Softball roundup: Results, analysis, links for Skyland, GMC and area Union County

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE!! THIS FILE WILL UPDATE THROUGHOUT EACH DAY OF THE 2023 SOFTBALL SEASON WITH RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND LINKS TO OUR SKYLAND CONFERENCE, GMC AND WESTERN UNION COUNTY SOFTBALL COVERAGE.,,

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Saturday, June 3

NJSIAA Public sectional finals

North 2 Group 4

More: Softball: Hillsborough uses team effort to top Hunterdon Central in North 2 Group 4 final

North 2 Group 3

More: Softball: South Plainfield overpowered by Cranford in North 2 Group 3 final

North 2 Group 2

More: Bernards softball flips the script, beats Ridgefield Park for sectional title

Central Group 1

More: Softball: Middlesex's rally falls short in the Central Group 1 final

Friday, June 2

NJSIAA Non-Public South A final

More: Softball: St. Thomas Aquinas falls in South Jersey Non-Public A final

Wednesday, May 31

NJSIAA sectional quarterfinals

North 2 Group 2

Bernards 8, Dayton 5: Gina Mahlik singled twice, doubled, scored a run and drove in another, and Taylor Monica and Risa Rivetti each notched two hits and an RBI and sixth-seeded Bernards punched its ticket to its second straight sectional final with a road in over the second-seeded Bulldogs. Maddie Lardieri allowed five runs on eight hits, walked three and struck out nine for the Mountaineers, who will face top-seeded Ridgefield Park in Saturday’s championship game.

North 2 Group

More: Softball: South Plainfield cools off Warren Hills to reach sectional final

North 2 Group 4

Hillsborough 4, J.P. Stevens 0: Sarah Davenport twirled a one-hit shutout, walked none and struck out 16, and Kayla Chess went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and second-seeded Hillsborough ended 11th-seeded J.P. Stevens’ unlikely run. Anna Torres singled and drove in two runs for the Raiders, who will visit top-seeded Hunterdon Central in Saturday final, a rubber match for the teams that split a pair of regular-season tilts.

Hunterdon Central 6, Bayonne 3: Zoe Totaro picked up two hits and two RBIs, and Samantha DelHoyo collected three hits and an RBI and top-seeded Hunterdon Central returned to the sectional final for the third straight season. Emily Walsh notched two hits, two runs and an RBI, while Emily Van Cleef went the distance, allowing two earned runs on six hits, walking two and striking out 11 for the Red Devils, who will play host to Hillsborough in the final, seeking their first sectional crown since 2015.

Central Group 1

Middlesex 4, Florence 3: Peyton Chie allowed two earned runs on nine hits, walked none and struck out one, stranding the tying and winning runs in scoring position in the seventh inning to lift top-seeded Middlesex into the final. Chie singled, doubled and drove in two runs, while McKenna Healey tripled, scored a run and drove in another for the Blue Jays, who will play host to New Egypt in Saturday’s final.

Central Group 2

Bordentown 4, Governor Livingston 2: Chelsea Kiesewetter delivered an RBI triple and Kelly Hanratty homered, but fourth-seeded Governor Livingston fell to the ninth-seeded Scotties.

Central Group 4

Marlboro 10, Old Bridge 5: Gianna Velez doubled and drove in two runs, and Zoe Milonopoulos collected three hits, including a double, and a run, but 10th-seeded Old Bridge had its Cinderella run stopped by third-seeded Marlboro in the semifinals. Dimitra Milonopoulos pitched in three hits and a run, while Savannah Martinez added two hits and an RBI for the Knights.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Friday, May 26

NJSIAA sectional quarterfinals

North 2 Group 4

Hunterdon Central 10, Union 0 (5 innings): Emily Van Cleef tossed a one-hitter, walked none and struck out seven, and Celia Totaro went 3-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored and top-seeded Hunterdon Central cruised into the semifinals. Riley Failla also notched three hits, adding an RBI in the win, while Grace Griesler singled, scored and drove in a pair for the Red Devils, who will play host to fourth-seeded Bayonne on Wednesday.

Hillsborough 7, Ridge 1: Clay’le Correa went 3-for-4 with a double a run and three RBIs, and Grace Brouillard singled and knocked in two runs to fuel second-seeded Hillsborough. Kaitlyn LaMotta notched two hits and two runs in the win, while Sarah Davenport allowed a run on six hits, walked none and struck out 14 for the Raiders, who will play host to J.P. Stevens in Wednesday’s semifinals. Sam Rafanello singled and drove in a run for seventh-seeded Ridge.

Bayonne 1, Westfield 0: Bella Sciponi allowed just a run on five hits, walked one and struck out three, but fourth-seeded Bayonne found a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to deal fifth-seeded Westfield a heartbreaking loss. Singles by Alex Lahuna, Quinlan Doherty and Annie Reilly were the lone hits for the Blue Devils. Westfield had runners on second and third base in a tie game with no outs in the top of the seventh inning, but had a player thrown out at the plate trying to score on a sacrifice fly.

More: Softball: Old Bridge topples East Brunswick in Central Group 4 quarterfinals

North 2 Group 3

South Plainfield 7, West Morris 1: Sara McNelly singled, tripled and drove in four runs, and Sophia Alvarez added a single, triples, two runs and two RBIs and fourth-seeded South Plainfield advanced. Erin Townley allowed no earned runs on just three hits, walked one and struck out five for the Tigers, who will play host to ninth-seeded Warren Hills in the semifinals.

Central Group 2

Wall 2, Spotswood 1: Jenn Prokropinski drove in a third-inning run for third-seeded Spotswood, but No. 11 Wall tallied twice in the top of the seventh and secured the win. Pokropinski and Alex Diaz had the lone hits for the Chargers. Ava Mormile went six-plus innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, a walk and striking out eight. Alex Diaz allowed one hit and fanned three in one inning of relief for Spotswood.

Bordentown 9, Metuchen 2: Brianna De La Fuente and Hannah Mindler each homered, Abby Kozo singled and doubled, but top-seeded Metuchen was upset by the No. 9 seed.

Central Group 1

Florence 13, Manville 3 (5 innings): Hannah Janes tripled and drove in two runs, and Valentina Barriors and Ashley Tomasfzski added hits, but 12th-seeded Manville was defeated by the fourth-seeded Flashes.

Non-Public B South

St. Joseph (Hammonton) 18, Rutgers 1 (5 innings): Kate Dougherty singled, walked and scored a run, but ninth-seeded Rutgers Prep was one-hit by the No. 1 seed.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Thursday, May 25

NJSIAA sectional quarterfinals

North 2 Group 4

J.P. Stevens 4, Watchung Hills 2: Vanessa Kim allowed no earned runs on eight hits, walked two, hit a batter and struck out two, and J.P. Stevens capitalized on a third-inning error that pushed three runs across the plate and the 11th-seeded Hawks’ Cinderella run continued, as they knocked off the third-seeded reigning state Group 4 champions.

Nikki DiSerio homered in the top of the first inning to give JPS a 1-0 lead, before the Watchung Hills scored twice in the second to go up 2-1, with Maddie Cerami driving in a run on a groundout and Maddie DiSarno singling in another.

J.P. Stevens (10-15) got a bunt single and a bloop single with one out to start the third inning, before a sacrifice bunt to push runners to second and third and a hit by pitch to fill the bases. That brought up DiSerio, who lifted a fly ball into the right-center field gap, but the ball hit off the right field’s glove and all three runners scored to make it a 4-2 game.

The Hawks will face the winner of Friday’s game between second-seeded Hillsborough and seventh-seeded Ridge in next Wednesday’s semifinals.

Watchung Hills (15-12), which had its 13-game winning streak snapped, got the tying runs into scoring position in the seventh inning, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Jules Raymond allowed just one earned run on three hits, walked none, hit a batter, and struck out 16 to cap her brilliant varsity career.

North 2 Group 3

Warren Hills 8, North Hunterdon 5: Carly Suyker and Sienna Cardell each delivered a single and two RBIs, and Laney Adie allowed just four earned runs on eight hits, walked three and struck out four and fourth-seeded Warren Hills pulled off a huge upset, knocking off the top-seeded Lions to advance. Chloe Frommelt helped out with a double and an RBI for the Blue Streaks, who await the winner of Friday’s game between fifth-seeded South Plainfield and fourth-seeded West Morris. Brooke Cahill singled, doubled and drove in two runs for North Hunterdon, while Katie Reed singled and plated a pair.

North 2 Group 2

Bernards 7, Rutherford 5: Maddie Lardieri collected three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs, and Gina Mahlik went 4-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base and sixth-seeded Bernards toppled the No. 3 seed to move into Wednesday’s semifinals. Lardieri allowed just four earned runs on nine hits, walked three and struck out seven for the Mountaineers, who will face the winner of Friday’s contest between third-seeded Dayton and No. 7 Hanover Park.

Central Group 4

Marlboro 6, South Brunswick 1: Brooke Tarvin singled and drove in a run, and Amanda Buttitta doubled, but 11th-seeded South Brunswick fell at the No. 3 seed.

Central Group 2

Governor Livingston 6, A.L. Johnson 5: Gianna Basile was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie it, and Lily Sandholm delivered the game-winning single to plate courtesy runner Julie Rinaldi and fourth-seeded Governor Livingston rallied to win it. Anna Popola and Elise Faxon began the seventh inning with singles – Faxon’s third hit of the game – and Kelly Hanratty was hit by a pitch to load the bases, before Basile got plunked to force Popola in, and Sandholm delivered the winner. Hanratty finished with two hits and three RBIs in the win, while Sandholm added two hits and Chelsea Kiesewetter notched a single, double and two runs scored. The Highlanders take on the winner of Friday’s game between top-seeded Metuchen and ninth-seeded Bordentown in Wednesday’s semifinals.

Central Group 1

Middlesex 12, Point Pleasant Beach 6: Jaclyn Deshields turned in a single, triple, two runs and three RBIs and winning pitcher Peyton Chie delivered three hits, walk, a run and an RBI and top-seeded Middlesex rallied from four runs down in the fifth inning to advance. Alexis Demeter pitched in a single and two RBIs for the Blue Jays, who will face the winner of Friday’s game between No. 4 seed Florence and No. 12 Manville in the semifinals.

New Egypt 15, Highland Park 0 (4 innings): Cora Kaper-Dale walked, but that was all sixth-seeded Highland Park could manage as the Owls were no-hit by Jackie Bowen and third-seeded New Egypt.

Non-Public A South

Notre Dame 3, Immaculata 0: Caroline Colitti allowed just three runs on five hits, walked none and struck out seven, but seventh-seeded Immaculata was held hitless by the second-seeded Notre Dame ace and were eliminated one of the state’s Top 5 teams.

Non-Public B South

Timothy Christian 19, Wardlaw-Hartridge 0 (4 inning): Marly Szierer tossed a four-inning one-hitter, walking three and striking out six, Anya Wildgoose singled, walked twice and drove in three runs and 10th-seeded Timothy Christian toppled the second-seeded Rams. Holly Medina notched a single, triple, three walks, four runs and two RBIs, and Josie Tipton singled, scored four runs and drove in two for the Tigers, who head to third-seeded Gloucester Catholic in Tuesday’s semifinals. Devin Coleman singled for Wardlaw-Hartridge.

More: Softball: St. Thomas Aquinas advances behind Hayley Wieczerzak's gem

Non-Public B North

DePaul 10, Gill St. Bernard’s 6: Ella Titmas collected to hits a run and two RBIs, and Elise Cantu went 3-3-for-3 with a run and an RBI, but fifth-seeded Gill St. Bernard’s came up short in its quest for three straight sectional finals. Gill took a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning, but DePaul tallied three to tie it in the sixth and a walkoff grand slam to win it in the seventh. Julianna Perri tripled and drove in two runs for the Knights, who also got two doubles and a run from Jillian Cianfrocca.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Tuesday, May 23

NJSIAA Tourmament first round

North 2 Group 4

Ridge 7, Perth Amboy 1: Kari Murray went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and allowed no earned runs on five hits, walked one and struck out eight and No. 7 seed Ridge rolled into the quarterfinals. Kiersten Murray pitched in three hits, while Julia LaRose notched two hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Red Devils, who will visit second-seeded Hillsborough on Friday.

