IN THE SWING: Hun School softball player Christina Riviello takes a swing in recent action. Last Saturday, senior shortstop Riviello smacked a double and scored two runs to help Hun defeat the Blair Academy 10-0. The Raiders, who improved to 10-0 with the victory, host Lawrence High on April 29 and Hopewell Valley on April 30 before playing at Blair on May 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Christina Riviello has developed a take-charge attitude this spring in her senior season for the Hun School softball team.

“I am normally quiet but I have taken more of a leadership role,” said Riviello. “I like to pick everyone up and make sure that everyone is included.”

Last Saturday, shortstop Riviello helped pick up Hun as it hosted the Blair Academy, hitting a double and scoring two runs as the Raiders prevailed 10-0.

“I have been feeling more comfortable at bat,” said Riviello. “I have been working on keeping my head in and just driving the ball because I am not very big. I have got to use everything I have got.”

Despite hitting in the bottom of the order, Riviello has emerged as an offensive catalyst for the Raiders.

“I feel like I am up first a lot because the innings end before I get up for some reason,” said Riviello. “I like being first up in an inning.”

With Hun off to a 10-0 start, the squad has made scoring first a habit this spring.

“It is mostly everybody being aggressive and trying to take advantage,’ said Riviello. “We really came out with energy today. We all feel pretty good, even after making mistakes. You have got to pick yourself up and you have fun.”

Riviello is having fun playing shortstop.

“I love it, I have not gotten many plays this year but when I do, it is really fun,” said Riviello. “I really enjoy it a lot.”

A particularly enjoyable aspect of this spring for Riviello is having her sister, freshman third baseman Brianna, join the Hun squad.

“It is a lot of fun, I like to pick her up if there are any errors or anything,” said Riviello. “If she makes a good play, I will go over and give her a hug.”

Hun head coach Kathy Quirk is having fun watching Riviello mature into a leader for the squad.

“She is doing a nice job for us; she has really stepped up her leadership,” said Quirk. “She is quiet but she turns and talks to them, saying how many outs and asking where is the play. I think the two sisters work well together and they talk.”

Sophomore star pitcher Lexi Kobryn produced yet another mound gem for the Raiders, holding Blair hitless with 13 strikeouts and no walks in five innings of work. She also went 3 for 3 at the plate with three runs and two RBIs.

“Lexi has been doing a nice job offensively,
defensively, and with her pitching,” said Quirk of Kobryn, who started the season by pitching back-to-back no-hitters. “Normally I rotate my pitchers but Lexi will throw again on Tuesday (against Lawrenceville). She is just has a little bit more speed than Jamie [Staub] has.”

Staub, who has also pitched well, has helped the club with her glove and bat.

“Jamie is good, she also does a great job at first base,” said Quirk of Staub, who ripped a triple and scored two runs against Blair. “I am very, very happy with her.”

Quirk points to the team’s chemistry as a key to its hot start.

“I am surprised, I think we have really jelled as a team,” said Quirk, whose team will look to keep rolling as it hosts Lawrence High on April 29 and Hopewell Valley on April 30 before playing at Blair on May 3. “They support each other. They work together and they have fun.”

For Riviello, that camaraderie is making for a memorable final campaign.

“We all love playing, we have so much fun at practice and at the games,” said Riviello. “We are all friends, so we play a lot better. I obviously want a good last season. With this team, everything is so fun and it is a great senior year.”