Roadrunner Softball will host the Region 19 North Atlantic District B Championship finals this weekend in Deptford, NJ. Due to inclement weather expected this weekend, the Runners will meet Northampton Community College starting on Sunday, May 14th in a best of three tournament starting at 12 noon. Two games will be played Sunday with a third game, if necessary, scheduled for Monday.
RCSJ Gloucester is the No. 1 seed in North Atlantic B, finishing the regular season with a 35-13 overall record and winning a share of the Garden State Atlantic Conference championship with Brookdale. The Runners' opponent, No. 2 Northampton, enters the finals with a 24-10 overall record after having won a first-round playoff matchup vs. Middlesex earlier this week.
The winner in the finals will clinch a berth in the NJCAA Division III World Series.
"We have quite a challenge ahead of us, but we're ready thanks to the tough schedule we played this season," said Runners' Coach Steve DePasquale.
Long-time Assistant Coach Bill Collins agrees-- and knows the Runners must minimize any mistakes in order to advance.
"We've always had a tough regional tournament, so we need to pay attention to all details big and small on the field, at the plate and on the base paths," he said.
The Runners, who split a doubleheader vs. the Spartans last month, have two solid starting pitchers who have been red hot in recent weeks in freshman sensation Gemma Galloway and sophomore Janiece Robles.
"Both Gemma (Galloway) and Janiece (Robles) are pitching well right now, and hopefully this continues in the playoffs," said DePasquale. "They have kept us competitive in every game."
The Runners' lineup is among the best in the nation, as well, led by sophomores Emily MacGibeny (shortstop), Morgan Fitzpatrick (catcher), Flynn Blessing (outfield), Julie Petroski (outfield), and Paige Fox (first base), and freshman Dana Medlar (outfield) among others.
First pitch is set for 12 noon on Sunday. Watch for updates throughout the weekend.
NJCAA Region 19
North Atlantic B Finals
Northampton CC at RCSJ Gloucester
Deptford, NJ
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Game 1 @ 12 Noon
Game 2 @ 2 pm
Monday, May 15, 2023 (if necessary)
Game 3 @ 3:30 pm
