Sophomore Ava Turner of Middletown proved to be a pivotal player for her team this spring season, which became Middletown High School North’s most successful season in varsity softball history. As the right fielder and right-handed hitter, Turner made great strides on the path to her team’s victory.

The team won the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional championship, and then the Group 3 Championship, breaking  school history, as Middletown North softball had never won a state title before.

“My contribution was a lot of defense with big catches and some big hits here and there, especially in the postseason,” Turner said. “We played Delsea in the Group 3 state semi final, and I hit the game winning/only RBI, which was probably my biggest contribution in states.”

Turner was recognized by not only her division but also the Shore Conference, an athletic conference in New Jersey consisting of over 30 high schools, for her outstanding commitment and performance.

“I made the All-Division team and Shore Conference 3rd team for playing the outfield, which is basically how the press recognizes the best of the best at each position as well as hitting,” Turner said.  

Turner attributes her team’s triumph with the cohesiveness and bond her teammates had throughout the season. Her team made it a point to grow as a group off-field and have “team bonding things and take part in charity events.”

“A main reason we won was because we all got along and would pick each other up when someone else was having a bad game,” Turner said. “It wasn’t the same star each time.”