2026 Shore Sports Insider Softball All-Shore Teams

Shore Sports Insider is proud to unveil its 2026 All-Shore softball teams and season-ending award winners featuring the top performers from the 2026 Shore Conference softball season.

SSI’s softball All-Shore teams were selected by softball reporters Nick Lowe and Samantha Mayer based on seeing players in person during game coverage this season and speaking with coaches about their own players and opponents during and after the season.

Scroll down for bios of the First Team All-Shore selections and follow the links below for write-ups on the second team picks, award winners and more.

*Second Team*

*Third Team*

*Final Standings*

*Final Top 10 Rankings*

*MVP*

*Pitcher of the Year*

*Most Improved Player of the Year*

*Freshman of the Year*

*Coach of the Year*

*2027 Divisions*

 

2026 Shore Sports Insider All-Shore Softball Teams

 

Catcher

Olivia Lombardi, So., St. John Vianney

Stats:

.444 BA, 27 R, 29 RBI, 8 HR, 1 3B, 5 2B, 7 BB, 9 SB

Lombardi took a significant step forward in her second season at St. John Vianney, improving across the board offensively while also assuming the starting catching duties behind the plate. She played a key role in guiding Madison McDougall, the 2026 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, through a 29-win season. Lombardi established herself as one of the Shore Conference’s top catchers, excelling both offensively and defensively. Batting in the fifth spot in the lineup, she consistently produced in run-scoring situations, while one of her most remarkable statistics was being hit by a pitch 20 times during the season. With McDougall graduating, the Lancers will lean on Lombardi’s experience and leadership as they break in a new starting pitcher for the first time in four years.

 

Infield

Gabby Bryce, Sr., Colts Neck

Stats:

.465 BA, 27 R, 16 RBI, 4 HR, 2 3B, 7 2B, 10 BB, 6 SB

After earning Shore Sports Insider’s 2025 Most Improved Player of the Year award, Bryce elevated her game even further, increasing her batting average while facing some of New Jersey’s top pitching. She delivered one of the season’s most memorable performances in a 12-11 victory over rival Marlboro, going 5-for-5 with a home run and a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning. The USC Upstate commit was equally impressive defensively, establishing herself as one of the Shore Conference’s premier shortstops. Her exceptional range allowed her to track down fly balls and turn would-be singles up the middle into outs. With Bryce graduating, Colts Neck will have a major void to fill at shortstop next season.

 

Gabby Gonzalez, Sr., St. John Vianney

Stats:

.500 BA, 35 R, 43 RBI, 12 HR, 13 2B, 10 BB, 3 SB

After seeing her batting average dip below .500 for the first time as a junior, Gonzalez responded with one of the best seasons of her career, setting personal highs in RBI’s, home runs, and doubles. The Florida International commit drove in a career-best 43 RBI’s, including four on a grand slam in the NJSIAA state championship game to cap off her outstanding high school career. Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Gonzalez established herself as one of the Shore Conference’s premier hitters while also excelling defensively at shortstop. Her exceptional instincts, range, and sure hands allowed her to make difficult plays look routine. With Gonzalez graduating, St. John Vianney will have a significant void to fill both in the lineup and at shortstop next season.

 

Grace Lombardi, Jr., Red Bank Catholic

Stats:

.374 BA, 26 R, 15 RBI, 7 HR, 8 2B, 7 BB, 15 SB

Lombardi has been one of the Shore Conference’s most consistent hitters since arriving at Red Bank Catholic three years ago. Her 34 hits this season pushed her past the 100-hit milestone for her career. Batting in the leadoff spot, the Penn State commit set a career high with seven home runs, including four against teams ranked in the Shore Conference Top 10. Following the graduation of five starters from last year’s team, Lombardi embraced a leadership role while helping integrate several new faces into the lineup. After spending her first two seasons at second base, she transitioned to shortstop this spring and quickly established herself as one of the Shore Conference’s premier defensive infielders.

 

Brynn Utter, Jr., St. John Vianney

Stats:

.464 BA, 52 R, 43 RBI, 8 HR, 7 2B, 12 BB, 19 SB

After moving into the leadoff spot this season, Utter continued her upward trajectory at the plate, improving her offensive numbers for the second straight year. Her batting average jumped 58 points, and she doubled her home run total from her sophomore campaign. During St. John Vianney’s run to the Shore Conference Tournament championship, Utter homered in both the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds while driving in two runs in each game. The Lehigh commit will be counted on as one of the leaders of a young Lancers squad next season. With the graduation of Lombardi and McDougall, who combined for 29 home runs, St. John Vianney will look to Utter to continue developing into a middle-of-the-order power threat.

