Another great chapter in one of NJ’s epic softball rivalries.  St. John Vianney and Donovan Catholic showed why they are at the top of the state rankings. Check out all the highlights of the 2026 Shore Conference softball championship from Red Bank

St. John Vianney 5 Donovan Catholic 1 | Shore Conference Softball Final

Madison McDougall was 3-3 from the plate with a homer and 3 RBI’s and threw a complete game four-hitter allowing just one run and striking out 11 to lead St. John Vianney to a 25th straight win and a return to the top of the Shore Conference.  Caroline Kopp gave the Griffins (25-2) a 1-0 lead in the third before freshman Liv Haslacher delivered a two run single in the bottom of the frame to put the Lancers in front 2-1.  McDougall took care of the rest starting with an RBI single in the 4th followed by a line drive homer in the sixth that plated two runs.  SJV lost in the Shore finals a year ago to RBC followed by a loss to Donovan Catholic in the state semifinals.  The Lancers now chase a perfect season and a third state title in the last four years.

JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Count Basie Park:

Jersey Sports Zone’s Shore Conference Game of the Week is brought to you by ACI Medical & Dental School.

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. John Vianney is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Donovan Catholic is made possible by Community Medical Center in Toms River.