Northfield’s 13-14-year-olds won the Section 4 title, beating Penns Grove 16-2 in five innings. It was the second time that age group has won a sectional title for Northfield.

It’s also the second year in a row this group of girls won a sectional title. Northfield won the 11-12 Little League Section 4 and finished third in the state tournament last year.

“It’s the best they’ve played together,” coach Michael Toner said. “We’ve had individuals that stood out in different games, but this is the best team effort we’ve had. They’re really coming together at a good time.”

Northfield’s celebration will only last a couple of days. The quest for a state title will begin Friday in Mantua Township against Tri-Boro at 6 p.m.

“It feels really good to make it this far,” said pitcher Gillian McCarthy, who was 3-for-3 with two RBIs. “The ride has been a lot of fun so far.”

Northfield beat Penns Grove earlier in the double-elimination tournament. That game saw Northfield jump out to an early lead, Toner said.

It did it again Tuesday with one run in the first inning and three in the second to take a 4-0 lead.

In the circle, McCarthy was nearly unhittable. For the first two innings, she was.

McCarthy struck out the first six batters she faced. She finished the game with nine strikeouts and three hits allowed.

Catcher Gabby Monzo got to see first-hand how dominant McCarthy was. She said it’s “non-stop” how dominant McCarthy is in the circle.

“We started playing together only two years ago,” Monzo said. “But I feel like I’ve caught her since she was a baby.”

Mackenzie Brennan started the scoring for Northfield in the top of the first. She drew a walk and stole two bases before scoring on Meredith Miller’s sacrifice fly to center field to make it 1-0.

Brennan tripled later in the game and finished with three runs scored. The rest of her team followed in her footsteps, swiping bags and running on past balls to constantly get into scoring position.

“They found a way to get on and manufacture runs,” Toner said. “That’s a big advantage for us, especially when we have somebody that can shut teams down like (McCarthy) can.”

Miller went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, scoring three runs as well. Monzo was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Olivia Goff and Jessica Higbee each added doubles and two RBIs.

It was a lot of offense for the Cardinals, who saw all 11 of their players contribute in some way. They improved to 5-0 in district and sectional play combined.

“It gives us a lot of optimism for how far we can go,” Toner said. “We expect we can play well at the next level. The competition gets better as we advance.”

“It’s exciting for us. We’re real excited to represent South Jersey in the states.”


Credit: The Press of Atlantic City
Original story here: https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/northfield-junior-league-softball-team-wins-sectional-title-with-team/article_35c403f4-11f8-11e4-9d26-0019bb2963f4.html