 

Outfield

Olivia DeFonce, Sr., Shore

Stats:

.533 BA, 38 R, 41 RBI, 5 HR, 6 3B, 7 2B, 12 BB, 25 SB

DeFonce has been one of the Shore Conference’s best hitters throughout her four-year career, and she saved her best season for last. After reaching the 100-hit milestone as a junior, the Drexel commit set career highs with 48 hits and a .533 batting average as a senior. Her speed was a game-changing asset, helping her record a career-best six triples while stealing 25 bases and covering tremendous ground in center field. DeFonce capped her outstanding career as Shore Regional’s all-time hits leader with 151 career hits, cementing her place among the program’s all-time greats.

 

Mia Favato, Jr., St. John Vianney

Stats:

.448 BA, 28 R, 30 RBI, 3 HR, 12 2B, 6 BB, 3 SB

Favato was another St. John Vianney junior who improved her production for the second consecutive season. Batting in the cleanup spot, she raised her batting average while setting career highs in runs scored, RBI’s, and doubles with 12. In addition to being a key contributor in the middle of the Lancers’ lineup, Favato was one of the Shore Conference’s top defensive center fielders, using her speed and instincts to take away extra-base hits. In the NJSIAA state championship game against Mount St. Dominic, she made several outstanding catches, including a spectacular running grab at the wall in the right-center field gap that likely saved a run. Committed to Boston University, Favato will join Utter as one of the veteran leaders the Lancers will rely on as they enter next season.

 

Isabella Maria, Sr., Donovan Catholic

Stats:

.419 BA, 39 R, 30 RBI, 4 HR, 5 3B, 3 2B, 20 BB, 32 SB

A four-year starter at Donovan Catholic, Maria has been a game-changing presence since stepping onto the field as a freshman. The Auburn commit graduates as the program’s all-time hits leader with 181 career hits. Throughout her career, she consistently produced at the plate, batting at least .419 in every season while totaling 72 stolen bases, including a career-high 32 as a senior. Defensively, Maria was just as impactful, serving as the cornerstone of the Griffins’ outfield with outstanding range and a powerful throwing arm. Her combination of offensive production, speed, and elite defense made her one of the Shore Conference’s most complete players throughout her four-year career.

 

Utility

Elyssa Jamandron, Jr., Matawan

Stats:

.630 BA, 32 R, 22 RBI, 7 HR, 17 2B, 15 BB

Jamandron enjoyed the best offensive season of her career, setting career highs in runs scored, RBI’s, doubles, home runs, and batting average. She finished the season with a Shore Conference-best .630 batting average while more than doubling her previous career highs in extra-base production, increasing from five doubles to 12 and from two home runs to seven. One of her top performances came in the Shore Conference Tournament against Freehold Township, when she went 3-for-4 with a home run, four RBI’s, and three runs scored to lead Matawan to a 12-10 victory. With standout pitcher Emma Kriegstein graduating, the Huskies will lean on Jamandron’s leadership and experience to help guide a new ace in 2027.

 

Angela Sasso, Sr., Colts Neck

Stats:

.485 BA, 16 R, 26 RBI, 5 HR, 11 2B, 4 BB

Pitching Stats:

96.2 IP, 10 Wins, 127 K, 2.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP

In most seasons, Sasso would have earned All-Shore honors as a pitcher, but after missing several starts because of an injury, she secured a spot on the First Team as a utility player following the best offensive season of her career. She set career highs in runs scored, RBI’s, home runs, and batting average, providing Colts Neck with a dangerous presence in the middle of the lineup even while her innings in the circle were limited. One of her most memorable performances came against Raritan when she went 4-for-4 with two home runs and six RBI’s. Despite throwing a career-low 96.2 innings, the University of Connecticut commit still posted a career-best 2.03 ERA and finished her outstanding career with 708 strikeouts. With Sasso graduating, Colts Neck will be searching for a full-time starting pitcher for the first time in four seasons while also replacing one of its most productive offensive players.

