LINDEN, NJ – Two regular season matchups between the Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders varsity softball team and the Westfield High School Blue Devils ended in a Westfield win. ALJ entered Sunday’s Union County Tournament semifinals determined not to let it happen again – and they didn’t. Johnson pulled out the all-important victory, 7-4, on timely hitting and key plays.
Following a scoreless first inning, the Crusaders offense would take charge in the top of the second. After an error and a walk, sophomore Jenna Addie drove in juniors Nicole Cassano and Mackenzie Purcell to give the Crusaders a 2-0 lead.
ALJ senior Shannon Brogan had a great day at the plate. She tripled on a deep fly ball, scoring both Addie and junior Jen Tinger, making the Crusaders lead now 4-0.
Westfield chipped away at the Johnson lead as they loaded the bases. Their first run came in after senior Danielle Rinaldi was hit by a pitch. A second run came in on an error, making the Crusaders lead 4-2 after two innings of play.
As the game shifted to the top of the fourth inning, the Crusaders added more to their lead. Purcell cracked a lead-off double, and Brogan drove her home on a double of her own, giving the Crusaders a 5-2 lead.
On the afternoon, Brogan went 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and 3 RBIs.
“[Westfield] beat us twice and we got revenge when we needed to,” Brogan said. “Now, every day, we’re working towards the county finals, where we’re going to shine.”
Full Coverage of Johnson Softball’s Union County Tournament Semifinals Win Over Westfield HS
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