The Kingsway Regional High School softball team and St. Joseph Academy are set to represent the area in state championship games. St. Joseph (25-3) will face DePaul (19-8) in the Non-Public B final at Seton Hall University, while Kingsway (21-5) will contend for the Group 4 title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Marlboro, thanks to Reese Whitzell's winning run. Kingsway seeks its first state title in 18 years as they prepare for their championship match on Friday against the winner of Watchung Hills and Morris Knolls. Additional matchups saw Bound Brook defeating Pennsville, and Steinert overcoming Ocean City.

By the Numbers
  • St. Joseph Academy boasts a season record of 25-3.
  • Kingsway's Reese Whitzell achieved three hits, including a two-run homer and a double.
  • Pennsville's season concluded at 18-8 after battling in extra innings.
  • Ocean City's final record stands at 23-7, marking a historic sectional title win.
State of Play
  • Kingsway and St. Joseph are both advancing to state championship games this week.
  • Pennsville and Ocean City have concluded their seasons with promising performances despite their losses.
What's Next

Both Kingsway and St. Joseph will look to secure state titles, with their respective games presenting critical opportunities for historic wins. The outcomes will affect the recognition and future prospects of these programs.

Bottom Line

This week's state championship games highlight the resilience and talent of local high school teams, underscoring the significance of community support in fostering athletic achievement. Expect high stakes as teams aim for glory, and remember the players' journeys that led them to this pivotal moment.