TOMS RIVER -- On paper, Donovan Catholic softball's 5-3 playoff victory over St. Thomas Aquinas on Wednesday went according to plan. The Griffins shot out to an early lead, then responded to a late comeback push and shut the door on the Trojans.

But for Donovan's senior leader, there was a fiery frustration simmering beneath the surface and it fueled the win.

"First trip out, I struck out," said Emily Kurth. "I needed to make adjustments and I was getting angry. So I knew that I needed to do something for my team, and just anything to get it done."

She did more than enough. The senior catcher got the team's final two RBIs to decide the game, and did so under vastly different circumstances. First, she delivered an RBI single in the fourth to continue to build the Griffins' lead to 4-0. After St. Thomas Aquinas cut that deficit to 4-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth, it was Kurth who sealed the victory with another RBI single.

"Stay positive, even though I make mistakes," said Kurth. "Everybody has bad days, like just set an example for the younger ones."

It may have gotten off to a slow start, but it was certainly a good day for the Griffins as they secured their spot in the South Non-Public A section semifinal. Donovan Catholic will host St. John Vianney in a rematch of the exhilarating extra innings finish in the Shore Conference championship game, which was won 10-9 by the Lancers.

"It would really mean a lot," said Kurth of a potential victory over SJV. "Being that we lost by one run, I think our team will be really excited to take up that challenge and potentially win."

Donovan Catholic softball avenges 2023 playoff upset with win over St. Thomas Aquinas

The level of control and ease in Donovan Catholic's win in the quarterfinals undersells the impressiveness in the victory. The Griffins were in fact avenging last year's untimely playoff exit, when they were upset by St. Thomas Aquinas 8-2 in the semifinal round.

There was some notion that the Trojans would have confidence with that win and would come into the matchup unfazed. Hailey Wieczerzak was again on the mound as a senior after stifling the Donovan offense last year, but it was the Griffins who were undaunted as they jumped out to an early lead. After Emily's sister Olivia Kurth got the first RBI, junior Sophia Senger hit an RBI double off the fence.

"I just wanted to at least get on base," said Senger, who will play collegiately at Merrimack. "My goal was sending it to the outfield, and so I knew just to help my team, just get one base. And I ended up getting an RBI, so it worked out."

Gianna Apostolakos added another RBI in the third before Emily Kurth's two clutch hits sealed the win. But in the fifth inning, St. Thomas Aquinas finally displayed the tenacity that got them the upset in 2023. Catcher Hailey Krainski had a two-RBI double and Gwen Negron added another RBI in the sixth.

Donovan used three different pitchers to get the win but it was Senger who slammed the door shut on any late comeback hopes with back-to-back strikeouts in the seventh to end the game.

"Coach told me she wanted to eventually use me in like a big spot," said Senger. "I just knew I had to do my job and strike them out."

The development of players like Senger, who has emerged as a full blown star talent this spring, has been a testament to the development of the Griffins as they aim to peak at the right time this postseason.

"The growth this season has been huge from the first game to now," said head coach Debbie Schwartz. "We're a better offensive team. We're getting better defensively. And our pitching is getting more experienced."

Donovan Catholic softball downplaying rivalry rematch with St. John Vianney

The excitement for a potential playoff rematch between Donovan Catholic and St. John Vianney was palpable across the Shore softball community, even before the matchup was even set. The Lancers didn't shy away from the possibility of a rematch, addressing the notion even in the immediate aftermath of their walk off victory in the Shore Conference final. St. John Vianney punched its ticket to a rematch with an 8-1 victory over Paul VI.

But as is the case with great rivalries, there is a contrast of styles. When asked about the rematch with SJV, coach Schwartz downplayed the notion.

"It's another game." Schwartz said.

Donovan's players were also subdued, while acknowledging a win would bring some level of redemption.

"Because we lost in such a sad way," said Senger. "I feel like we really need it as a team. And just to bring us back up again."

No matter what happens, Friday's matchup is sure to be another installment in an elite rivalry between to longstanding softball powerhouses. The stakes couldn't be higher, but for Donovan Catholic the pressure is routine.

"Just game by game," said Emily Kurth. "Just try and do our best and whatever happens, happens."

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Donovan Catholic softball heads to rematch with St. John Vianney