More: Softball: Westfield outlasts Woodbridge to advance to sectional quarterfinals

Hunterdon Central 8, Franklin 2: Cassandra Smallwood collected a single, two runs and two RBIs, and Celia Totaro singled, doubled and scored two runs to boost top-seeded Hunterdon Central. Cora Gilio and Zoe Totato each picked up a hit and two RBIs, while Emily Van Cleef allowed two runs on five hits, walked two and struck out seven for the Red Devils, who welcome in No. 9 Union on Friday. Sophia Ziegler singled twice and scored a run for 16th-seeded Franklin.

Hillsborough 7, Phillipsburg 0: Sarah Davenport fired a two-hit shutout, walked one and struck out 15, and Clay’le Correa went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI and second-seeded Hillsborough cruised into the quarterfinals. Kayla Chess pitched in three hits, a run and two RBIs for the Raiders, who will play host to seventh-seeded Ridge on Friday. Kayla Melsky notched both hits for 15th-seeded Phillipsburg.

Watchung Hills 8, Elizabeth 3: Maddie Cerami collected tow hits and three RBIs and Nicole Cicchetti doubled and drove in two runs and third-seeded defending state Group 4 champ Watchung Hills opened its title defense with a win. Amanda Medina went six innings for the win, allowing one earned run on four hits, walking two and striking out six. Jules Raymond pitched a perfect seventh to close it for the Warriors, who will play host to No. 11 J.P. Stevens in Friday’s quarterfinals.

Union 1, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 0: Sairah Llano allowed just one run on eight hits, walked two and struck out five for eighth-seeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood, but Alexa Liquori was a tad better, lifting the ninth-seeded Farmers. Sam Friscia and Kady Rettino picked up the lone hits for the Raiders.

J.P. Stevens 12, Bridgewater-Raritan 10: Emma Clemens went 4-for-5 with a double, a triple, three runs and two RBIs, and Olivia Ricigliano added two hits, two runs and two RBIs and 11th-seeded J.P. Stevens surprised the No. 6 seed to advance to Friday’s quarterfinals and a trip to Watchung Hills. Emma Ricigliano and Nikki DiSrio each added a pair of RBIs for the Hawks. Sienna Newsome finished 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs, while McKenna Smith doubled and drove in three runs for the Panthers, who scored five in the bottom of the fifth inning and two in the seventh, but couldn’t climb all the way back.

North 2 Group 3

South Plainfield 21, Milburn 0 (4 innings): Lindsay Oller went 3-for-4, homering twice, scoring four runs and drive in seven, and Erin Townley threw a four-inning one-hit shutout, walking one and striking out three, and fifth-seeded South Plainfield advanced. Amanda Townley ripped three triples and drove in five runs, while Hailey Fonti singled twice and homered for the Tigers, who will visit fourth-seeded West Morris on Friday.

Chatham 7, Colonia 5: Marisela Cardona went 4-for-5 with two runs and an RBI, and Myiah Sutton and Dylan DaCunha each singled and drove in runs, but sixth-seeded Colonia was toppled by the No. 11 seed.

Warren Hills 15, Belleville 0 (5 innings): Chloe Frommelt hit for the cycle, scoring twice and driving in five runs, and Rylee Rhinehart singled, homered, scored three times and drove in three more for No. 9 Warren Hills. Laney Adie allowed just two hits and struck out 13 for the Big Blue, who will visit top-seeded North Hunterdon on Friday.

Nutley 14, Rahway 4 (5 innings): Yasmin Garcia and Jenna Maher each singled and scored a run for 10th-seeded Rahway.

North 2 Group 2

North 2 Group 2

Bernards 16, Lodi 0 (5 innings): Winning pitcher Maddie Lardieri singled, homered and drove in five runs, and Gina Mahlik added a double, homer, four runs and three RBIs and sixth-seeded Bernards rolled into the quarterfinals. Maddy Rivetti doubled twice, scored twice and knocked in two runs for the Mountaineers, who will visit third-seeded Rutherford on Friday. Lardieri tossed a five-inning three-hit shutout, walked one and struck out one.

Ridgefield Park 6, Voorhees 5: Top-seeded Ridgefield Park scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning and they proved to be the winners, as No. 16 Voorhees narrowly missed an epic first-round upset.

Caldwell 10, New Providence 3

North 2 Group 1

Belvidere 16, Secaucus 8

Central Group 4

Old Bridge 3, North Brunswick 0: Gianna Lombardi tossed an eighth-hit shutout, walked two and struck out three, and Dimitra Milonopoulospicked up two hits, a run and an RBI and10th-seeded Old Bridge knocked off the seventh-seeded Raiders. Amanda Jupinka and Gianna Velez also drove in runs for the Knights, who will visit second-seeded East Brunswick on Friday. Victoria Frobosilo singled twice and tripled, and Megan Kindler picked up two hits and a walk for North Brunswick.

East Brunswick 6, Monroe 4: Sapna Stanley launched a long RBI triple to right field with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning to untie a 4-4 game and second-seeded East Brunswick held on for its first state-tournament victory since 2016. The Bears, who will play host to Old Bridge in Friday’s quarterfinals, raced out to a 4-0 lead, as Samantha Motusesky, Nicole Motusesky and Carmela DeMaio drove home runs with hard hit balls over the first three innings - each with two outs. But 15th-seeded Monroe rallied, scoring four runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game, highlighted by Isabella Middleton's two-out, two-run single. Caitlin Gay allowed just one earned run on seven hits, walked two and struck out eight for the win.

South Brunswick 10, Hightstown 9: Brooke Allen went 2-for-3 with a run and three RBIs, while Morgan Indyk singled, homered and knocked in two runs and 11th-seeded South Brunswick pulled off the upset, toppling No. 6 seed Hightstown. Ella Squaires finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs for the Vikings, who will travel to No. 3 Marlboro for Friday’s quarterfinals.

Howell 12, Sayreville 2 (5 innings): Caydence Barton walked twice and scored a run for ninth-seeded Sayreville.

Central Group 3

Robbinsville 16, J.F. Kennedy 2 (5 innings): Marialys Rincourt singled, doubled and drove in a run, and Courtney Paulikas added a single and an RBI, but 15th-seeded J.F. Kennedy fell to the No. 2 seed. Roselyn Giordano singled and scored twice for the Mustangs.

Central Group 2

Spotswood 10, South River 0 (5 innings): Ava Mormile fired a five-inning no-hitter, walking one and striking out 11, and Cynthia Rucinski went 3-for-3 with two runs and third-seeded Spotswood moved on. Hanna Brown singled, doubled, scored a run and knocked in two, while Alex Diaz single, walked and drove in two runs for the Chargers, who will play host to 11th-seeded Wall in Friday’s quarterfinals. Anita Johnson walked for No. 14 seed South River.

Bordentown 14, East Brunswick Tech 0: Danielle Marra drew a walk, but that was all eighth-seeded East Brunswick Tech could muster against Katelin Hoppe, as ninth-seeded Bordentown rolled in a game that went the full seven innings.

A.L. Johnson 6, Delaware Valley 4: Lilly Rynearson finished 4-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored, and Taylor Aycock and Paige Brightwell each delivered two hits and two RBIs, but 12th-seeded Delaware Valley couldn’t close the deal against fifth-seeded A.L. Johnson, which tallied three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to win it.

Governor Livingston 13, Monmouth 3 (5 innings): Emma McElroy went 3-for3 with a homer, two runs and three RBIs, and Lily Sandholm added a single, double, two runs and two RBIs and fourth-seeded Governor Livingston had no trouble in its playoff opener. Anna Popola, Elise Faxon and Kelly Hanratty each pitched in two RBIs for the Highlanders, who will play host to No. 5 seed A.L. Johnson in Friday’s quarterfinals.

Metuchen 15, Holmdel 0 (4 innings): Kiara Guzman doubled, homered and drove in four runs, and Abby Kozo singled, doubled, tripled and knocked in three runs to fuel top-seeded Metuchen. Kylie Flaherty also homered for the Bulldogs, who will face No. 9 seed Bordentown on Friday. Abby Kozo earned the win, allowing two hits and a walk, fanning four.

Delran 6, Bound Brook 0: Casey Miller, Katleyn Cunha, Marissa Hays and Ava Dedousis notched hits for No. 15 seed Bound Brook. Isabella Marusiak allowed just three earned runs on six hits, walked five and fanned three for the Crusaders.

Central Group 1

Central Group 1

Manville 9, South Amboy 2: Vanessa Thompson went 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs and two RBIs, and Hannah Janes notched three singles, three runs and an RBI and 12th-seeded Manville scored a road win, toppling the fifth-seeded Guvs. Alyssa Petti pitched in two hits, a run and two RBIs, while Janes allowed just two runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out 13 for the Mustangs, who will travel to fourth-seeded Florence in Friday’s quarterfinals. Brianna Sweatt doubled twice, drove in a run and scored another, and Emma Kalantis tallied two hits for South Amboy.

New Egypt 18, Dunellen 1 (5 innings): No. 14 seed Dunellen finishes its season at 4-16.

Highland Park 14, Perth Amboy Tech 3 (6 innings)

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Monday, May 22

NJSIAA TOURNAMENT

Non-Public North A first round

Pingry 10, Holy Angels 3: Claire Sartorius went 4-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs, and Ryan Travers pitched up two hits, including a homer, and three RBIs and fifth-seeded Pingry rolled into the quarterfinals.Casey McKeon earned the win, allowing two earned runs on two hits, walked three and struck out four. Ella Royster went 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs and an RBI for the Big Blue, who will visit fourth-seeded Pope John XXIII on Thursday.

Non-Public South A first round

Immaculata 7, Mount St. Mary 0: Carolina Colitti tossed a six-hit shutout, walking none and striking out 12, and Mollie Ferreira’s Skyland Conference-best ninth home run of the season was a grand slam and seventh-seeded Immaculata rolled. Colitti also drove in a run for the Spartans, who take on second-seeded state power Notre Dame in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Vanessa Kosuda notched three hits, including a double, and Anna Ziccardi singled twice for the 10th-seeded Mount Lions.

Our Lady of Mercy 3, Union Catholic 1: Hannah Buniak homered and Cameron Kelly allowed just one earned run on four hits, walked none and struck out six, but eighth-seeded Union Catholic fell in its playoff opener.

More: Softball: Skyland Conference, Union County rankings, notes for Week 7

More: Softball: Greater Middlesex Conference rankings, notes for Week 7

Non-Public B South

Rutgers Prep 7, St. Rose 6: Julia Opong-Marfo singled twice, scored a run and drove in two, and Cali McCoy picked up two hits and an RBI and ninth-seeded Rutgers Prep won a road playoff game, advancing to Thursday’s quarterfinals and a meeting with No. 1 St. Joseph-Hammonton. Kate Dougherty allowed four earned runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out nine for the Argonauts.

Timothy Christian 9, Calvary Christian 7 (8 innings): Holly Medina finished with two hits, two runs and two RBIs, and Marli Szierer singled, doubled and scored two runs and 10th-seeded Timothy Christian shook off a seventh-inning blown lead to find a pair and a win in eight innings. The Tigers will take on second-seeded Wardlaw-Hartridge in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Ila Rowatti went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a run and an RBI, and Ashley Stroffolino added two hits and a run for seventh-seeded Calvary Christian, which tallied twice in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings.

