Triton Softball Advances, Timber Creek Goes Home

With one big swing from first baseman Desiree Martinez, the Triton Regional High School softball team was on its way to a playoff victory.

Martinez blasted a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning, providing more than enough offense for ace Brielle Reighn as the No. 8 Mustangs defeated the No. 9 Atlantic City Vikings, 6-1, in the opening round of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 playoffs.

Martinez’s homer broke a scoreless tie and allowed Reighn some breathing room on the mound. Atlantic City came back with a run in the fifth, but Triton scored three more runs in the sixth to seal the win.

In addition to picking up the win, Reighn was 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Kelsey Funk was 2-for-3 with a run.

Triton will travel to face top-seeded Toms River East Thursday. Toms River scored a 4-0 win over No. 16 Lenape in the first round.

Prior to the playoff game, Triton coach Pam McCabe said her team understood the challenge they faced and felt that if it did end up facing the top seed, her Mustangs would be ready.

“It’s tough, but to be the better team you have to beat the best team,” McCabe said. “We will see if they are up to the challenge. They are all good teams once you get to this stage, and to make a run we have to face them all."

The Group 3 playoffs came to an abrupt end for the Timber Creek softball team Tuesday afternoon. The No. 10 seed Chargers held their own in a Group 3 opener, but fell 4-2 to No. 7 Oakcrest. The Falcons will take on the winner of No. 2 Central and No. 15 Seneca.

The Chargers (8-12) wrap up their season today in a regular-season contest against Bishop Eustace.  

The Timber Creek baseball team will be in action today at No. 4 Manchester Township. The game was originally scheduled for Monday, but was postponed due to rain. The winner will face No. 7 Central, which upset No. 5 Kingsway, 7-0.