GMC Softball: Metuchen wins Central Group I title over power New Egypt

Metuchen last won a state sectional when the current players weren’t yet alive and throwing. So Wednesday in the NJSIAA Central Group I final, they wasted little time seizing a lead.

The fifth-seeded Bulldogs scored three times in the top of the first inning and staved off a late rally to nip seconded-seeded New Egypt 3-2. Metuchen advances to Thursday’s Group I semifinal against Buena at Rowan University. Buena beat Audubon 3-0 in Thursday’s South Group 1 finale.

It was the first sectional championship since 1998.

Molly O’Connor threw a three-hitter and allowed one earned run with no walks for the visiting Bulldogs (17-7). O’Connor also had an RBI double in the first inning and catcher Rachel Wyetzner drove in two runs with a double.

“They’ve been very workmanlike and hitting-wise they come through with some timely hits, so it all worked out today,” Metuchen coach George Micak said. “They been there before, so they know how to handle things.”

Indeed, Metuchen returned everyone from last year’s senior-less team that finished 12-9. That experience helped them not get frazzled against the Group I power. New Egypt was the three-time defending sectional champions and Group I winners in 2014 and 2016.

New Egypt scored in the bottom of the seventh and placed the tying run at third base with two outs. But the hitter lined out to shortstop to end the game.

“Molly moves the ball around,” Micak said. “Inside/outside. High/low. She’s been able to do that and we can play some defense behind her. It was a well-played game and things worked out our way.”