IMAGES: Butler Wins Pitcher’s Duel Against Park Ridge to Advance in N1G1 Softball Playoffs

Park Ridge struck first with a run in the top half of the third inning, but Butler answered back in the bottom half of the frame with two runs of their own.  Mikayla Eutermarks then put goose eggs up on the scoreboard over the final four innings as the Bulldogs took a 2-1 victory over the Owls in the first round of the 2026 NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Softball Tournament.

While she did get into a few jams, overall, Eutermarks was once again masterful in the circle for Butler.  Eutermarks surrendered only the one run in the third, gave up only three hits and no walks, while fanning 14 Park Ridge batters.

Offensively, the Bulldogs were led by Isabella Marut, who went 3-3 at the plate.  Brooke Demmers and Kyli Morgan also had multiple hits for Butler.  Morgan went 2-3 and secured both of the Bulldogs’ RBIs, while Demmers was 2-4 with a run scored.

While not as dominant as her Butler counterpart, Kate Broderick also had a respectable day in the circle for Park Ridge.  Broderick did find herself in multiple jams, giving up nine hits and five walks in a full game of work, but, for the most part, she was able to get outs when it mattered, stranding multiple Bulldog base runners.  Broderick also recorded a strikeout for the Owls.

Offensively, Sofia Franolic, Teni Richard, and Lauren Stewart each had a hit for Park Ridge, with Stewart notching the Owls’ lone RBI.

With the win, eighth-seeded Butler advances to face top-seeded Waldwick in the 2026 NJSIAA Softball North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 quarterfinals on Thursday.  With the loss, Park Ridge sees their season come to a close with a 13-12-1 record.