Steinert Stages Late Rally to Overcome Middletown North in Sectional Semifinal

Photo by: Christian Oldhafer

In what appeared to be a game dominated by Middletown North’s ace, Madilynn Boyce, through the first five innings, Steinert High, the two-time defending champions, demonstrated why they remain one of the top teams in the state. 

The game began as a pitcher's duel, with Boyce striking out batter after batter only allowing only one hit through the first five innings. Allie Cirigliano allowed the Lions to strike first off a clutch two-out RBI double putting the game at 1-0 in favor of Middletown North. 

The momentum shifted dramatically in the top of the sixth inning. Steinert loaded the bases with two outs, setting the stage for junior catcher Addison Hassan. Hassan delivered a game-changing, bases-clearing double that catapulted Steinert to a 3-1 lead. Francesca Castellano followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 4-1 and capping a four-run inning that reshaped the contest.

Not going down without a fight, Middletown North rallied in the bottom half of the sixth. Julie Sickler’s two-run single cut the deficit to one, making it a nail-biting 4-3 game. The tension peaked when Middletown North loaded the bases, but Steinert’s pitcher, Katie Simonka, clutched up to strike out Gianna Arciprete, quashing the threat.