Softball teams takes a win prior to playoffs
Published June 18, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High softball team remains 6-6 on the season as they await the start of the Div. 2 North playoffs this weekend. They finished their regular season on the right note: with a convincing 11-4 win over Winchester on Saturday, June 12 at Winchester High during a consolation game in the Middlesex League tournament.
Bats came alive at the right time for Melrose, thanks to some monster performances at the plate from sister act Adriana and Sofia Centrella who went 4-4 on the day. Adriana nailed an unusual homer that helped seal the deal over the Sachems: a bunt that resulted in a home run. That’s so 2021.
On the mound, Cassie Sleeper once again provided tireless efforts and got the win, with several put outs and 5 strikeouts. Melrose coach Kelly O’Neill lauded her performance. “Cassie looked great. She has really matured into a great pitcher this year. She has gained great stamina and is getting the job done. We are confident every time she goes onto the mound.”
Melrose also utilized runs from big hitters Maddie Kozolski and Sleeper, who both accounted for 2 RBI each.”The top of the line up getting on was the missing piece of the puzzle that we were really missing,” says the coach. “Having players on for 3, 4, 5, 6 batters is huge for us.”
Indeed, the work at the plate by Sleeper, Maddie Kozolski, Brianna Stanton, and Caroline Kiernan has paid off. O’Neill made note of the work of junior Maddie Kozolski. “She had her best game of the season both at the plate and defensively. She did not let one ball past her and went 3 for 4. She is a key player to this team and even as a junior brings a great deal of leadership and wealth of knowledge.”
Melrose took an early lead in the game and never looked back, thanks in part to some flawless fielding. Helping to limit Winchester to four runs was Maddie Tobin at short stop. “Maddie played played lights out,” says O’Neill. “She is one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached. She doesn’t let anything hold her back from making the play from bumps and bruises to getting the wind knocked out of her sliding into home; she refuses to take a pitch off. This kid is turning heads in the league and her future is bright.”
She also pointed out the efforts of Lauren Overlan and Itia Figueira in the outfield. “Lauren had a key asset in right field nursing an injury and we pulled Itia up from the JV team and were happy to see what great speed she brings to the outfield and on the bases. We expect great things from her next year.” She also notes the efforts of another JV call up, Sarah Hitchman. “She has been key on pinch running stealing key bases and utilizing her quick instincts.”
At 6-6, Melrose is seeded 13th in the Div. 2 North bracket and at press time was unofficially slated to travel to Burlington on Monday to face the #4 seed Red Devils, although this is subject to change. In the meantime, Melrose will be looking to extend their winning mentality into playoffs.
“We lost a few close ones this season that could have gone either way,” says O’Neill. “We have a very good foundation to lead us into next season however, we are not overlooking the damage we can do in the playoffs. We are mentally ready for it, postseason is like opening day everyone is 0-0, let the games begin!”
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