CLARK, NJ- The No. 3 Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders varsity softball team began their state playoff tournament with hot bats in a first round matchup against the No. 14 Monmouth Falcons, defeating the visitors 11-1 Monday afternoon in Clark.
The Crusaders got things started in the bottom of the first inning, when junior Shannon Brogan recorded an RBI single, scoring senior Gabby Zatko. Brogan would come in on a sacrifice fly by junior Gianna Randazza. Johnson led after the bottom of the first inning 2-0.
In the second, Zatko had a huge hit of her own, smacking a long fly ball to deep left-center field, scoring sophomores Mackenzie Purcell and Jennifer Tinger. Randazza would drive in another run with an RBI double, and Johnson led 5-0 after that inning of play.
On the mound, Randazza pitched a complete game, striking out five batters while walking three. She also allowed one run (unearned) and two hits.
“I don’t think the score really matters,” Randazza said. “I just think we’re happy to advance in the state tournament. We’re really looking towards the state championship since we have the county tournament and conference under our belt. Our motto right now is pretty much, ‘Win as we go on.’”
Full Coverage of ALJ’s NJSIAA Central, Group 2 First Round Win