NJTAC FINAL

East Brunswick Tech 4, Sussex Tech 0: Aralyn Torres-Perez fired a no-hitter, walking three and striking out 11, Nicolena Giddis doubled and drove in two runs and East Brunswick Tech won the NJ Tech Athletic Conference championship. Ratna Serronico and Giuliana Novello each chipped in RBIs in the win.

Regular season

Gill St. Bernard’s 11, Montgomery 1 (6 innings): Vanessa Mavraj homered and drove in three runs, and Juliana Perri and Jillian Cianfrocca each notched a single, double, two runs and an RBI to propel Gill St. Bernard’s (9-12). Elise Cantu chipped in two hits, two runs and an RBI in the win. Diya Pingili doubled in a run, while Connor Fogarty doubled and scored a run for Montgomery (5-18).

South Plainfield 9, Dayton 4: Nicole Swatko posted three hits, a run and two RBIs, and Sophia Alvarez went 2-for-3 with a triple, run and two RBIs to spark South Plainfield (18-6). HaileyFonti chopped in a single, double, two runs and an RBI in the win.

South Hunterdon 11, Warren Tech 0 (5 innings): Kaitlyn Srivastava threw her first no-hitter, walking none and striking out 13, and Georgia Andreoli singled, homered twice – one a grand slam -- scored four runs and drove in five and South Hunterdon cruised to its second win. Cambria Loesch singled, homered and drove in two runs for the Eagles (2-16).

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Saturday, May 20

Pingry 5, Warren Hills 4: Ella Royster collected three hits and a run, and Casey McKeon and Ryan Travers each pitched in a single, double and an RBI and Pingry clinched the Skyland Conference Valley Division title. The Big Blue (11-9) trailed 3-1 headed into the sixth inning before putting up three runs that ultimately proved the difference, as they won their first conference crown since 2019. McKeon picked up the win, allowing four runs on 10 hits, walking one and striking out 10. Laney Adie went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and an RBI, while Carly Suyker added three hits and an RBI for Warren Hills (11-9).

Friday, May 19

Delaware Valley 2, Hamilton West 1 (9 innings)

Taylor Aycock went the distance on a six-hitter, allowing a run in the bottom of the eighth that tied the game, before Delaware Valley won it in the ninth, giving head coach Asa Whitaker the 600th victory of his illustrious, four-decade career.

Aycock went 4-for-4 with an RBI in the win, while walking two and striking out seven, as the Terrier improved to 13-12 in a game that was scoreless through seven innings. Del Val got a run in the top sof the eighth, to which Hamilton West responded in the bottom of the frame, before the Terriers made their ninth-inning run standup.

Allison Moschberger went 3-for-4 with a run scored. Lindsey Ditmas singled and drove in a run in the win.

More: Softball: Governor Livingston edged by Cranford in Union County final

More: Softball: Sarah Davenport’s path to 1,000 Ks with Hillsborough began in obscurity

Timothy Christian 20, Dunellen 0 (4 innings): Marli Szierer tossed a four-inning no-hitter and went 3-for-3 with three RBI as Timothy Christian extended its winning streak to four games in Piscataway. The junior struck out eight, walked four and hit two and her two-run single in the second left her with 99 career hits. Ava Acevedo and Liz Solomine delivered back-to-back, two-run singles to key a nine-run first inning and Josie Tipton, making her season debut after undergoing shoulder surgery, contributed a two-run double for Timothy Christian, which has scored 95 runs over its four-game tear. – Josh Rosenfeld

Old Bridge 6, Colts Neck 5: Amanda Jupinka ripped a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie it, before Ava DiMartini game singled in the winner with two outs and two strikes, and Old Bridge rallied for a dramatic victory. Jupinka finished 3-for-4, while Savannah Martinez pitched in a single and two RBIs for the Knights (9-15), who had also scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to get a little closer, after trailing 5-2 after four innings.

Immaculata 6, Westfield 1: Caroline Colitti allowed a run on two hits, walked five and struck out 11, and Caitlyn Maychrich collected two hits, two runs and an RBI and Immaculata rolled to 19-5. Colitti, Caroline Duffey and Madeline Tavaglione each drove in runs for the Spartans. Westfield fell to 12-13.

More: Softball Player of the Week: Sairah Llano of Scotch Plains-Fanwood for Week 6

Montgomery 12, Mount Olive 11: Diya Pingili doubled twice and drove in three runs, and Connor Fogarty went 4-for-4 with a walk, double, two runs and an RBI and Montgomery won a wild one to move to 5-17. The Cougars scored seven times in the first inning and twice in the second to open a 9-0 lead, but Mount Olive came storming back, tallying four in the third and three in the top of the sixth to get to within 9-7. Montgomery scored twice in the bottom of the sixth to make it 11-7, but Mount Olive found four runs in to the top of the seventh to tie it. Monty then scored in the bottom of the seventh to win it. Dana Levy finished with three doubles, two runs and two RBIs, while Jing Zhong added three hits, a run and two RBIs in the win.

More: Softball: Skyland Conference Senior All-Star Game set

Bernards 8, Chatham 6: Gina Mahlik doubled, homered and drove in three runs, and Taylor Monica went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs to propel Bernards (15-6). Maddie Lardieri added two hits, a run and an RBI in the win. Gabby Mongo allowed five earned runs on 10 hits, walked one and struck out five for the victory.

Jackson Memorial 3, Spotswood 1: Jenna Dumanski singled and drove in a run, and Jenn Pokropinski singled and scored a run for Spotswood (22-4).

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

THURSDAY MAY 18

Hillsborough 2, Kingsway 0

Senior right-hander Sarah Davenport fired a one-hit shutout, walked none and struck out 18, including the 1,000th K of her career, and Hillsborough topped another state power.

Junior Danella Silagy provided the offense, socking a two-run homer in the second inning. Kayla Chess singled, doubled and scored a run in the win, as the Raiders cap their regular season at 21-2.

Davenport, who needed 15 strikeouts to reach the mark, got there with one out in the top of the sixth inning. She now has 341 Ks in 153 innings this season, already a career single-season high with up to six games left to go.

“It’s still kind of surreal right now, but I’m very proud of myself for being able to reach it,” said Davenport, who is believed to be the first hurley in state history to reach the milestone in only three years, after she lost her freshman season to the COVID shutdown. “Back as a sophomore, I barely knew if I’d make varsity, let alone get 1,000 strikeouts, so I’m very proud of how far I’ve been able to come.”

Woodbridge Academy 17, Somerset Tech 2 (4 innings): Adhya Gummadi scored on a throwing error in the fourth inning to bring the contest to an early conclusion in Woodbridge. Kiah Parikh went 3-for-3 with two singles, a double and three RBI, and Eva Patel drove in three as the Hornets put up seven runs in each of the first two innings to seize control of the contest. Winner Jotleen Nijjar scattered six hits, struck out three and walked one. Sabrina Abell and Sam Killimet drove in runs with third-inning singles to account for Somerset Tech’s scoring. – Josh Rosenfeld

Ridge 10, Voorhees 3: Sam Rafanello singled, doubled and drove in five runs, and winning pitcher Kari Murray chopped in a single, double and two RBIs to fuel Ridge (12-12). Kiersten Murray pitched in a single, double and three runs scored for the Red Devils, while her twin sister allowed just two earned runs on six hits, walked five and struck out five. Isabella Mecca went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI, and Christina Sullivan singled and knocked in two for Voorhees (7-15).

Robbinsville 3, Immaculata 2: Madeline Tavaglione doubled and drove in a run, and Caroline Colitti allowed just two earned runs on eight hits, walked one and struck out six, but Immaculata fell to 18-5.

Edison 6, North Plainfield 3: Kaylin Kline singled and drove in two runs, and Mei Kim singled, doubled, scored a run and drove in another to boost Edison (12-10). Ava Austin allowed two earned runs on four hits, walked two and struck out nine for the win, adding a triple and a run scored. Ava Brown doubled and scored a run for the Canucks (1-22).

Phillipsburg 6, Delaware Valley 2: Addie Fornaciari allowed an earned run on six hits, walked none and struck out seven, and Kayla Melsky smacked a grand slam home run in the top of the seventh and Phillipsburg picked up a road win. Melsky finished with three hits and five RBIs, while Elizabeth Donofry added a single, double and two runs scored for the Stateliners (9-12). Paige Brightwell singled and homered for Delaware Valley (12-12), which will get its next chance at coach Asa Whitaker’s 600th career win Friday against Hamilton West, before it opens the state tournament Tuesday, likely at A.L. Johnson in Clark.

East Brunswick 9, Monroe 2: Samantha Motusesky hit a two-run single in the opening inning to spark East Brunswick (18-6) to the lead, and Sapna Stanley added an RBI groundout in the fourth to extend the lead. Julia Theil's 2-run double in the sixth broke the game open. Brooke Motusesky had two hits, including a triple and scored two runs for the Bears. Isabella Middleton notched two hits for Monroe (4-16), including an RBI single in the first to give the Falcons the lead.

Warren Hills 12, Belvidere 0 (5 innings): Laney Adie fired a one-hit shutout, walking one and striking out seven over five innings to send Warren Hills to 11-8. Macy Pagano finished a double short of the cycle, posting four runs and four RBIs, plus a walk in the win, while Gianna Marinelli added three hits, including a double, a run and two RBIs for the Streaks. Mia Lawson singled for Belvidere (10-10).

Hunterdon Central 13, J.P. Stevens 1 (5 innings): Riley Failla singled and drove in threw runs, and Celia Totaro doubled, scored three runs and drove in two more to power Hunterdon Central (20-5). Emily Van Cleef added two hits and three RBIs, while going three innings for the win, allowing a run on three hits, walked two and fanning two. Brielle Staskavage finished up for the Red Devils, allowing four hits over two shutout frames. The Hawks fell to 8-15.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood 11, Bridgewater-Raritan 4: Morgan Barbossa singled, tripled and drove in three runs, and Emily Roof picked up three hits, including a double, a run and two RBIs and Scotch Plains-Fanwood exploded for nine runs in the in the top of the fifth inning to pull away. Roof earned the win, allowing three earned runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out six for the Raiders (11-14). Angela Tremarco drove in two runs and Caileigh Mahovetz went 3-for-3 with a double for the Panthers (11-14).

New Providence 12, Mount St. Mary 7: Keira Goetke went 4-for-5 with three runs and an RBI, while Annie Conover finished with a single, double, two runs and two RBIs to elevate New Providence (14-7). Cassidy Mishkind pitched in two runs and two RBIs in the win, while Caroline Apicella allowed five earned runs on eight hits, walked four and struck out two for the win. Vanessa Josuda went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI, and Kylie Forte finished 3-for-3 with an RBI for Mount St. Mary (14-9). Anna Ziccardi’s single, double, run and two RBIs also assisted the Mount Lions’ effort.

Colonia 5, West Windsor-Plainsboro North 2: Myiah Sutton notched two hits, including the 100th of her career, and Amelia Carrion went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs to boost Colonia (15-10). Mariella Spina allowed two runs on five hits, walked one and fanned seven for the win.

Middlesex 16, South Hunterdon 1 (5 innings): Jaclyn DeShields singled, doubled, scored two runs and drove in three, and Peyton Chie added three hits, including a double, three runs and two RBIs and Middlesex rolled to 14-9. McKenna Healey contributed three hits, two runs and tow RBIs to the Blue Jays’ cause, while Chie posted the win, allowing no earned runs on four hits, walking one and striking out one. The Eagles fell to 1-16.

Rahway 19, Plainfield 4 (4 innings): Danielle Maher went 3-for-4 with two runs and five RBIs, and Michele Garcia notched a 4-for-4 day with two runs and an RBI and Rahway cruised to 11-10. Kayla Lebers pitched in two hits, two runs and three RBIs for the Indians.

