![GSB Softball and Baseball Clinch 2024 Prep B Championships]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715352370/gsbschoolorg/msrbaboitqgnsc996yrr/News-2024-05-102024GSBPrepBChampionshpBaseballSoftball.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715352370/gsbschoolorg/msrbaboitqgnsc996yrr/News-2024-05-102024GSBPrepBChampionshpBaseballSoftball.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715352370/gsbschoolorg/msrbaboitqgnsc996yrr/News-2024-05-102024GSBPrepBChampionshpBaseballSoftball.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715352370/gsbschoolorg/msrbaboitqgnsc996yrr/News-2024-05-102024GSBPrepBChampionshpBaseballSoftball.png","width":940}])
It was a double header for the ages.
That was the sentiment for players, coaches, and fans alike who showed up to Diamond Nation on May 9 to watch the GSB Softball and Baseball programs vie for the title in their 2024 Prep B Tournaments. Both teams took on rival Montclair Kimberley in the championship game – and both teams came out victorious.
The GSB Softball program won 11-7, continuing its storied postseason run to win its third consecutive Prep B Championship and sixth in program history.
Head Coach Mike Surella credits the team’s early season growing pains as a significant factor in winning the three-peat.
“Yesterday’s win was a big step forward for us,” said Surella.
“This year’s team is very young and has faced some adversity late in games that has led to losing three one-run games. Our goal heading into yesterday was to meet any adversity head on and find a way to overcome it. We were once again challenged — but this time we found a way to win. That takes courage and for that I couldn’t be prouder of this group.”
Brooke Baisley and sophomore Ella Martinelli served as Gill’s offensive catalysts, each contributing 3 RBIs at the plate. Baisley went 3-4 with a run scored while Martinelli finished the night 2-5 with a double. Junior pitcher Emily Titsworth helped herself out by going 2-2 at the plate while pitching the complete game victory with 9 strikeouts.
The GSB Baseball team came out in a fury in the second half of the championship doubleheader, defeating MKA 7-3. The win marked the program’s second Prep B title in program history and first since 2015.
Head Coach Dave Pasquale was thrilled with the doubleheader championship and believes it will serve the baseball team well in accomplishing their other team goals for the year.
“It was a terrific night for our school,” said Pasquale.
“The Prep Tournament has always been a significant part of our season, and to secure that championship for the first time since 2015 is exciting. The boys are hoping that gives them some momentum headed into the last few games of the regular season and eventually a State Tournament run in late May, which is always the primary goal for the program.”
Sophomore Jack Markovich led the Knights offensively, leading off the game with a massive homerun that set the tone early. Markovich finished the night 3-4, adding a triple and swiping home on a passed ball.
Senior Colin Chou earned the championship win, scattering 3 hits while recording 6 strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings. Freshman Drew Aromando continued his dominant first year with the program, picking up the save with 6 strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.