Mobile Triggers

Softball Team Captures GMC Invitational Crown

Rudy Brandl '83

The W+H varsity softball team made history last week with a dramatic walk-off championship victory in the GMC Invitational. Friday’s 5-4 triumph over East Brunswick Magnet increased the team’s winning streak to 13 games and powered the Rams to their first GMC Invitational title and first championship since 2014 when they captured the Prep B crown.

Mohisha Jha ’26 smacked the game-winning hit, a well-placed single that landed just inside the right field foul line, to score Elyssa Ortega ’26 from second base in the bottom of the eighth inning. The W+H bench cleared with teammates sprinting on the field in a wild celebration that sent the home fans home happy.

It was a classic game that featured high drama and momentum swings. The visitors scored early to take a 2-0 lead but senior catcher Giselle Rodriguez ’25 blasted a two-run home run over the right field fence to tie the game. The Rams took a 4-2 lead midway through the game on RBI hits by Kacey Marmolejos ’25 and Sophia Riccio ’26. They held the lead and were one strike away from victory in the top of the seventh when a clutch two-run double sent the game to extra innings.

Sophia maintained her composure and shut down East Brunswick Magnet in the top of the eighth to cap an impressive 17-strikeout performance in the circle. Her teammates took care of the rest in the bottom of the eighth and the Rams celebrated their fourth win in as many days to earn a championship banner.

The Rams were knocked out of the state Non-Public B tournament at St. Mary’s (Rutherford) in the semifinal round on June 2 but came back the following day to win their final regular season game of the year to secure sole possession of the GMC Gold Division title. The Rams (17-3) overcame an early deficit to post a 7-6 triumph over Highland Park to capture their second championship in five days and end the season in style.

GMC SOFTALL PHOTO GALLERY