Bernards 3, Gill St. Bernard’s 2 (8 innings): Katherine Adee drove in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning to send Bernards to 14-6. Gill St. Bernard’s fell to 8-12.

Notre Dame 8, Metuchen 1: Kylie Flaherty homered for Metuchen, but it was one of only two hits the team managed Thursday, falling to 18-5. Abby Kozo singled for the Bulldogs.

Ewing 4, South Brunswick 3 (9 innings): Alyssa Lauri singled, doubled and drove in a run, and Amanda Buttitta added two hits, including a double, two walks and a run, as South Brunswick (6-16) scored twice in the top of the seventh to tie the game. The Vikings tallied a go-ahead run in the top of the eighth, but Ewing tied it in the bottom of the frame, before notching the winner in the ninth. Brooke Tarvin pitched in a single, triple, run and RBI for the Vikings.

Roxbury 3, North Hunterdon 2 (8 innings): North Hunterdon scored in the fourth inning, before Roxbury found the equalizer in the bottom of the sixth. The Lions (20-4) went up by a run in the top of the eighth, but the Gaels responded with a pair to win it.

PREP A TOURNAMENT FINAL

Hun 10, Pingry 0 (6 innings): Casey McKeon picked up both hit for third-seeded Pingry, which was blanked by top-seeded Hun and ace Lexi Kobryn.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Wednesday, May 17

Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament final

North Hunterdon 3, Hunterdon Central 0

Sophomore right-hander Skye Cooke fired a four-hit shutout, walked three and struck out five, and classmate Katie Reed socked a three-run homer in the top of the sixth inning that proved the difference and the second-seeded North Hunterdon High School softball team captured the program’s first-ever Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament championship, and just the second county title, with a 3-0 win over top-seeded three-time defending champ Hunterdon Central at Phillipsburg High School.

Sophomore Emily Van Cleef was nearly as good for the Red Devils, surrendering no earned runs on just four hits, walking two and striking out seven.

The game was scoreless through five innings, before Grace Reed reached on an error and Kylie Petak was hit by a pitch, bringing up Reed, who crushed her third homer of the season. Katie Reed, who also made two outstanding defensive plays, was named the game’s MVP.

The win marked the first time North has won the HWST, and the first time the program has won a county since the 2006 Hunterdon/Warren crown.

“Long before I got to North, this program has had a ton of success. So, to do something that has never been done there before is an accomplishment every one of these kids should be proud of,” North Hunterdon 10th-year coach Anthony Rotondo said. “They went through a lot last year (finishing 15-14), and the payoff is coming in droves this season. So, I’m just really excited for these kids. They work really hard.”

Union County Tournament semifinals

Governor Livingston 5, Westfield 4: Kelly Hanratty went 3-for-3 with a double and scored two runs, and Elise Faxon’s two-run double highlighted a four-run bottom of the fifth inning, and third-seeded Governor Livingston topped No. 7 Westfield to advance to the Union County final. Chelsea Kiesewetter notched two hits, two runs and an RBI for the Highlanders, who will take on top-seeded two-time defending champion Cranford at 7 p.m. Friday at Kean University. Grade Loder homered for Westfield.

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT FINAL

Middlesex 8, Edison 7

MIDDLESEX -- Jaclyn DeShields tied the game with a two-run single and McKenna Healey walked and scored the deciding run on an infield error as Middlesex rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Edison, 8-7, in the championship game of the Greater Middlesex Conference Invitational.

Second-seeded Edison (11-10) forged a 7-2 lead after scoring four times in the sixth on Cassandra Della Fave’s second run-scoring double, Kaylin Kline’s RBI-single and Kelly Roe’s two-run single.

Top-seeded Middlesex (13-9) narrowed the deficit by answering with three runs in the sixth, the first on Amber Demeter’s single, the latter two on an infield error for which Julianna Rosati earned an RBI.

Jamie Gorel and Alexis Rand each collected two hits for the Blue Jays. Roe went 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI for Edison, with Kline contributing three singles and scoring twice.

Winner Peyton Chie went the distance for Middlesex and gave up 13 hits and struck out four without walking a batter.

--- Josh Rosenfeld

REGULAR SEASON

Ridge 4, Morristown 0: Freshman Kari Murray tossed a shutout, allowing nine hits and three walks, striking out six, and Elie Lardiere posted two hits, including a double, a run and an RBI, and Ridge improved to 11-12. Kiersten Murray shad two hits and scored a run, while Sam Rafanello singled and scored twice for the Red Devils.

East Brunswick Tech 4, Calvary Christian 0: Aralyn Torres-Perez tossed a one-hit shutout, walked none and struck out 15, and Giuliana Novello singled twice and drove in three runs to fuel East Brunswick Tech (16-2). Makayla Cabrera singled twice and scored twice in the win, while Haley Lopez and Nicolena Giddis each chipped in three hits to the cause. Ila Rowatti singled for Calvary (9-5).

Colonia 6, Perth Amboy 3: Dylan DaCunha singled twice and rove in two runs, and Marisella Cardona added a single, double and two runs scored to send Colonia to 14-10. Megan DaCunha allowed two earned runs on 10 hits, walked one and struck out four for the win. Kyara Marquez notched a double, triple, run and an RBI, and Brianna Estevez and Samarah Kirkland added RBIs for Perth Amboy (10-11).

Bound Brook 16, Somerset Tech 1 (4 innings): Isabella Marusiak threw her second no-hitter of the season, this one a four-inning gem, she walked six and struck out six and Bound Brook moved to 12-7. Katelyn Cunha went 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and four RBIs, while Casey Miller added three hits, three runs and three RBIs for the Crusaders. Rachael Gurczeski doubled and homered in the win.

South River 23, Woodbridge Academy 4 (4 innings): Jalyn Ramirez doubled, walked four times, scored twice and drove in two runs, and Nicole Krushinski singled, walked three times, scored twice and knocked in a pair for South River (12-11). Laila Rivera doubled and drove in a run for Woodbridge Academy (2-15).

Voorhees 16, Belvidere 6: Alison Leibensperger singled, doubled twice, and drove in four runs, and Ella Martinelli went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs and Voorhees rolled to 7-14. Isabella Mecca also drove in three run for the Vikings, while Abigail Rambo finished 4-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs in the 18-hit attack. Kayla Connors went 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs for Belvidere (10-9).

Lawrence 7, J.P. Stevens 4: Bella Malinconico tripled and drove in two runs for J.P. Stevens (8-14).

J.F. Kennedy 17, Linden 0 (4 innings): Angelica Rosario allowed just a hit and two walks over four innings, striking out seven, and Madelyn Spearnock picked up two hits, two runs and four RBIs to propel J.F. Kennedy (6-12). Mia Montanez pitched in three hits, including a double, two runs and three RBIs in the win. Molly McDonald singled for Linden (9-13).

Princeton 16, Rutgers Prep 3 (5 innings): Anya Petak drove in two runs and Julie Parmelee singled and doubled for Rutgers Prep (6-13).

Hillsborough 11, West Windsor-Plainsboro South 1 (6 innings): Claire Murphy singled, homered and drove in two runs, and Kayla Chess finished with three hits, a run and an RBI and Hillsborough improved to 20-2, eclipsing the 20-win mark for the second time in three seasons. Sarah Davenport allowed a run on two hits, walked none and struck out 12, bringing her career total to 985. The Raiders play host to Kingsway on Thursday. Davenport has struck out 15 or more in a game 11 times in 22 outings this year.

Bridgewater-Raritan 9, Pingry 8: Evelyn Fresco’s fourth homer and second grand slam of the season highlighted a six-run bottom of the sixth inning as Bridgewater-Raritan came storming back from a four-run deficit and the Panthers held on to win a wild back-and-forth affair on senior day at North Bridge. Pingry scored a run in the top of the first, before BR retorted with three in the bottom of the frame, and the Big Blue notched a pair in the top of the second to tie it 3-3. Pingry went up 7-3 with three in the fifth, before the Panthers sixth-inning rally made it 9-7. Pingry got a run in the top of the seventh and threatened for more, but senior ace Kailey Hisko got out of it to claim the win and send her team to 11-13. Angela Tremarco pitched in two hits and two RBIs in the victory. Delaney Swain went 3-for-5 with a double and four runs, and Casey McKeon singled twice, doubled and drove in a run for the Big Blue (10-8).

Timothy Christian 34, New Brunswick 14: Marli Szierer went 5-for-5 with three doubles, a homer, a walk, four runs scored and nine RBIs as Timothy Christian improved to 5-10. Betsabe Torres finished with three hits, including a double, four runs and four RBIs in the win.

Union 8, Woodbridge 0: Gia Allan, Amber Miltenberg and Samirrah Ortiz picked up the lone hits for Woodbridge (9-10).

Watchung Hills 8, St. Thomas Aquinas 1: Maddie Cerami went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and Morgan Bobrowski picked up two hits and two RBIs to lead Watchung Hills to its 12th straight win. Jules Raymond threw allowed a run on seven hits, walked two and struck out 14 for the Warriors (14-11). Melody Webb singled twice and scored a run for St. Thomas (20-3), while Elizabeth Negron allowed five earned runs on seven hits, walked four and struck out one.

Somerville 12, North Plainfield 5: Anna DeCola homered twice and Riley DeSarno went 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs and Somerville stayed scorching hot, winning for the fifth time in six games. Nicole Fitzgibbon grabbed the win, allowing three earned runs on just five hits and no walks, striking out nine.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood 12, Glen Ridge 11: Sam Friscia went 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs, and Angelina Valente posted three hits, including a double, and two RBIs and Scotch Plains-Fanwood pulled off a comeback for the ages, overcoming an 11-run deficit to improve to 10-14. Emily Roof also drove in two runs for the Raiders, who trailed 11-0 after four innings, before scoring four in the fifth, five in the sixth and three in the seventh to win it.

Rahway 10, Roselle 3: Amber Maher totaled three hits and three RBIs, while Gloria Garay and Gbriella Wysocki each pitched in a single and two RBIs and Rahway improved to 10-10. Kayla Lebers earned the win, allowing three runs on six hits and five walks, striking out nine.

Mount St. Mary 3, South Hunterdon 0: Anna Ziccardi’s two-run homer in the first inning proved to be one of only two Mount St. Mary hits, but Ziccardi’s three-hit shutout made it stand up and the Mount Lions (14-8) clinched the outright title of the Skyland Conference Mountain Division. The righty allowed one walk and struck out 17 for the win, while Shea Murphy added an RBI in the win. Kaitlyn Srivastava collected two of the Eagles’ three hits, allowing three runs on two hits, four walks and striking out eight for South Hunterdon (1-15).

Metuchen 14, South Brunswick 2 (5 innings): Adrianna Siedenburg homered and drove in three runs, while Leslie Flaherty went 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI to boost Metuchen (18-4). Kiara Guzman singled, doubled, drove in a run and scored another for the Bulldogs.

Tuesday, May 16

PREP A TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

Pingry 9, Blair 5: Ryan Travers collected three hits, including a double, scored a run and drove in three more, and Taylor Francis picked up two hits, including a double, she scored twice and knocked in a pair and third-seeded Pingry handled the No. 2 seed to advance to the state Prep A final. Grace Stowe chipped in two hits and two RBIs in the win, while Casey McKeon allowed just two earned runs on eight hits, walked one and struck out 10 for the Big Blue, who will face top-seeded Hun for the title Thursday.

REGULAR SEASON

Immaculata 8, Brearley 0: Caroline Colitti tossed a five-hit shutout, walked two and struck out nine, and Mollie Ferreira went 3-for-5 with her eighth homer, three runs and two RBIs and Immaculata rolled to 18-4. Caitlyn Maychrich pitched in a single, walk, run and RBI for the Spartans.

