Rams Rise: Southern Ends Barnegat’s Unbeaten Run, Reaches OCT Final
BARNEGAT — Fifth-seeded Southern Regional rode early energy and dominant pitching to a statement victory on Saturday, shutting out top-seeded Barnegat, 4-0, to advance to the Ocean County Tournament championship game, where the Rams will face Toms River East on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m., at Adventure Sports Crossing in Jackson.
From the first inning, the Rams were the more aggressive and confident team, striking quickly and never letting the previously unbeaten Bengals settle in. Southern scored a first-inning run—enough to win—then added insurance in the fourth and sixth innings.
Senior Emily Zellman set the tone with a leadoff double, then scored on a passed ball to give Southern a 1-0 lead minutes into the semifinal clash.
Zellman, a four-year starter with a .428 career batting average, continued to show why she’s among the conference’s most consistent hitters. Her early spark ignited a Rams offense that delivered timely hits throughout the game.
“As a Christian my only thought process in my at bat is my confidence in the Lord.” Zellman said. “I told myself that’s the only thing, I said ‘I already know if I give him 100% the Lord will provide even if that’s not what I want’, it’s what he wants and that is what is important.”
Southern’s Emily Zellman (Photo by Samantha Mayer)
Southern finished with five hits. Senior Kendra Perrini led with two singles. Zellman and junior Abigail Krill each doubled, while junior Brooke Sutter added a single.
Sutter was equally impactful on the mound, tossing a complete game. The junior right-hander scattered four hits, struck out six, walked two, and kept Barnegat scoreless through seven innings.
“I know we have wanted to win this tournament for a while,” Sutter said. “It has been a long time since we’ve made it this far, and we really wanted to help our seniors get this win in their last year. We kept up our energy and stayed locked in throughout the game.”
Southern pitcher Brooke Sutter (Photo by Samantha Mayer)
That energy was evident from the start, as head coach Jamie Olsen emphasized before the game.
“We need to start the game with high energy, and when the girls bring that, they play their best,” Olsen said. “When they are dialed in, they can maintain it and compete throughout the game.”
This energy and focus have led to recent success. The Rams have won six of their last seven games, losing only to powerhouse Donovan Catholic.
Southern’s Abigail Krill (jumping) celebrates with her teammates (Photo by Samantha Mayer)
Barnegat, previously undefeated, had its chances but couldn’t break through against Sutter. Junior Gianna Gomez delivered for the Bengals, allowing one earned run, striking out six, and walking one.
Sophomore Brooke Rizzo led Barnegat with two hits, including a double. Freshman Makaila Wickham and junior Gianna Skwirut each singled.
Looking ahead to next week, Southern’s opponent in the championship game, Toms River East, previously punched its ticket with an 8-5 extra-inning win over defending champion Jackson. The two teams have not squared off yet this season, though they did play twice last year, with Southern winning both games by a score of 13-3.
Barnegat will regroup and return to regular-season play Monday against Toms River North.
