VIDEO, PHOTOS: Cruz, Hall a perfect combination as Middle wins playoff opener

Posted: May 22nd 2024

Middle Township shortstop Dakota Laughlin throws to first base vs. Pennsauken Tech

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township High School softball team enjoyed a perfect start to its 2024 state playoff experience Wednesday afternoon.

Gabby Cruz and Grace Hall combined on a five-inning perfect game as Middle rolled to an 11-0 victory over Pennsauken Tech in the first round of the South Jersey Group II Tournament.

Middle (16-8), the fourth seed in the tournament, will host No. 5 Haddon Heights in the second round on Tuesday. Haddon Heights was an 8-0 winner over No. 12 Sterling in the opening round.

Cruz, one of the region’s most accomplished pitchers, struck out all six batters she faced against Pennsauken Tech before giving way to Hall, who struck out four and also allowed zero baserunners.

Offensively, Middle used a nine-hit attack while also drawing five walks to put pressure on the Tornados defense throughout the course of the five innings.

Dakota Laughlin went 2 for 3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI and Elle Curvan added two hits and an RBI to lead Middle. Cruz contributed a two-run triple and Lily Vogel had an RBI hit.

The victory continued a trend for the Lady Panthers, who won for the 11th time in the team’s last 13 games.

Middle Township pitcher Gabby Cruz fires a pitch.

Middle Township's Elle Curvan, who had two hits in the win, throws to first base.

Middle Township outfielders (from left) Armani Mejia, Juliet Thompson and Emma Messer smile for the camera during a break in the action.

Middle Township catcher Tori Atwood throws to second base.

Middle Township pitchers Gabby Cruz (left) and Grace Hall combined for a five-inning perfect game.