More: Softball: Skyland Conference, Union County rankings, notes for Week 6

Montgomery 13, Princeton Day 3 (5 innings): Diya Pingili went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a run and four RBIs, earning the win by allowing just one earned run on five hits, walking none and striking out 10 to boost Montgomery (4-17). Lauren Tortolani singled, doubled and drove in two runs, while Megan Wright added a hit, two runs and two RBIs for the Cougars.

More: Softball: Inaugural Union County All-Star rosters announced

Delaware Valley 6, Belvidere 4: Taylor Aycock went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Paige Brightwell totaled three hits and two runs and Delaware Valley improved to 12-11, giving head coach Asa Whitaker his 599th career victory. Whitaker, who took the helm in 1982, will lead the Terriers against Phillipsburg at home Thursday, seeking the milestone win. Aycock earned the win Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on four hits, walking two and fanning 12. Samantha Hickey tripled and scored a run and Kayla Connors doubled and scored a run for Belvidere (10-8).

Colonia 8, North Brunswick 1: Mariella Spina allowed an unearned run on five hits, walked one and struck out seven, and Myiah Sutton went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and three RBIs to fuel Colonia (13-1). Marisela Cardona singled, doubled and scored a run in the win. Caleigh Shulas singled twice and scored a run for the Raiders (12-8).

More: Softball: Metuchen outlasts Spotswood to advance to first GMCT final

East Brunswick 6, South Brunswick 0: Caitlin Gay tossed a five-hit shutout, walked one and struck out five, and Julia Thiel picked up two hits and three RBIs and East Brunswick moved to 17-6. Sapna Stanley collected two hits and two runs for the Bears, while Amanda Buttitta notched two hits for the Vikings (6-14).

A.L. Johnson 6, Woodbridge 5: Gia Allen notched three hirs, two runs and an RBI, and Samirrah Ortiz added three hits and an RBI for Woodbridge, but ALJ tallied the winner in the top of the seventh inning to send the Barrons to 9-9.

Perth Amboy Tech 11, Dunellen 1 (5 innings): Jalena Santiago homered twice and drove in six runs, and she surrendered no earned runs on three hits and three walks, striking out nine, and Perth Amboy Tech rolled to 8-10. Arlette Batista posted three hits, including a homer, two runs and an RBI, while Amanda Batista went 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and an RBI in the win. Anadalay Fitzgeralrd Buitrago and Kherington Home each singled for Dunellen (4-14).

Wardlaw-Hartridge 13, Roselle Catholic 3 (6 innings): Junior Sarah Alves recorded her 500th career strikeout, allowing two earned runs on two hits and two walks, adding three hits, with a double, scoring two runs and driving in two more to fuel Wardlaw-Hartridge. Giselle Rodriguez and Sophia Riccio each collected two hits and scored two runs. The Rams finished the regular season 17-6 for their first winning season since 2016 and their winningest campaign since 2014.

Somerville 5, Franklin 4: Kari LaCanna singled and drove in two runs, and Nicole Fitzgibbon allowed three earned runs on eight hits, walked two and struck out three for the win, and Somerville claimed victory for the fourth time in its past five games. Riley DeSarno singled, walked and drove in a run for the Pioneers (6-14). Franklin fell to 8-14.

Watchung Hills 6, Mount St. Dominic 1: Amanda Medina allowed just a run on three hits, walked one and struck out four, and Tia Shikar singled twice and drove in three runs and Watchung Hills on its 11th straight, taking this one down at Seton Hall. Ella Stevinson added two hits, including a double, scored a run and drove in another for the Warriors (13-11).

Old Bridge 5, Sayreville 0: Sara Nazzaro fired a four-hitter, walking five, and Kimiko Almazan drove in two runs to send Old Bridge to 7-15. Dimitria Milonopoulos singled, doubled and scored a run, while Jaylen Campbell singled twice and scored twice in the win. Gianna Falto, Mya Infante, Jillian Bourbeau and Dylan Arena each singled for the Bombers (9-7).

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Monday, May 15

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

Middlesex 7, South Amboy 2

MIDDLESEX -- Jamie Gorel’s three-run homer in the fifth inning broke open a taut pitcher’s duel and led Middlesex to a 7-2 victory in the semifinals of the Greater Middlesex Conference Invitational Monday in Middlesex.

The top-seeded Blue Jays (12-9) will host Edison at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the championship game.

Peyton Chie (12-8) fired a three hitter for Middlesex and held the Governors scoreless before yielding two unearned runs in the seventh, striking out three, walking two and hitting three batters.

Middlesex struck for three unearned runs in the first as Juliana Rosati singled home one run and the other two scored on wild pitches. After three scoreless frames the Blue Jays tacked on four more after two were out in the sixth, the first three scoring on Gorel’s inside-the-park shot down the right-field line. Rosati followed with a triple to the same vicinity and scored on another wild pitch.

Fourth-seeded South Amboy (11-7) broke through for a pair of runs in the seventh as Sarah McLaughlin delivered her second single and Morgan Moskal drove in one with a sacrifice bunt and Kayla Buchanan brought in the second with a single past first.

South Amboy’s Evalise Perez was dominant at times, retiring 10 of 12 batters at one juncture, yielding seven hits and walking four while striking out seven.

Edison 14, Piscataway 13: Cassandra Della Fave finished with two hits and four RBIs, while Alison Dima singled twice, walked and scored three runs, and second-seeded Edison scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie it and a run in the seventh to win it, advancing to Wednesday’s final. Ava Austin, Kayla Vicidomini and Cadence Sarni each collected two hits, a run and two RBIs for the Eagles. Sam Ortiz and Maya Roberson each drove in two runs for No. 3 seed Piscataway.

More: Softball: Greater Middlesex Conference rankings, notes for Week 6

UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS

Westfield 13, A.L. Johnson 3 (5 innings): Alex Laguna went 3-for-3 with a double, run and an RBI, and Annie Reilly singled, doubled and drove in two runs, as seventh-seeded Westfield exploded for six runs in the third and seven in the fourth to topped No. 2 seeded A.L. Johnson. Quinalan Doherty added a doubled and two RBIs in the win, while Bella Scipioni allowed just two earned runs on four hits and walked one for the Blue Devils, who will face third-seeded Governor Livingston in Wednesday’s semifinals at Kean University.

Governor Livingston 10, Union 1: Emma McElroy went 4-for-4 with a triple, homered, two runs and two RBIs, and Chelsea Kiesewetter singled, tripled and scored two runs and third-seeded Governor Livingston rolled into the semifinals and a Wednesday meeting with Westfield at Kean University. Katie DeBello started and went three innings for the win, allowing no runs on just one hit. Alina Murad finished up, allowing a run on four hits and striking out five over four frames.

Cranford 10, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 0 (6 innings): Morgan Barbossa and Angelina Valente had hits for No. 9 seed Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

Dayton 10, Elizabeth 0 (6 innings): The fourth-seeded Bulldogs will face Cranford in Wednesday’s semifinals.

REGULAR SEASON

Immaculata 8, Hunterdon Central 2: Mollie Ferreira doubled, homered, scored three runs and drove in five, and Caroline Colitti allowed just one earned run on seven hits, walked one and struck out eight and seventh-ranked Immaculata stunned second-seeded Central. Madeline Tavaglione singled, homered and drove in two runs for the Spartans, who improved to 17-4. Zoe Totaro singled and scored for Hunterdon Central, which had its 11-game winning streak snapped. Sophomore ace Emily Van Cleef did not start in the circle on senior day, as the Red Devils fell to 19-4.

Wow! Quite a win for the Spartans, who have proven they’re capable of playing with – and beating – pretty much anyone. As this young teams continues to gain experience, the consistency will also come, because for every mind-blowing win – like this, like beating Mount St. Dominic, like beating North Hunterdon – there are losses that make you tilt your head and give the same look a dog does when you tell them they’re going to the vet. Hopefully, there will continue to be more of the former and less of the latter as Immaculata prepares for a state-tournament run in a section that features some of the state’s top programs.

Bound Brook 4, Roselle Park 3 (9 innings): Sara Thiessen knocked in senior Casey Miller with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning and Bound Brook scored an impressive out-of-conference win. Freshman Rachael Gurczeski homered in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game for the Crusaders (11-7), and it remained 3-3 until the ninth inning. Miller led off with a double to left center, moved to third base on a flyout, and after Gurczeski was intentionally walked, Thiessen delivered the game-winning single. Miller finished with two hits, while Avery Scire went 3-for-4 with a walk in the win. Freshman Isabella Marusiak allowed one earned run on seven hits, walked none and struck out five for the victory.

Franklin 13, South Hunterdon 3 (5 innings): Marina Pleconis singled, doubled and drove in three runs, and Zoe Ling picked up two hits, three run and two Rbis and Franklin improved to 8-13, winning its third straight and for the fifth time in six games. Victoria Gabryszewski helped out with two hits, an RBI and three runs scored for the Warriors, while Josslyn Sejeck allowed one earned run on five hits, walked two and struck out seven for the victory. Kaitlyn Srivastava picked up a single, double and run, while Georgia Andreoli doubled and knocked in a run for the Eagles (1-14).

Somerville 11, Rutgers Prep 7: Winning pitcher Nicole Fitzgibbon singled, homered and drove in four runs, and Anna DeCola singled twice, homered and knocked in three and Somerville won for the third time in four games. Mina Batra singled, tripled and scored twice for the Pioneers (5-14). Cali McCoy singled and drove in three runs, while Gianna Bowman scored a run and drove in two for the Argonauts (6-12).

Watchung Hills 14, J.P. Stevens 3 (5 innings): Ella Stevinson went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs, and Amanda Medina doubled twice and drove in three runs and Watchung Hills rolled over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Tia Shikar picked up two hits, a run and an RBI for the Warriors (12-11), while senior pitcher Frankie Irvin earned a victory in her first career start, coming on senior day. Faith Flumaro doubled and drove in two runs during the Hawks’ three-run top of the first inning. J.P. Stevens is 8-13.

Manville 5, Carteret 1: Hannah James allowed no earned runs on two hits, walked none and struck out 14, and Vanessa Thompson picked up a single and two RBIs and Manville won its fourth straight. Alison Rindgen singled and drove in a run for the Mustangs (7-11).

Cedar Grove 6, Ridge 0: Julia LaRose, Elie Lardiere and Sam Rafanello each singled for Ridge, which was three-hit by Cayce Kavakich. Kari Murray struck out 12 for the Red Devils (10-12).

Spotswood 12, Ewing 11: Kenna Dumanski went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs, and Cynthia Rucinski added four hits, including a double, and two RBIs, and Spotswood tallied a run in the sixth inning and three in the top of the seventh to erase an 11-8 deficit and improve to 21-2. Jenn Pokropinski chipped in a double, four runs and three RBIs for the Chargers.

South River 14, Somerset Tech 4 (5 innings): Brittany Baber went 4-for-4 with a double, triple, four runs and six RBIs, and Leigha Borusovic cranked a homer and drove in three runs to fuel South River (11-10). Jamie Kowalski notched a single, three walks and three runs for the Rams. Deliilah Bergman singled and drove in two runs, while Kalina Trent and Karina Kocanowski each drove in a run for the Jags (6-12).

Princeton Day 15, Wardlaw-Hartridge 9: Sophia Ricchio singled, homered and drove in four runs, and Sarah Alves scored twice, but Wardlaw-Hartridge fell to 16-6.

East Brunswick 8, North Brunswick 1: Caitlin Gay allowed no earned runs on three hits, walked one and struck out six, and the East Brunswick ace pitched in a single, double, two runs and an RBI to power the Bears (16-6). Samantha Motusesky and Anabella Stangliano each drove in two runs in the win. Shannon Duffy singled and drove in three runs for the Raiders (12-7).

Perth Amboy 8, Keansburg 3: Ashlee Duran tripled, scored two runs and drove in two more, and Kiarelys Santiago Soto pitched in a single, walk, two runs and two RBIs to boost Perth Amboy (10-10). Brianna Estevez dounled, walked and scored two runs in the win.

