IMAGES: Sixth Inning Rally Propels Dayton to First Softball State Title

Bound Brook staked themselves to an early lead with a run in the first inning; however, Jonathan Dayton rallied and plated two runs in the sixth to win their first-ever softball state championship in the 2026 NJSIAA Group 1 Softball Championship.

Julianna Santangelo was 1-2 and knocked in the game-winning run for Dayton with an RBI triple.  Aubrie Cantagallo, Lila Carroll, Avital Kandel, and Samantha Sainato also had hits for the Bulldogs.  Kandel’s and Carroll’s hits each went for three bags with both batters also scoring runs, and Kandel also notching an RBI.

Santangelo also started in the circle for Dayton for all seven innings, giving up only one run while walking three and striking out eight.

Rachael Gurczeski recorded a double for the Crusaders’ lone hit.  She also had Bound Brook’s only RBI, while Mia Marusiak scored Bound Brook’s lone run.

Isabella Marusiak went all seven innings in the circle for Bound Brook.  She gave up two runs, one earned, on four hits, walked one, and struck out three.

With the win, Dayton finishes their season 19-12, while Bound Brook finishes their campaign 16-13.