HAWTHORNE — With each passing win, Hawthorne’s softball team continues gaining confidence. With a few more, the Bears will be division champions.

After Tuesday’s 9-3 victory over NJIC Colonial rival Glen Rock, aided by a five-fun third, Hawthorne improved to 15-5 overall and 12-2 in division play, tied with Rutherford atop the league standings.

One year ago, Bears coach Jackie Turco took over a program that won eight games in 2012. She led them to a 10-13 record last season, and laid the foundation for future success.

Now, she is eyeing a 20-win season, and has Hawthorne on the verge of its first division title since 2010.

“With it being our second year together now, they know me, I know them, and we have a lot of senior leadership with this team,” Turco said of the Bears, who are 8-1 in their last nine games. “They all get it now. They know what’s expected, they know what to anticipate. We have a lot of senior studs out there carrying the others and they want to go out with a bang.”