THE LHS softball team celebrates their thrilling, 7-6 walk-off win over rival North Reading on May 24. It was the first time in nine years that Lynnfield beat North Reading, snapping a 14-game winning streak for the Hornets. Before the game, North Reading was ranked 6th in Div. 3 while Lynnfield was ranked 22nd in D4. (Courtesy Photo)
Update post publication:
Lynnfield defeats Notre Dame Academy Worcester 4-3 (6/5)
Advances to the Sweet 16.
For more state tournament details, click here.
Published May 31, 2023
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MALDEN — On May 25, the Lynnfield High softball team visited Malden Catholic in the final game of the regular season. Pioneers head coach Hector Longo wanted to give his younger players some more seasoning to get ready for the upcoming state tournament as his squad ended up losing 12-2.
The schools ended up splitting the non-league series this spring as the Pioneers won the first meeting, 12-7, back on April 21.
The Lancers scored once in the first inning, three times in the third and fourth innings and five more times in the fifth.
Lynnfield scored once in the fifth and its other run came in the top of the seventh.
The Pioneer offense had six hits with Ava Gamache being the lone multiple hitter going 2 for 4. Abi Travers had a solo homer to right-center.
Lynnfield finished at 11-9 overall with the defeat.
The news was much better on May 24 as they upset rival North Reading, 7-6, at home.
Trailing, 6-3, heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Pioneers rallied to scored four times to pull out the thrilling win.
The game winner scored on a fielder’s choice as Catie Kampersal hit the ball to the first baseman. Libby Considine, who was at third, was then able to beat the throw at home for the winning run setting off a wild celebration.
“That was our biggest win of the year,” stated Longo. “The girls were fired up.”
Gamache had an RBI single and eventually scored on a wild pitch. The other run in the seventh scored on a Hornet error.
Lynnfield led 3-0 early on as North Reading scored the game’s next six runs to lead by three heading into the bottom of the seventh.
Sophia Brown was the winning pitcher going seven innings to go to 9-8 in the circle. The junior gave up three earned runs, eight hits, two walks and she struck out two.
“That was her best performance of the year,” said Longo.
Lynnfield had six hits led by Gamache who was 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.
“She made some amazing plays at third base with seven assists,” pointed out Longo. “She saved several runs from scoring.”
Lynnfield was able to get a split of the season series as the Hornets won the first meeting, 13-0, back on Apr. 26.
With that victory, the Pioneers ended the year at 11-9 and 6-8 in the Cape Ann League.
Lynnfield was seeded 24th in the latest MIAA Division 4 power rankings. They will find out Wednesday (May 31) who they will open up against in the state tournament.
The team will most-likely play their first playoff game on the road early next week.
