The 2025 Lakeland Regional High School softball season proved that resilience, teamwork, and heart can carry a team even through a tough period. Marked by dramatic wins, unexpected losses, and inspiring moments of perseverance, this year’s season is anything but expected.

Every team faces challenges, but from the first game, the Lancers showed their determination. Set up to play against DePaul, the Lancers faced tough competition. Holding DePaul and trying to keep the score close, the Lakeland softball lost their momentum and the game 0-4. Despite the setback, the team knew that they could recover and prove themselves.

There were quick wins against Clifton (18-2) and Wayne Hills (10-0) that boosted the team’s spirits; plus there were the very close losses against Fair Lawn (10-7), Passaic Valley (4-1), and Colonia (4-3). But, the Lancers also saw some big losses, like that against Wayne Valley (19-4). Those big losses set up the motion for the rest of the season for Lakeland softball. Freshman Lauren Healy agreed and said, “The season could’ve gone better than it did.”

Although there were a whopping 8 losses in a row, Healy mentioned that the best parts about the game were “cheering on my teammates and growing as a team.” Sophomore Kendall Loweth said that what really helped the team bounce back and gain motivation was the fact that “everyone was there for each other and picked each other up.” Knowing that there are people that have your back when you are let down is a great mood lifter. Overall, throughout the players it was agreed that a big advantage during the season was having good team chemistry.

On continuing to work towards improvement, senior Julia McCormick said, “Hitting practices inside and defense drills on the field” helped the team improve the most which did show up throughout games when necessary.”

A strong end to the season was Lakeland Lancers’ senior night, which was truly uplifting for the team. A solid score of 10-4 against Eastern Christian was proof of the team’s hard work during the spring months, even if it pulled through at the very last minute.

Many lessons were learned throughout the 2025 season. Healy said, “It’s necessary to not let your emotions get the best of you in tough moments.” McCormick added that it is important to “never give up no matter how hard it gets.”

Although the 2025 Softball season was not perfect, it reminded everyone that the game isn’t all about the score – it’s about the journey, the growth, and the bonds that teammates and players make after every pitch, swing, and slide. Even if the losses outweigh the wins, this season represents the group effort that it takes for a team to be successful outside of the game mode mindset.