Pennsville and Gloucester Softball Teams Advance to Championship Games

The Pennsville Memorial High School softball team achieved a stunning upset on Tuesday, advancing to the championship game after defeating the defending South Jersey Group 1 champion, Audubon. The Eagles scored three consecutive runs to secure the victory, setting the stage for a final matchup against Woodstown, who also emerged victorious in their semifinal. Pennsville, with a current record of 17-7, will host seventh-seeded Woodstown (19-8) on Thursday, aiming for their first sectional title since 2008, while Woodstown seeks their inaugural crown.

In their semifinal, junior Graillyn Weber was a standout for Pennsville, limiting Audubon to just three hits and throwing four scoreless innings. She recorded three walks and one strikeout. The offensive efforts were bolstered by Makenzie Widener, who contributed two hits, including a solo home run, along with teammates Lily Edwards and Kylie Harris, each adding two hits to the team’s total. Audubon concluded its season with a record of 19-10.

Woodstown secured its place in the final with a commanding 5-0 victory over Palmyra, thanks to senior Leah Clark, who delivered a stellar performance with a two-hitter and 11 strikeouts. Clark also aided her cause with two hits, while Ellie Wygand added two hits and two RBIs. Palmyra ended their season with an 18-8 record.

In South Jersey Group 2 action, Gloucester pulled off a comeback win against West Deptford, scoring six runs to claim victory after initially trailing by two. The Lions, the top seed with a record of 21-2, will face second-seeded Barnegat (22-2) in the sectional title game. Bailey Schoenfeldt and Ava Moore were key contributors, with Schoenfeldt recording two hits and a run scored, while Moore brought in two RBIs. Emma Dick pitched effectively, allowing only two unearned runs.

As the playoffs continue, teams are vying for glory, with several others also making strides towards their championship aspirations. The excitement of postseason softball remains high across South Jersey.