pascack Valley. 

“Lexi is a three year starter for our Varsity team, as a junior this year. She is approaching her 300th strikeout in her career,” Bacsik said. “She is a silent leader in the circle working through every pitch and every play. She keeps her calm demeanor regardless of the situation and pushes herself every game to be at her best.”

Siller recalls when she first stepped onto the varsity mound in a Valley uniform her freshman year.

“It was scary at first, especially being a pitcher; I didn’t want to let my team down,” the athlete of the month said. “After a while, it got more fun rather than scary,” she added.

Before the games, Siller and her catcher Caliana Dembowski (Jr.) have a tradition they always do. Both players will scuff up the softball in the dirt, in the same spot on the field. 

The softball team is getting ready for the state tournament, and Siller is looking to the future.

“I think we will make it far in the state tournament, and I hope to get more strikeouts as the season goes on,” the pitcher said. “I think we are a very good team on and off the field,” she added.

Siller is unsure if she wants to play in college or not yet. For now, she is focused on finishing the season strong and winning games with her team.

The Pascack Valley Baseball Team has gotten off to a great start this season. The team is currently 11-3, 7-0 in the Big North. A big contributor has been senior catcher Nick Donofrio. Donofrio is off to a hot start this season, with four home runs, 31 RBIs, and a batting average of .405.

Donofrio has helped Valley defeat some of the top teams in New Jersey, which include Bergen Catholic, Old Tappan, and Ridgewood.

Donofrio started playing baseball at a young age, when his dad introduced him to the game.

“I mainly got into the sport from my dad,” Donofrio said. “When I was a kid, he always wanted me to train and get better.” 

Donofrio began his high school career at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey but transferred after his sophomore year. He was a key part of Valley’s team last year; the team made it to the Group 2 State Championship, where they eventually lost. Donofrio is now a part of PV’s team that has returned a lot of its firepower. 

Donofrio admires retired Major League Baseball catcher Buster Posey; he also watches the sport on a professional level.

“I look up to Buster Posey…[I] look up to him for tips as a catcher,” the Valley catcher said.

Donofrio hopes that he and his team can make the same run that they did last year; however, he hopes the team will win the championship this year. 

“…[We] just want to get back to where we were, the state championship, and just get better every day,” Donofrio said. “[I like] the fact that if one day I have a bad game, I can come back the next day and redeem myself.” 

Donofrio will continue his academic and athletic career, studying and playing baseball, at Drew University.