Gill St. Bernard's Wins State Prep B Softball Title

GSB Softball (12-4) defeated Newark Academy 12-2 on Thursday, May 12, 2022, to win the Prep B Championship for the first time since 2016.

“We played for each other, as a team and as a unit, which led us to victory,” said senior Captain and Muhlenberg-commit Scooter Hulsen. “Everyone contributed whether it was offensive or defensive. We scored in every inning and, from the first pitch, always had control of the game. I loved how we supported each other through the entire game, cheering and picking each other up. I could not be prouder of how we played together.”

Scooter led the charge in the high-scoring game, going 4-for-4 with three RBI and two home runs. Sophomore Brooke Baisley added another homerun and recorded three RBIs and 2 runs scored. Senior Captain Phoebe Kirsh and sophomore Julianna Perri each finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and a triple.

“Coming off of last year's record-setting winning season with six graduating seniors, we were not expecting to have this kind of success this early in the season with such a young team,” Phoebe explained. “The younger players have really stepped up and have been able to play well above their level. We hope we can continue this success going into the state tournament and set an example for the future of the program.”

One of those young players was freshman ace Emily Titsworth, who sizzled on the mound, pitching her fourth game in a row and surrendering only five hits while walking two and striking out six. The win helped the Knights earn the #2 seed in the North Jersey Non-Public B State Tournament.

“This was an important win for us both for this year's team and for our program's future,” Head Coach Mike Surella commented. “Playing four games in four days against quality opponents in high pressure games bodes well for state games this year, and it is something we can take into next year as well. We will miss our seniors, but we know the experience we have gained and will gain in states will put us in a position to come back and win Preps again next year.”

Both Phoebe and Scooter were named to the Skyland Conference Senior All-Star Game on Wednesday, June 15, held at Diamond Nation in Raritan Township.  

Way to go, Knights!