Leading off Bruriah’s sports teams tryouts for the 2017-2018 seasons was softball. About 30 ninth through twelfth graders descended on the baseball field on a glorious Sunday afternoon to run bases, field balls, hit and pitch. Coaches David Dessau, David Markowitz and Brian Allen are optimistic about this year’s team and excited by the talent that showed up to tryouts. They, and the girls, are ready for the season to start, though they’ll have to sustain the excitement until opening day in the spring. Freshman Aliza Walzman, of Hillside, said “Just having the opportunity to try out for a team makes this afternoon worth it.” Freshman Daphna Hagler, of Elizabeth, said she “loves softball and baseball, as does her family, and it’s fun to be outdoors for tryouts.” Returning players, seniors Gila Alter, Rina Finkelstein, Rivki Hook, Talya Markowitz and Sarena Wiederkehr, all of Bergen County, are looking forward to the team unity and fun they have on and off the field at games and practices. Winning a championship is on their to-do list for the spring!

Tryouts for Bruriah’s other sports teams continue through the first full week of school. The basketball players have been jumping out of their high tops, eager to get back on the court. Volleyball and soccer players will reunite with their respective teams and welcome new players. They’ve been bumping, setting, spiking and practicing their footwork to give themselves the best chance of making the cut. Swimmers will take their marks after Rosh Hashanah.

Good luck to all the girls who are trying out for teams! Good luck this season to all the teams in the various leagues.