Karina Gaskins two run double in the fifth inning proved to be the game winning hit as Donovan Catholic returns to the state softball finals for a second straight year.  SSZ has highlights and post-game reaction from a thrilling 6-5 Griffins win over previously unbeaten Saint John Vianney

Donovan Catholic 6 Saint John Vianney 5

Trailing 5-4 in the fifth inning, Karina Gaskins knocked home two runs with a double to right giving Donovan Catholic a come from behind 6-5 win over the Lancers.  SJV came into the game ranked #1 in the state and #19 in the latest MaxPreps national poll.  Donovan Catholic spent most of the season ranked #1 in the state before being stunned by Matawan in the Shore Conference Tournament second round, but the 27-1 Griffins are back in the state finals at Kean University and a showdown with Immaculate Heart Academy this weekend.  The Griffins scored four runs in the first thanks to a Gaskins sacrifice fly and a three run homer by Kayla Roncin.  SJV scored four runs in the second to draw even and then took a 5-4 lead on an Ally Jones RBI single.  Watch the highlights of Donovan Catholic’s win at Stockton University:

Sponsor Shout Outs!

Thanks to Bayshore Community Bank and Paver Restoration for sponsoring our Saint John Vianney coverage.  We’ll have more SJV softball as the Lancers go for a Shore Conference championship