West Deptford Rally Falls Short in State Softball Semifinal

West Deptford, NJ -- Things looked dim for the West Deptford High School softball team early in Tuesday’s NJSIAA State Group 2 playoff semifinal at Rowan University, but a rally by the Eagles gave them new hope.

Ultimately, West Deptford fell to Arthur L. Johnson High School by one run, 6-5, ending an amazing season that included a South Jersey title, according to nj.com.

Johnson took a 6-1 lead after winning pitcher Gianna Randazza’s three-run homer in the top of the seventh.

Jessica Lindquist’s grand slam with two outs pulled the Eagles to within one in the bottom of the frame, but Randazza induced a fielder’s choice after the Eagles put a runner in scoring position to end the game.

Ciara Girouard’s RBI plated West Deptford’s other run, in the sixth.

Johnson will play Demarest on Friday for the state title.

West Deptford finished the season with a record of 21-3, including wins in which the Eagles scored more than 20 runs three times, and pitched nine shutouts.

West Deptford won its second South Jersey title last week when it defeated Sterling, 4-1, in the final.

The Eagles entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed.

West Deptford opened the playoffs with a 15-0 win over No. 16 Collingswood.

It then defeated No. 9 Middle Township, 12-4, in the quarterfinals.

The Eagles then squeaked past No. 4 Cinnaminson, 9-8, in the semifinals.