 

Isabella Wuelfing, Jr., Marlboro

Stats:

.506 BA, 40 R, 22 RBI, 6 HR, 4 3B, 7 2B, 15 BB, 10 SB

Wuelfing has been making an impact in the Shore Conference since arriving as a freshman. As a junior, she transitioned from the outfield to shortstop while also providing valuable innings in the circle to give Emily Gaudio a break when needed. The Boston College commit enjoyed the best offensive season of her career, batting a career-high .506 while collecting 44 hits to help lead Marlboro to its third Central Jersey Group 4 championship in four years. Wuelfing’s combination of power and speed made her one of the Shore Conference’s most dynamic offensive players. In the Central Jersey Group 4 final, her speed forced Hillsborough into two errors that led to two runs in a 4-0 victory. She also delivered in the Group 4 semifinals, tripling and later scoring the tying run to send the game into extra innings. With Gaudio graduating, expect Wuelfing to take on a larger role in the circle as Marlboro looks to defend its sectional title in 2027.

 

Pitchers

Emily Gaudio, Sr., Marlboro

Pitching Stats:

140.2 IP, 16 Wins, 164 K, 1.69 ERA, 0.99 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.506 BA, 10 R, 35 RBI, 2 HR, 16 2B, 12 BB

Gaudio saved her best season for last, closing her Marlboro career with one of her most complete years in the circle and at the plate. Determined to finish with her third Central Jersey Group 4 title, the Charleston Southern commit set career highs in several pitching and offensive categories. She struck out 164 batters as a senior, finishing her career with 533 strikeouts despite missing half of her sophomore season. Gaudio also recorded seven shutouts, including a 10-strikeout performance against Hillsborough in the sectional final. During Marlboro’s sectional championship run, she allowed just one run across four games.

At the plate, Gaudio became Marlboro’s go-to hitter in key situations, consistently delivering the big hit or RBI when the Mustangs needed it most. She hit a career-high 16 doubles, more than tripling her previous high of five. One of her biggest at-bats came in the Group 4 semifinals against Kingsway, when she drove in the game-tying run with a sacrifice fly to send the game into extra innings after nearly missing a home run in her previous at-bat. With Gaudio graduating, Marlboro will have a major void to fill as it looks to replace one of the program’s most impactful two-way players.

 

Gianna Gomez, Jr., Barnegat

Pitching Stats:

164 IP, 23 Wins, 361 K, 0.51 ERA, 0.54 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.329 BA, 2 R, 15 RBI, 2 HR, 6 2B, 4 BB

Gomez elevated her game to another level this season, emerging as one of the state’s most dominant pitchers and earning Shore Sports Insider Pitcher of the Year honors. Continuing her steady development each year, she took a major leap forward as a junior, leading New Jersey with 361 strikeouts while posting a remarkable 0.51 ERA. Gomez finished the season with eight no-hitters and six one-hit games, consistently overpowering opposing lineups throughout the postseason and regular season alike. While her dominance in the circle drew the headlines, she also served as one of her team’s biggest supporters, bringing energy and encouragement to the dugout and helping create a winning culture.

 

Madison McDougall, Sr., St. John Vianney

Pitching Stats:

164.1 IP, 29 Wins, 312 K, 0.30 ERA, 0.45 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.626 BA, 23 R, 72 RBI, 17 HR, 3 3B, 23 2B, 18 BB, 1 SB

McDougall capped off one of the greatest seasons in Shore Conference history by leading St. John Vianney to its 10th NJSIAA state championship and a perfect 30-0 record. The Shore Sports Insider Most Valuable Player set career highs both at the plate and in the circle, dominating as New Jersey’s best two-way player throughout the season. Her remarkable senior campaign solidified her place among the program’s all-time greats. McDougall will continue her career close to home in 2027, following in her mother’s footsteps by playing at Monmouth University.

 

Mackenna Savage, So., Red Bank Catholic

Pitching Stats:

176.2 IP, 15 Wins, 286 K, 1.43 ERA, 0.95 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.370 BA, 13 R, 19 RBI, 9 HR, 1 3B, 6 2B, 13 BB, 1 SB

Savage wasted no time making an impact in her first season as Red Bank Catholic’s full-time starting pitcher. She finished third in the Shore Conference in strikeouts behind Gianna Gomez and Madison McDougall, recording 10 games without allowing an earned run and 16 double-digit strikeout performances. Her most dominant outing came in a 10-inning game against Middletown South, when she struck out a career-high 22 batters in a hard-luck defeat.

The reigning Shore Sports Insider Freshman of the Year also continued to excel at the plate. Savage collected 30 hits, giving her 62 over her first two varsity seasons, while showcasing her power with nine home runs as a sophomore. Her biggest swing of the season came against Marlboro, when she blasted a game-tying home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to knot the score at 1-1 and force extra innings.

