06/09/2026
π₯π ONE RUN WAS ENOUGH.
The Jonathan Dayton Bulldogs are headed to the NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship Game!
In what may have been the best pitching performance a Dayton team has faced all season, the Bulldogs found a way.
Fordham commit Audrey Amoroso entered the game as one of New Jerseyβs most dominant pitchers, putting together a remarkable postseason run and carrying Indian Hills to the Group 1 semifinals.
Dayton managed just three hits all afternoon.
But one of them was a first inning double by Lila Carroll.
Then came the play that changed the game.
After Avital Kandel put the ball in play, Indian Hills attempted to get Lila advancing to third. The throw sailed away, Lila scored, and what turned out to be the only run of the game crossed the plate.
Sometimes thatβs all it takes.
And then came another masterpiece from Julianna Santangelo.
πΉ 7 innings pitched
πΉ Complete game shutout
πΉ 4 hits allowed
πΉ 1 walk
πΉ 8 strikeouts
With the season on the line, Julianna matched one of the stateβs best pitchers inning for inning and never blinked.
Offensively, Dayton received hits from:
πΉ Lila Carroll (double, run scored)
πΉ Carolyn Cantagallo
πΉ Samantha Sainato
The defense made the plays behind her, and the Bulldogs did what champions do.
They found a way.
What makes this even more impressive is the company they kept.
Eight Union County teams reached sectional semifinals.
Three won their sections and reached the Final Four of their respective groups.
Only one is playing for a state championship.
Jonathan Dayton.
Earlier today, Governor Livingston fell to Maryland commit Brooke Donofrio and Ramsey, 5-0.
Arthur L. Johnson fell to Barnegat ace Giana Gomez, one of New Jerseyβs strikeout leaders, 4-2.
Dayton became the only remaining Union County team to defeat the Division I pitcher standing in its way.
One game remains.
One more opportunity to make history.
π NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship
π
Friday 12PM at Seton Hall
π₯ Jonathan Dayton vs Bound Brooke
The Bulldogs are now one win away from a state title.
ππ§‘πΎ