Calvary Christian 22, New Brunswick 2 (4 innings): Lexi O’Toole did not allow a hit, surrendering an earned run on two walks and struck out six, and Elizabeth Eaver singled twice, walked three times, scored two runs and drove in four to propel Calvary Christian (9-4). Kari Mecke went 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs in the victory.

Hightstown 7, South Brunswick 4: Ella Squaires singled twice, walked and scored three runs, and Brooke Allen went 2-for-4 wit a run for South Brunswick (6-13).

Hillsborough 1, Vernon 0 (8 innings): Senior righty Sarah Davenport fired an eight-inning no-hitter, with one Hillsborough error the only thing from keeping it another perfect effort, and Claire Marcinek picked up another game-winning RBI and the Raiders improved to 19-2. It was the sixth no-hitter of the season for the ace, who struck out 18, bringing her to 972 for her career. Marcinek plated Lilly McDonough with the winner.

Bernards 14, Mendham 2: Taylor Monica went 4-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs, and Gina Mahlik notched three hits, two runs and three RBIs and Bernards cruised to the non-conference win. Maddy Rivetti went 2-for-4 with three runs and two Rbis, while Maddie Lardieri added two hits, a run and two RBIs for the Mountaineers (12-6). Ganny Mongo allowed just one earned run on five hits, walked four and struck out nine for the win.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Saturday, May 13

HUNTERDON/WARREN/SUSSEX TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

North Hunterdon 6, Pope John 4: Mia Parker went 3-for-3 with a walk, two runs and three RBIs and Skye Cooke and Grace Reed each singled and drove in runs and second-seeded North Hunterdon advanced to the final for the first time since 2018. The Lions, who will take on top-seeded three-time defending champ Hunterdon Central on Wednesday at Phillipsburg High School, have one Hunterdon/Warren championship in program history (2006), but haven’t won a crown since Warren County joined in 2010 and made it a tri-county tournament. North lost a regular-season game to Central, 6-5 on April 24, which snapped the Lions’ 13-game season-opening winning streak.

Hunterdon Central 14, High Point 1 (5 innings): Cassandra Stallwood singled, doubled, scored twice and drove in four runs, and Samantha DelHoyo went 3-for-4 with a double, triple, RBI and two runs and top-seeded three-time defending champ Hunterdon Central cruised into the final. Zoe Totaro chipped in two hits, including a double, two runs and two RBIs, while Emily Van Cleef allowed an unearned run on three hits, walked one and fanned one for the Red Devils, who will take on second-seeded North Hunterdon at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Phillipsburg.

More: Softball: Raymond, Bobrowski lead Watchung Hills to Somerset County crown

UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT SECOND ROUND

Scotch Plains-Fanwood 10, Union Catholic 1: Sairah Llano allowed a run on just five hits, walked three and struck out nine, and Emily Roof went 3-for-5 with a triple, homer, two runs and three RBIs and ninth-seeded Scotch Plains-Fanwood moved into the quarterfinals. Llano singled twice, walked twice, scored a run and drove in three, while Sam Friscia notched two hits and three runs for the Raiders, who will visit top-seeded Cranford on Monday. Caroline Parker singled and drove in a run, while Deyalin Sosa picked up two hits for the eighth-seeded Vikings.

Westfield 7, Brearley 1: Bella Scipioni allowed no earned runs on five hits, walked none and struck out two, and Erin Dougherty singled, doubled and drove in two runs to boost seventh-seeded Westfield. Alex Laguna added three hits, a run and an RBI for the Blue Devils, who will visit second-seeded A.L. Johnson in Monday’s quarterfinals.

Governor Livingston 12, Oak Knoll 1 (6 innings): Anna Popola went 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBIs, and Chelsea Kiesewetter and Gianna Basile each notched two hits, a run and an RBI to propel third-seeded Governor Livingston. Emma McElroy singled twice and scored three runs for the Highlanders, who will face sixth-seeded Union in Monday’s quarterfinals.

OTHER UCT SCORES

A.L. Johnson 16, Rahway 0 (4 innings)

Union 10, Roselle Park 0 (5 innings)

Cranford 10, Kent Place 0 (6 innings)

Elizabeth 12, Summit 1 (5 innings)

Dayton 18, New Providence 2 (4 innings)

More: GMCT softball quarters: South Plainfield handles Colonia; STA, Metuchen, Spotswood advance

REGULAR SEASON

Manville 7, Somerville 2: Valentina Barriors singled twice, tripled and drove in four runs and Vanessa Thompson picked up two hits, two runs and an RBI to send Manville to its third straight win. Hannah Janes, who added a double, triple, run and RBI, allowed just one earned run on five hits, walked one and struck out six for the Mustangs (6-11). Riley DeSarno singled and drove in a run and Anna DeCola added an RBI for Somerville (4-14). Nicole Fitzgibbon allowed five earned runs on 11 hits, walked four and struck out eight for the Pioneers.

Mount St. Mary 10, Calvary Christian 0 (6 innings): Anna Ziccardi tossed a one-hit shutout, wallowing four walks and striking out 11 over six innings, and the sophomore fueled her own effort with three hits, including a double, two runs and four RBIs and Mount St. Mary rolled to 13-7. Isabella DeLuca singled and drove in three runs in the win, while Shea Murphy singled, drove in a run and scored twice for the Mount. Ila Rowatti singled and walked for Calvary Christian (8-4).

Franklin 9, Rutgers Prep 1: Josslyn Sejeck allowed just a run on four hits, walked one and struck two, and Mia Sanchez-Balzac went 3-for-4 with a double, run and three RBIs to fuel Franklin (7-13). Victoria Pydeski singled, scored two runs and drove in two more for the Warriors. Cali McCoy singled and tripled, Kate Dougherty picked up two hits, and Gianna Bowman drove in Anysa Pathak with the lone run for Rutgers Prep (6-11).

Blair 5, Warren Hills 4: Mia Ganter ripped three hits and scored a run, and Carolyn Brown singled, doubled and knocked in a run, but Warren Hills fell to 9-8.

Randolph 4, Immaculata 1: Haylie Hansen singled, walked and drove in Annie Johnson with a sixth-inning run for Immaculata (16-4). Caroline Colitti allowed three earned runs on seven hits and walked one.

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Friday, May 12

Carteret 13, North Plainfield 3: Kara Sliziewicz went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI and tossed a six-inning two-hitter for Carteret (4-15) in Carteret. Cienna Diaz drove in the Ramblers’ first run when she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the second and knocked in another with an RBI-double in a seven-run fifth as Carteret prevailed for the third time in its last five outings. Pitcher Ava Brown led off the game with a single for North Plainfield (0-20) and Naylani Del Valle drove in a run in the sixth with the Canucks’ other hit. – Josh Rosenfeld

More: Softball: Raymond, Bobrowski lead Watchung Hills to Somerset County crown

By Andy Mendlowitz

Bridgewater-Raritan 6, Gill St. Bernard's 1: Kailey Hisko went the distance allowing one run off of three hits and three walks with four strikeouts in the win. The host Panthers (10-13) scored twice in the third, fifth and sixth innings. Jess Paxson led the way offensively by going 3-for-3 with two RBI and a double. Caileigh Mahovetz doubled twice with two RBI and Melanie Artuso singled and drove in two runs. Brianna Cacchio joined the hit parade by going 2-for-3 and scored, while Sienna Newsome (walk) and Angela Tremarco each scored. For the Knights (8-10), Jillian Cianfrocca went 2-for-3 and scored and Layla Francisco singled and drove in a run.

Bernards 8, Ridge 6: Bernards erupted for seven runs in the top of the seventh to pull out the win. Ridge rallied with four runs in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn’t get closer. The Mountaineers (14-8) belted 14 hits in the win. For Ridge (10-11), Elie Lardiere (2 runs), Julia Larose (run) and Kari Murray (RBI) each had two hits and Sam Rafanello singled and drove in two runs.

Mount St. Mary 5, Montclair 3: Anna Ziccardi tripled and went 3-for-4 with two RBI as Mount St. Mary scored twice in the top of the fourth inning and three times in the fifth for the win. Isabella DeLuca went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a triple for the Lions (12-7). Kylie Forte and Shea Murphy each singled and scored and Courtney Carew had an RBI.

Westfield 7, Morristown 4: Erin Doherty went 3-for-3 with an RBI and scored three times and Alex Laguna (2 RBI) and Gianna Puglisi (RBI) each had two hits as Westfield earned the non-conference win. The Blue Devils (10-11) scored four times in the top of the fifth inning to seize a 7-1 lead and hung on for the win. Grace Loder doubled and had two RBI in the win and Catherine Heflin singled and scored twice. Grace D'Angelo earned the win in the circle by allowing three earned runs in seven innings.

Delaware Valley 5, Pingry 4: Paige Brightwell went 3-for-4 and slugged two solo home runs to lead Delaware Valley. The Terriers (11-11) scored in the top of the sixth to break a 4-4 tie. Allison Moschberger (RBI) and Taylor Aycock each went 2-for-4 in the win. Additionally, Riley Campbell (RBI), Lilly Rynearson (2 runs), Lindsey Ditmar and Brooklyn Liskowacki each had a hit for Del Val. Molly Radano also drove in a run. Taylor Aycock earned the win by allowing two earned runs in seven innings with nine strikeouts. For Pingry (9-7), Grace Stowe (2 doubles) and Ellie Solomon each went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored. Ryan Travers (RBI), Delaney Swain (run) and Claire Sartorius each had a hit.

Piscataway Magnet 22, Dunellen 12: Daniella Almeira went 3-for-3 with three RBI as Piscataway Magnet won a slugfest over Dunellen. The Raiders (3-11) scored nine times in the top of the third to take a 13-8 lead. Makayla Wise finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and scored four times and Gianna Petriello also was 3-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs scored. Emely Solano (2 runs) and Shaelyn Wise (RBI, run) each had two hits in the win. Jaslene McLeod singled and walked three times and scored four runs and Coral Aurich (2 runs) and Coral Aurich (3 runs) each singled.

Metuchen 4, Colts Neck 3 (8 innings): Leslie Flaherty singled on the first pitch in her at-bat in the eighth inning to bring home the run as Metuchen won in a walk-off. Freshman Alicia Montalbano allowed one run in the complete game and struck out seven while scattering seven hits for the Bulldogs (15-4). Leslie was 3-for-4 with two RBI and Kiara Guzman was 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI in the win.

Hunterdon Central 9, Bayonne 2: Emily Van Cleef struck out eight and allowed two runs in going the distance, scattering five hits in the non-conference win. The host Red Devils (18-3) jumped to a 6-0 lead after two innings. Zoe Totaro went 2-for-3 with two RBI (double). Having two hits apiece in the win were Ceila Totaro (double, 2 RBI), Samantha Delhoyo (2 runs) and Riley Failla (3 RBI). Van Cleef and Caitlyn Redmond each had a hit.

South Hunterdon 6, Solebury (PA) 5: Kaitlyn Srivastava struck out 13 in seven innings and drove in five runs on a 2-for-3 night (double, triple) as South Hunterdon got the non-conference win. The host Eagles (1-13) scored twice in the second and four times an inning later for the win. Cara Bednar (RBI), Lina Weiland (run) and Alexa Hughes each had a hit, while Hillary Pimentel-Jarquin walked twice and scored two times.

Thursday, May 11

PREP B TOURNAMENT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Gill St. Bernard’s 13, Newark Academy 0 (5 innings): Freshman Layla Francisco fired a five-inning no-hitter, walking three and striking out 12, and Vanessa Marvaj tallied three hits and three RBIs and Gill St. Bernard’s captured its second straight state Prep B title. Brooke Baisley singled, tripled, scored twice and drove in three runs for the Knights, while Elise Cantu finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two runs and two RBIs in the win.