 

Riley Smith, Jr., Middletown South

Pitching Stats:

148.1 IP, 18 Wins, 228 K, 1.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.312 BA, 3 R, 9 RBI, 1 2B, 6 BB

Facing a significantly tougher schedule this season, Smith responded with the best year of her career and further cemented herself as one of the Shore Conference’s top pitchers. The Princeton commit struck out a career-high 228 batters while posting a career-best 1.32 ERA. She recorded 12 double-digit strikeout games, highlighted by a career-high 19 strikeouts in a 10-inning, 4-3 victory over Red Bank Catholic. Smith also logged a career-high 148.1 innings, showing remarkable durability throughout the season. With another year of experience under her belt, she will once again lead Middletown South as one of the favorites to capture a sectional title next season.

 

 

 

3rd Team All-Shore

 

Catchers:

Jadeyn Bodziak, Sr., Barnegat

Stats:

.362 BA, 15 R, 18 RBI, 1 HR, 6 2B, 8 BB, 9 SB

 

Ryleigh Cerco, Jr., Ocean

Stats:

.535 BA, 32 R, 45 RBI, 13 HR, 9 2B, 9 BB

 

Infielders:

 

Ella Fischer, So., Toms River South

Stats: 

.469 BA, 35 R, 37 RBI, 9 HR, 1 3B, 14 2B, 16 BB, 6 SB

 

Carly Hobbs, Jr., Brick Memorial

Stats:

.538 BA, 32 R, 11 RBI, 1 HR, 3 2B, 5 BB

 

Katelyn Murphy, So., Howell

Stats:

.462 BA, 27 R, 13 RBI, 1 HR, 1 3B, 7 2B, 6 BB, 14 SB

 

Brooke Rizzo, So., Barnegat

Stats:

.405 BA, 28 R, 21 RBI, 3 HR, 6 2B, 13 BB, 5 SB

 

Brianna Soto, Sr., Middletown North

Stats:

.407 BA, 24 R, 9 RBI, 3 HR, 10 2B, 8 BB, 1 SB

 

Outfielders:

 

Adyen Kampf, Jr., Shore

Stats:

.463 BA, 31 R, 29 RBI, 5 HR, 3 3B, 12 2B, 15 BB, 2 SB

 

Elissa Lieberman, Jr., Manalapan

Stats:

.450 BA, 29 R, 14 RBI, 8 2B, 12 BB

 

Paige Sheridan, Jr., Freehold Boro

Stats:

.405 BA, 22 R, 26 RBI, 1 HR, 1 3B, 12 2B, 5 BB, 1 SB

 

Utility:

 

Caroline Davis, So., New Egypt

Stats:

.475 BA, 46 R, 21 RBI, 1 HR, 2 2B, 14 2B, 12 BB, 3 SB

 

Abigail Krill, Jr., Southern

Stats:

.397 BA, 26 R, 14 RBI, 9 2B, 5 BB, 3 SB

 

Kylie Paladino, Jr., Toms River East

Stats:

.400 BA, 25 R, 23 RBI, 4 HR, 1 3B, 10 2B, 10 BB

Pitching Stats

59.2 IP, 6 Wins, 41 K, 3.05 ERA, 1.68 WHIP

 

Pitchers:

 

Leah Garby, Fr., Manalapan

Pitching Stats:

94.2 IP, 8 Wins, 131 K, 3.62 ERA, 1.54 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.442 BA, 15 R, 32 RBI, 5 HR, 11 2B, 8 BB

 

Vanessa Karabin, Fr., Freehold Boro

Pitching Stats:

147 IP, 14 Wins, 96 K, 3.14 ERA, 1.45 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.452 BA, 18 R, 27 RBI, 3 3B, 8 2B, 4 BB, 1 SB

 

Emma Mullins, Jr., Trinity Hall

Pitching Stats:

83.2 IP, 8 Wins, 191 K, 1.42 ERA, 0.81 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.436 BA, 10 R, 12 RBI, 3 HR, 1 3B, 2 2B, 5 BB, 1 SB

 

Brooke Sutter, Jr., Southern

Pitching Stats:

81.2 IP, 10 Wins, 73 K, 2.83 ERA, 1.36 WHIP

Hitting Stats:

.265 BA, 6 R, 16 RBI, 2 2B, 5 BB, 1 SB