2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 77

Commending the Midlothian High School softball team.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 9, 2026

WHEREAS, the Midlothian High School softball team won the Virginia High School League Class 5 state championship on June 14, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Midlothian High School Trojans defeated the Mills Godwin High School Eagles by a score of 2–0 to bring home the state championship title; and

WHEREAS, the Midlothian Trojans achieved an undefeated season, allowing only 23 runs across 24 games, including just six runs in six playoff games, and recorded 13 shutouts; and

WHEREAS, the Midlothian Trojans played one of the toughest and most competitive schedules in the Commonwealth and finished the 2025 season ranked 46th in the nation, second in the Commonwealth, and first among Virginia's public schools; and

WHEREAS, the Midlothian Trojans were led in the circle by Marlee Gaskell, who allowed only 11 earned runs in 126 innings with 171 strikeouts and 24 walks and contributed offensively by hitting .384 with 23 RBIs; her season earned her numerous honors, including MaxPreps All-American, MaxPreps Virginia State Player of the Year, All-Metro Player of the Year, Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 5 Player of the Year, VHSL Region C Player of the Year, and Chesterfield County Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, on offense for the Midlothian Trojans, leadoff hitter Erika Fiege hit an impressive .564 with 29 runs scored and struck out only once in 87 plate appearances, catcher Bella Moussa hit .400 with 15 extra-base hits, 25 runs, and 25 runs-batted-in, while centerfielder Gianna Caranante hit .381 with 10 extra-base hits and 18 runs-batted-in; Erin Fiege and Charlotte Daniels delivered key and timely hits throughout the playoffs, while Ava Vozar contributed with her speed on the bases; and

WHEREAS, shortstop Charlotte Corcoran anchored the Midlothian Trojans' defense with exceptional range and a strong arm, while first baseman Molly Bozzo and third baseman Lea Foldenauer contributed both offensively and defensively in their first years as starters; and

WHEREAS, team members Gabi Horoschak, Josie Renschler, Liberty Cooper, and Issy Torres were key contributors throughout the Midlothian Trojans' season, and managers Jeff Pang, Ivan Pang, and Lydia Pang were invaluable as managers, bringing energy and dedication to every practice and game; and

WHEREAS, senior members of the team Gabi Horoschak, Charlotte Daniels, Erin Fiege, Ava Vozar, and Marlee Gaskell served as leaders of the Midlothian Trojans, and were often seen as the glue that held the group together; and

WHEREAS, the Midlothian Trojans can be described in one word as “united,” and were deeply loving, caring, trusting, and supportive of one another while expecting excellence of themselves on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, the success of the Midlothian Trojans is the result of the dedication, tenacity, and exemplary work ethic of the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of their coaches and support personnel, and the unwavering support of their families and the entire Midlothian High School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Midlothian High School softball team for their impressive season and for winning the Virginia High School League Class 5 state championship; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Midlothian High School softball team as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their achievements and best wishes for their continued success in the years to come.