She's the Real MVP: These are the unsung heroes of North Jersey softball

These are the girls who aren’t afraid to get dirty, sacrifice for their team, play when it hurts, shift positions or give advice and be a team leader.

They may not play on teams in the North Jersey Top 25 rankings. They may not have the prettiest jerseys, or the newest bats, but when it’s time to make a play, they are the ones who step up. They are the Real MVPs of North Jersey softball.

Therese Adams, Ramapo

It takes a talented freshman to contribute to the Green Raiders varsity program right away, and Adams has already made an impact filling in at second base and third base, and in the outfield, when called on. This type of experience will only benefit her in the future.

Jenna Dermksian, Lakeland/Kinnelon

When it looked like Kinnelon wasn’t going to be able to field a full varsity team this spring, Dermksian helped spearhead the school seeking an alternative, which ultimately led to the “Lakelinnelon” co-op. On the field, the senior hasn’t missed a beat, closing in on 100 hits for her career.

Lola Fernandez, Leonia

Fernandez has played her way around the infield for the Lions. As a freshman and sophomore, she was an All-League second baseman, but moved to short as a junior. This year, she was penciled in at first base but had to adjust on the fly and move back to second base. This week, she became the first Leonia player to surpass 100 career hits since 2015.

Natalie Gonzalez, Northern Highlands

When the Highlanders' projected starting catcher broke her hand before the season started, the program turned to Gonzalez, an exceptional all-around athlete, to take over. She hasn’t let the position switch diminish her approach to the game, and she’s developed a great relationship with pitcher Ciara Murray.

Troi Jackson, Paterson Charter

The Lions have already doubled their win total from last year and there's still another half of the season to go. Jackson is a freshman leadoff hitter who leads the team in hits, batting average and stolen bases.

Keira Joyce, Dumont

Joyce has battled through injuries her entire Huskies softball career, including missing all of her sophomore campaign. Now healthy, she's become a linchpin at first base, a team leader and the Huskies' best bat in the line-up.

Lily Kelly & Taylor Pawlyk, Pascack Hills

These two juniors have been called on to share duties at pitcher for the Broncos after the graduation of standout Alana Kimball. They've also filled in at first base and third base, among other spots, to keep the Broncos rolling.

Jordan Nista, Mahwah

Surrounded by a young team, Nista has continued to elevate her game and give the T-Birds a fighting chance every time out. She’s become a true team leader and is batting over .300 this season.

Mackenzie Riordan, Hasbrouck Heights

The junior has been named the Aviators' MVP each of the last two seasons and is closing in on 100 career hits and possibly the all-time school record (139). She has impressed her coaches with her ability to accept instruction and constantly elevate her play. On the field, she can pitch, play shortstop or play the outfield, with an eye on playing in college.

Olivia Schaadt, Hackensack

The Comets' captain is described by her coach as a ‘completely selfless player’ who is the one making sure everything is set up before practice, and put away when it’s over. She’s worked with new players in the Comets program to make them feel comfortable, and has done spot duty at second base, moving in from her normal spot in right field.

Sara Shields, Teaneck

Through hard work in the offseason, Shields became Teaneck’s no-doubt starter at first base. She wrote an inspirational speech to encourage young players in the program, reminding them it's not where they start, but where they finish. She was the captain of the girls tennis team and is also active in multiple clubs and activities at the school.

Kate Walsh, Westwood

Walsh is the only athlete in Westwood history with more than 100 hits in softball and more than 1,000 points in basketball. The senior was named team captain for the Cardinals' softball team and is batting over .600, and leads the team in runs and RBIs.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ softball: Unsung heroes of North Jersey teams