PREP A TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Pingry 13, Lawrenceville 1 (5 innings): Grace Stowe went 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, and Elie Solomon also drove in three runs and third-seeded Pingry rolled into the semifinals. Delaney Swain finished 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and three runs and Ella Royster homered for the Big Blue, who will face seventh-seeded Peddie on Tuesday.

GMC INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS

Middlesex 11, Wardlaw-Hartridge 0 (5 innings): Peyton Chie threw a two-hitter with eight strikeouts, and McKenna Healey went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs and top-seeded Middlesex moved into the semifinals. Chie collected two hits, three runs and an RBI, while Jamie Gorel singled, drove in a run and scored twice for the Blue Jays, who will face fourth-seeded South Amboy on Monday. Giselle Rodriguez and Natalie Koegler each singled for eighth-seeded Wardlaw-Hartridge.

Edison 13, Mother Seton 0 (5 innings): Ava Austin tossed a one-hit shutout, walking three and fanning two over five innings, andKelly Roe went 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs and second-seeded Edison advanced. Austin notched three hits, including a double, and two RBIs to support her own cause, while Olvia Shourt and Ryann Spaventa each singled and knocked in two runs for the Eagles, who will take on third-seeded Piscataway in Monday’s semifinals. Victoria Cunha singled for the seventh-seeded Setters.

Piscataway 10, Highland Park 9 (8 innings): Marlo Desimone tripled and drove in four runs, and Jayla McNeil singled, tripled, scored a run and drove in another and third-seeded Piscataway used an extra inning to advance. Madison Matakevich pitched in a single, double, run and RBI for the Chiefs, wo will take on second-seeded Edison on Monday.

South Amboy 6, South Evier 5 (8 innings): Fourth-seeded South Amboy takes on No. 1 Middlesex in Monday's semifinals.

UNION COUNTY TOURNAMENT PLAY-IN ROUND

Rahway 13, Linden 1 (5 innings): Gabby Wysocki went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer and four RBIs as 15th-seeded Rahway (8-8) posted the five-inning victory in the opening round of the Union County Tournament in Rahway. Stephanie Mora and Kayla Lebers each contributed two-run. singles for the Indians, who will travel to second-seeded A.L. Johnson in Saturday’s quarterfinal round. Lebers struck out four and walked three while limiting 18th-seeded Linden (5-12) to three hits, including a lead-off single in the first by Clarymel Pichardo, who scored on another base hit by Evalisse Hernandez. – Josh Rosenfeld

REGULAR SEASON

Immaculata 2, Bridgewater-Raritan 0: Junior righty Caroline Colitti fired a three-hit shutout, walking none and striking out 10, and Mollie Ferreira doubled twice, scored a run and drove in another and Immaculata scored the Delaware Division crossover win. Colitti singled and drove in a run as the Spartans moved to 16-3. Bridgewater-Raritan got a Cai Mahovetz single and a Melanie Artuso double to start the sixth inning for Bridgewater-Raritan (9-13), but Colitti escaped. Kailey Hisko allowed two runs on five hits, walked one and struck out four for the Panthers.

Manville 7, East Brunswick Tech 6: Valentina Barrios scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning, finishing with a single, triple and three runs scored, and Manville moved to 5-11. Alison Rindgen picked up two hits in the win, while winning pitcher Hannah Janes notched a single and two runs scored, while allowing two earned runs on nine hits, no walks and striking out 10.

Westfield 11, New Providence 1 (5 innings): Alex Laguna singled, doubled and drove in two runs, and Sophia Guerrero singled twice, drove in two and scored a run to boost Westfield (9-11). Erin Doherty and Quinlan Doherty each doubled and drove in two runs for the Blue Devils. Bella Scipioni allowed a run on four hits., walked one and struck out four in the win.

Calvary Christian 27, Piscataway Tech 1 (4 innings): Lexi O’Toole went 3-for-3 with two walks, three runs and six RBIs, earning the win by allowing no earned runs on two hits, walking one and striking out eight to help lift Calvary Christian to 8-3. Ila Rowatti notched three hits, including a double, drove in three runs and scored five times, and Rachel Schafer chipped in three hits, including a double, drove in three runs and scored four in the win.

Bound Brook 20, Dunellen 0 (4 innings): Freshman Isabella Marusiak threw a four-inning no-hitter, walking three, hitting a batter and striking out eight, and the rookie added three hits, a walk, four runs and two RBIs to aid her own effort and Bound Brook rolled. Marissa Hays went 4-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs, while Katelyn Cunha added three hits, two runs and four RBIs for the Crusaders (10-7).

Colonia 19, North Plainfield 2 (4 innings): Marisela Cardona doubled twice, scored twice and drove in three runs, while Abigail Terebetsky singled, scored twice and knocked in three runs to power Colonia (12-9). Myiah Sutton helped out with two hits, a walk, three runs and two RBIs for the Patriots, while Megan DaCunha allowed just an earned run on two hits, walked none and struck out two. Taylor Mooney doubled and Carly Coslit singled for the Canucks (0-19).

Donovan Catholic 10, Metuchen 2: Brianna De La Fuente singled and drove in a run and Leslie Flaherty singled and scored, but Metuchen fell to 14-4.

Spotswood 4, Old Bridge 2: Hanna Brown totaled three hits, including a double, a run and an RBI, and Jenna Dumanski singled, doubled, scored a run and drove in another and Spotswood escaped to improve to 19-2. Alex Diaz picked up the win, allowing two runs on just two hits, walked three and struck out 12. Zoe Milonopoulos and Amanda Jupinka drove in runs for the Knights (6-15).

Voorhees 5, Montgomery 4: Alison Leibensperger doubled twice, scored two runs and drove in another, and Christina Sullivan picked up two hits and an RBI to propel Voorhees (6-13). Sophia Charleston and Avalyn Stayskal also knocked in runs for the Vikings. Diya Pingili doubled, tripled and scored two runs for the Cougars (3-17).

St. Thomas Aquinas 7, South Brunswick 0: Hayley Wieczerzak tossed a two-hit shutout, walked three and struck out 13, and Sophia Colucci homered and drove in four runs and St. Thomas moved to 18-2. Brielle Cubala (2-for-3) and Amya Hill also homered for the Trojans. Gabriella Bistany and Amanda Kassabian each singled for the Vikings (6-12).

Timothy Christian 17, Somerset Tech 2 (4 innings): Winning pitcher Marli Szierer singled, homered and drove in five runs, and Kara Spivey finished with three hits, three runs and three RBIs to boost Timothy Christian (3-10). Betsabe Torres helped out with two hits, three runs and two RBIs for the Tigers. Maria O’Ferrell picked up the lone hit for the Jags (6-10).

Franklin 8, Princeton 7: Victoria Pydeski singled and homered and Zoe Ling collected three hits, two runs and an RBI, and Franklin grabbed a non-conference win. Mia Elliott and Mia Sanchez-Balzac each drove in two runs for the Warriors (6-13).

North Hunterdon 8, Phillipsburg 4: Kylie Petak homered and drove in two runs, and Brooke Cahill picked up two hits and scored two runs and North Hunterdon rolled to 18-3. Samantha Dougherty tripled, walked twice, scored a run and drove in another for the Lions. Addie Fornaciari went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs, while Holly Markus picked up two hits and two runs for the Stateliners (7-11).

Governor Livingston 11, Union Catholic 4: Emma McElroy singled twice, homered and drove in a run, and Gianna Basile singled and knocked in three to help propel Governor Livingston (15-5). Chelsea Kiesewetter finished 2-for-2 with a walk, two runs and two RBIs for the Highlanders. Union Catholic fell to 14-5.

Wednesday, May 10

SOMERSET COUNTY TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

Watchung Hills 4, Bernards 1

WARREN -- Senior right-hander Jules Raymond allowed just a run on five hits, walked one and struck out 13, and freshman left fielder Riley Bobrowski picked up two hits, a run and an RBI and sixth-seeded Watchung Hills topped No. 7 Bernards to return to the Somerset County Tournament final.

The Warriors will take on top-seeded defending champion Hillsborough at 7 p.m. Friday in the final at Torpey Field – a rematch of last year’s championship contest, which the Raiders won 3-0.

Watchung Hills had two runners reach on errors with two outs in the first inning, but Bernards ace Maddie Lardieri got out of it with a flyball, but the Warriors broke through in the second with three runs. Madison DiSarno ripped an RBI double and Bobrowski delivered a two-out RBI single, before going to second on an error and then scoring on another miscue, Bernards’ fourth in two innings.

Tia Shikar’s RBI single in the fifth inning plated Ella Stevinson, who had doubled, making it 4-0, before the Mountaineers finally got to Raymond in the sixth, getting a one-out bloop single from Silje Emery and a two-out RBI double by Maddy Rivetti.

Lardieri finished allowing three earned runs on seven hits, walked none and struck out five for Bernards, which fell to 10-6.

The victory was the eighth straight for Watchung Hills, which improved to 10-11. A far cry from the 2-11 start that could have easily derailed such a promising season for the reigning state Group 4 champions, which suffered 10 of those losses to teams ranked Top 20 in the state.

“I really don’t think (this team ever stopped believing in itself),” Watchung Hills coach Brian Figueredo said. “You’re 2-11 and – I’m not an excuse-maker – but we were snake-bitten a lot of the way here. Obviously, we played some great teams, but all of the games we played, you knew we still believed because we were competing with everybody. Heartbreaking losses, unbelievable losses, a six-run with two-out loss, all these things, but the very next day, we always came back.

“This (winning streak) started after we lost 5-0 to Hunterdon Central and gave up one hit. The very next day, we came back and beat Steinert – a Top 20 team. So, I don’t think they ever stopped believing, and I obviously the worm has turned a little bit for us here.”

More: Softball: Skyland Conference, Union County rankings, notes for Week 5

Hillsborough 9, Ridge 0: Senior right-hander Sarah Davenport tossed a perfect game – her second of the season and fifth perfect game – and she struck out 12, and top-seeded two-time defending champion Hillsborough rolled into the Somerset County final for the 17th time in the past 21 tournaments. Lilly McDonough went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs, while Clay’le Correa collected two hits, a run and two RBIs for the Raiders, who will face sixth-seeded Watchung Hills for the title at 7 p.m. Friday at Torpey Field. Claire Marcinek doubled and drove in two runs for Boro, which improved to 18-1.

HUNTERDON/WARREN/SUSSEX TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS

Hunterdon Central 5, North Warren 1: Emily Van Cleef singled and drove in three runs and Samantha DelHoyo picked up two hits, two runs and an RBI and top-seeded three-time defending champion Hunterdon Central moved into the semifinals with a win over the No. 8 seed. Cassandra Stallwood added two hits and a run in the win, while Van Cleef went six hitless innings for the win, walking three and striking out 10. Brielle Staskavage finished up and allowed an unearned run on two hits and struck out one for the Red Devils, who will take on fifth-seeded High Point in Saturday’s semis at Lenape Valley HS.

North Hunterdon 8, Warren Hills 2: Katie Reed went 3-for-3 with a double, run and three RBIs, while Grace Reed scored twice and picked up two hits, including the 100th of her career, and second-seeded North Hunterdon advanced. Lefty Camryn Campbell surrenders just one earned run on five hits, walked one and struck out 14 for the Lions, who will face sixth-seeded Pope John XXIII on Saturday at Lenape Valley HS, a team North beat 4-2 on April 10. Chloe Frommelt went 2-for-3 with a run, while Mia Ganter singled and scored a run for the seventh-seeded Blue Streaks.

High Point 8, Delaware Valley 3: Molly Radano homered and Taylor Aycock singled and drove in a run, but fourth-seeded Delaware Valley fell to the No. 5 seed.

