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VOTE: Alliance Orthopedics Shore softball Athlete of the Week No. 5
TL;DR
The Shore Conference Tournament begins Tuesday, featuring 16 teams, including the top seven seeds. Standout athletes are already making an impact as the postseason approaches.
Key points
- Shore Conference Tournament begins on Tuesday
- Top seven seeds receive a bye in the first round
- Tournament features 16 teams
- Standout athletes are crucial for postseason success
- Final portrait of the 2026 season will emerge over 10 days
VOTE: Alliance Orthopedics Shore softball Athlete of the Week No. 5
It's time to start competing for softball titles
The Shore Conference Tournament begins with the first round on Tuesday, setting the stage for the round of 16 teams on Thursday when the top seven seeds will join the fray after receiving a bye. Over the next 10 days, the final portrait of the 2026 season will come into focus.
But several standout individuals have already hit the ground running and laid the foundation for a tournament run with their performances in the first week of May. Their ability to seize the opportunity in the home stretch of the regular season could prove to be pivotal in the must-win games of the postseason.
So who was the best of the bunch at the inflection point of the spring campaign? That's for APP readers to decide in the fifth Alliance Orthopedics Athlete of the Week poll for this softball season. Take a look at all the candidates below and cast your vote.
CHECK OUT MORE ON THE NOMINEES: 10 best Shore softball standouts from the opening week of May
Pitcher Gylian Hixenbaugh struck out seven in a five-inning mercy rule one-hitter as host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Madison Kelliher had two hits including a home run and Caroline Kopp and Mia Kelliher also homered.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Pitcher Gylian Hixenbaugh struck out seven in a five-inning mercy rule one-hitter as host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Madison Kelliher had two hits including a home run and Caroline Kopp and Mia Kelliher also homered.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Pitcher Gylian Hixenbaugh struck out seven in a five-inning mercy rule one-hitter as host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Madison Kelliher had two hits including a home run and Caroline Kopp and Mia Kelliher also homered.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Donovan Catholic softball remains undefeated at 16-0. Photo gallery
Host Donovan Catholic softball kept its record perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 victory over Southern Regional Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
There is no limit on voting and the poll will remain open until 10 p.m. on May 19.
Switch to desktop if you can't see the ballot in the app.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: VOTE NJ Shore softball Athlete of the Week No 5 poll
Q&A
What is the Shore Conference Tournament schedule for 2026?
The tournament starts on Tuesday with the first round, followed by the round of 16 on Thursday.
Who are the top athletes competing in the Shore softball tournament?
Several standout individuals have already made significant contributions during the first week of May, setting the stage for the postseason.
What is the significance of the bye for the top seven seeds in the tournament?
The top seven seeds receive a bye in the first round, allowing them to advance directly to the round of 16, which can be crucial for their tournament success.
How does the performance in the regular season affect the postseason in softball?
Athletes' performances in the regular season can be pivotal in determining their teams' success in the must-win games of the postseason.
