The Brookdale softball team defeated the RCSJ-Cumberland Dukes in the best of a three game series, 7-0, 10-3, to become the 2023 Region 19 North Atlantic District A Champions! The Jersey Blues will move on to the NJCAA DIII national tournament in Dewitt, NY, which takes place Tuesday, May 23rd through Saturday, May 27th.Softball team posing with trophies on the field.

Sophomore third baseman, Zoey Hagan, shot a three-run bomb home run in the first inning to get the Blues started in the first games’ 7-0 defeat. Then in the third inning, sophomore shortstop, Nicolette Pavlik, added a deep solo homer to keep the fire burning. Sophomore pitcher, Gianna Praet, and freshman second baseman, Mallory Shevlin, both went 3-for-4 with an RBI each to seal the deal for the win. On the defensive side, Praet was amazing in the circle with her seven strikeout shutout.

In the 10-3, second game win, Brookdale exploded for eight runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run homer and RBI double from pitcher, Mallory Shevlin, a two-run double by sophomore center fielder, Alyssa Sigler, and an RBI triple by shortstop, Gianna Praet. The ninth and tenth runs came from power hitter, Nicolette Pavlik, who busted a two-run dinger in the sixth inning.
Added crucial hits came from, Zoey Hagan, who went 3-for-4 to make that five total hits in the championship double-header, earning herself the Region 19 Tournament MVP. Winning pitcher, Mallory Shevlin, compiled five hits in the championship games as well in addition to pitching only two earned runs with six strikeouts to send the Blues to nationals. Head Coach, Bo Scannapieco celebrated his 23rd Region title as he was rightfully named, 2023 Coach of the Year.
The Jersey Blues will prepare and await their seeding for the NJCAA DIII National Tournament this week.
Photo above courtesy of JerseyPics.com