GMC CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Colonia 2, J.P. Stevens 1: Megan DaCunha allowed a run on six hits, walked two and struck out two, and Mariella Spina picked up two hits and an RBI and 12th-seeded Colonia toppled the fifth-seeded Hawks in North Edison.Myiah Sutton singled, walked and scored a run for the Patriots, who will take on fourth-seeded South Plainfield in the quarterfinals on Saturday at Spotswood HS. Bella Malinconico singled, doubled and scored a run for J.P. Stevens, while Faith Flumaro singled and knocked in a run. Vanessa Yim allowed no earned runs on five hits, walked three and struck out five for JPS.

More: Softball: Surging Monroe upends South Brunswick in 9 to open GMCT

Woodbridge 10, Old Bridge 7: Samirrah Ortiz doubled, walked, scored twice and drove in two runs, and Madison Rackett singled and knocked in a pair to fuel No. 9 seed Woodbridge. Kylie Rackett picked up a hit and a run in the win, while Vanessa Morales finished 4-for-5 for the Barrons, who will face top-seeded St. Thomas on Saturday. Zoe Milonopoulos, Amanda Jupinka and Kimiko Almazan each posted a single and two RBIs for eighth-seeded Old Bridge.

East Brunswick 10, Sayreville 0 (5 innings): Caitlin Gay pitched a two-hitter and struck out two, and senior Julia Theil recorded her 100th career hit with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and seventh-seeded East Brunswick notched its first GMCT victory since 2016. Theil finished with two hits, a run and two RBIs, while Nicole Motusesky went 3-for-3 with a double, walk and three runs scored for the Bears, who will visit second-seeded Metuchen in Saturday’s quarterfinals. Caydence Barton doubled and Rose Joseph singled for the 10th-seeded Bombers.

St. Thomas Aquinas 19, Perth Amboy 2 (4 innings): Hailey Krainski went 3-for-3 with a double, two home runs and eight RBIs, and Mary Kate Murray crunched two home runs and drove in four runs – giving her 14 for the season – and top-seeded, four-time defending champion St. Thomas moved on. Hayley Wiezczerzak singled and drove in two runs, while Sophia Colucci added a two-run homer for the Trojans, who will meet No. 9 Woodbridge on Saturday at Spotswood. Johanny Almonte and Ashlee Duran each singled and drove in runs for the 16th-seeded Panthers.

Metuchen 11, East Brunswick Tech 1 (5 innings): Kylie Flaherty went 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Leslie Flaherty went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs to help power second-seeded Metuchen. Kiara Guzman notched three hits, two runs and an RBI, while Alicia Montalbano allowed a run on one hit, walked one and fanned nine for the Bulldogs, who will battle East Brunswick in the quarterfinals at Spotswood. Makayla Caban tripled and scored and Nicolena Giddis drove in a run for 15th-seeded East Brunswick Tech.

South Plainfield 10, North Brunswick 0 (6 innings): Erin Townley fired a six-inning five-hit shutout, walking none and striking out 12, and Hailey Fonti went 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs to send fourth-seeded South Plainfield to the quarterfinals. Nicole Sikora pitched in three hits and two RBIs the Tigers, who will play No. 12 Colonia on Saturday.

Spotswood 15, J.F. Kennedy 2 (5 innings): Ava Mormile allowed no earned runs on just three hits, walked two and struck out seven, and Alex Diaz doubled, homered, scored three runs and drove in three more and third-seeded Spotswood rolled. Alice Melvin pitched in two hits and two RBIs for the Chargers, who get No. 11 Monroe on Saturday. Marialys Ricourt singled twice for the 14th-seeded Mustangs.

GMC INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND

Edison 21, Woodbridge Academy 11 (5 innings): Kelly Roe singled twice, scored twice and drove in three runs, and Kayla Vicidomini added a hit, three runs and three RBIs and second-seeded Edison advanced. Kaylin Kline went 32-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs and four runs scored for the Eagles, who will play host to No. 7 seed Mother Seton in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Dia Jayadas drove in three runs and Kiah Parekh singled, walked twice, drove in a run and scored three for No. 15 Woodbridge Academy.

Middlesex 23, New Brunswick 0 (4 innings): Peyton Chie turned in a four-inning no-hitter, she walked four and struck out seven, and Jaclyn DeShielfs went 3-for-3 with a triple, three runs and six RBIs to propel top-seeded Middlesex. Chie helped her own effort with three hits, including a double, two walks and five RBIs. The Blue Jays will take on 8 Wardlaw-Hartridge on Thursday.

REGULAR SEASON

Governor Livingston 7, Cranford 5 (9 innings): Gianna Basile ripped an RBI double and Lily Sandholm notched an RBI single as part of a ninth-inning Governor Livingston rally, and the Highlanders ruined Cranford’s senior night with an extra-innings win over the state power. Sandholm finished 3-for-5 with a homer, while Anna Popola singled twice, homered and drove in two for GL. Senior catcher Elise Faxon picked up two hits, a day after notching the 100th of her career.

Mount St. Mary 14, Montgomery 4: Kylie Forte singled twice, scored three runs and knocked in three more, and Anna Ziccardi singled twice and drove in three runs, and Mount St. Mary (11-7) won a Skyland Conference crossover. Shea Murphy also picked up three RBIs in the win, while Ziccardi allowed just two earned runs on seven hits, walked none and fanned 13. Dana Levy singled twice, doubled and scored two runs, while Diya Pingili singled, tripled and drove in a pair for Montgomery (3-16).

Manville 9, North Plainfield 2: Valentina Barrios collected three hits, including a triple, and three runs, and senior Hannah Janes celebrated senior night with two triples, a walk and two runs scored, and Manville rolled to 4-11. Janes allowed two runs on four hits, walked three and struck out 12 for the victory.

Belvidere 11, Somerville 2: Gianna Nese doubled and drove in four runs, and Kayla Connors doubled, homered, scored three runs and drove in three more and Belvidere (10-7) completed a suspended game that was halted by rain on May 5 with the County Seaters up 8-2 in the top of the fifth inning. Mia Lawson earned the victory, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks, striking out eight. Anna DeCola singled, scored and drove in a run for Somerville (4-13), which got two hits apiece from Nicole Fitzgibbon and Riley DeSarno.

Roselle Park 13, Rutgers Prep 3 (6 innings): Cali McCoy doubled twice and scored twice, and Gianna Bowman notched a single and an RBI for Rutgers Prep (6-10).

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Tuesday, May 9

Prep B semifinals

Gill St. Bernard’s 15, Morristown-Beard 4 (4 innings): Layla Francisco turned in a three-hit shutout, walking none and striking out 10 in the four-inning win and top-seeded Gill St. Bernard’s advanced to the Prep B Tournament final. Jillian Cianfrocca singled and homered in the win, while Francisco went 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBIs for the Knights, who will take on Montclair Kimberly or Newark Academy on Thursday for the title.

GMC Invitational Tournament first round

Piscataway 17, Timothy Christian 2: Samantha Ortiz ripped a two-run double to spark a four-run first inning, and third-seeded Piscataway (4-9) added nine more runs on just one hit in the second in a four-inning victory in the opening round of the GMC Invitational Tournament in Piscataway. Jenna Phelan collected two hits for the Chiefs, while Marlo DeSimone and Kendall Brown limited 14th-seeded Timothy Christian (2-10) to two hits, a second-inning double by Marli Szierer and a fourth-inning single by Elizabeth Solomine. Szierer struck out five batters in the first inning and seven in her 1 1/3 innings in the circle, with three of her victims reaching first on passed balls. Piscataway hosts the winner of the Highland Park-Carteret game in the second round on Thursday. – Josh Rosenfeld

South Amboy 23, Somerset Tech 3 (4 innings): Iyanni Twiggs put up three hits, including a triple, three runs and five RBIs, and Jada Berry notched a single, homer and three RBIs and fourth-seeded South Amboy moved on. Brianna Sweatt scored four times for the Guvs, who will take on No. 5 South River on Wednesday. Maria O’Farrell logged two hits, a run and an RBI for the Jags.

Wardlaw-Hartridge 10, North Plainfield 7: Sophia Riccio homered and drove in four runs, and Devin Coleman doubled and knocked in two runs to boost No. 8 seed Wardlaw-Hartridge. Giselle Rodriguez scored three runs for the Rams, who will face No. 1 Middlesex or the winner of the Dunellen/New Brunswick play-in game in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

OTHER GMCI SCORES

South River 21, Perth Amboy Tech 8

Woodbridge Academy 15, Piscataway Tech 13 (play-in round)

More: Softball: Greater Middlesex Conference rankings, notes for Week 5

Regular season

Ridge 6, Union Catholic 0: Jackie Adler tossed a shutout, wallowing just four hits and striking out two, and Kari Murray singled, tripled and drove in two runs to boost Ridge (10-9). Robyn Lusardi tripled and scored a run and Julia LaRose singled and scored twice for the Red Devils. Sarah Potts singled and tripled for Union Catholic, which fell to 15-4.

More: Softball: Union County Tournament bracket set

Montgomery 12, Franklin 3: Connor Fogarty went 4-for-4 with four runs and an RBI, while Diya Pingili allowed no earned runs on three hits, walked two and struck out 12, and Montgomery improved to 3-15. Lauren Tortolani doubled, tripled, drove in two runs and scored four, and Dana Levy posted three hits and two runs for the Cougars. Sophia Ziegler singled and drove in two runs for Franklin (5-13).

Mount St. Mary 18, Plainfield 0 (4 innings): Shea Murphy threw a five-inning no-hitter, walking one and striking out 10, and she added three runs scored and four RBIs to fuel Mount St. Mary (10-7). Anna Ziccardi tripled, scored twice and drove in two in the win, while Vanessa Kosuda singled, walked three times, scored twice and notched two RBIs for MSM. Kendra Kelly drew a walk for Plainfield (1-13).

North Hunterdon 8, Bridgewater-Raritan 4: Kylie Petak went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and Samantha Dougherty singled, homered, scored twice and knocked in two runs and North Hunterdon won a crossover. Katie Reed singled and knocked in two for the Lions (16-3), while Skye Cooke allowed four runs on seven hits, walked two and struck out eight for the win. Kailey Hisko homered, while Evelyn Fresco collected a single, double, run and an RBI for Bridgewater-Raritan (9-12).

Immaculata 14, Voorhees 0 (5 innings): Heather Ryden singled, homered and drove in two runs, and Mollie Gerreira singled, tripled, scored twice and drove in a pair and Immaculata cruised to 15-3. Caroline Colitti allowed just two hits over first innings, walking and striking out eight.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood 9, Brearley 1: Sam Friscia singled, doubled and drove in two runs, and Sairah Llano allowed a run on just two hits and a walk, striking out seven, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood moved to 8-13. Llano aided her own effort with a single, double, run and RBI, while Kady Rettino helped out with two hits, a run and an RBI for the Raiders.

Spotswood 15, Roselle 1 (5 innings): Jenn Pokropinski and Molly Walsh heach homered and drove in three runs to power Spotswood (17-2). Cynthia Rucinski allowed a run on one hit and not walks for the win.

Somerville 9, South Hunterdon 4: Kari LaCanna went 3-for-4 with a run and three RBIs, and Mina Batra added two hits, a run and three RBIs and Somerville won its second straight. Winning pitcher Nicole Fitzgibbon added a 4-for-4 day with a double and four RBIs, while Riley DeSarno also went 4-for-4, scoring three runs and driving in another for the Pioneers (4-12). Kaitlyn Srivastava singled, doubled and scored two runs, and Jilynda Barrientos added a single and two RBIs for the Eagles (0-13).

Robbinsville 16, Pingry 0 (4 innings): Taylor Francis, Claire Sartorious and Paige Travers each singled for Pingry (8-6).

Staff writer Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997, and has been on the softball beat since 1999. He can be reached at CourierSoftball@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Softball roundup: Results, analysis, links for Skyland, GMC, UCC