CATIE KAMPERSAL makes a clutch, sliding catch in centerfield for the Pioneers in a victory over Ipswich on May 1. The senior captain added 3 hits and an RBI in the win. (John Trainor Photo)

 

After press time:
Lynnfield falls to Lowell Catholic 7-2 (May 10)
Lynnfield defeats Manchester Essex 13-1 (May 8)

 

Published May 8, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NEWBURYPORT — On a unseasonably warm day on Monday, the Lynnfield High softball team lost, 4-1, at Newburyport. The Clippers were able to sweep the season series as they beat the Pioneers, 9-6, back on April 10 in the first meeting.

“We didn’t hit the ball enough,” admitted Pioneers head coach Hector Longo, as Clippers star pitcher Emily Melledy gave up just two hits.

The Clippers scored single runs in the first and fourth innings and two more in the bottom of the sixth.

Lynnfield scored its lone run in the top of the fourth on a Kaila George RBI single as she had both hits with a double later on.

Ava Gamache also reached twice with two walks.

Pioneer pitcher, Sophia Brown, went all six innings allowing three earned runs, eight hits, one walk and she struck out six as her record fell to 4-7.

“Sophia pitched pretty well,” said Longo

Lynnfield’s record dropped to 5-7 overall and 3-6 in the Cape Ann League while Newburyport improved to 9-2 overall and 7-2 in the CAL.

On May 3, the Pioneers doubled up host Triton, 4-2, up in Byfield to split the season series as the Vikings won the first meeting, 6-4, back on April 8.

“We played error-free softball,” pointed out Longo, about the key to the win. “Sophia also pitched her heart out.”

Brown went all seven innings allowing two runs, six hits, no walks and she fanned five Viking batters.

Lynnfield plated three runs in the top of the sixth aided by a two-run error. George then had an RBI on a ground out for the third run.

They scored their other run in the seventh on another Triton error.

The Vikings scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Hubbard led the offense going 3 for 4 as the team had six hits overall. Gamache, George and Libby Considine had the three other Pioneers hits.

On May 1, the Pioneers rolled over Ipswich, 15-3, at home in a five-inning mercy-rule game.

“We played good defense, again, and took care of business,” said Longo. “I was also pleased with our hitting.”

The Pioneer offense had 18 hits led by George, Julia Corrente and Morgan Hubbard who all went 3 for 4 at bat. Hubbard and Corrente also knocked in one run each.

Lily Williams and Catie Kampersal were both 3 for 3 at the dish as Williams knocked in two runs while Kampersal knocked in one.

Pitcher Gia Gagnon got her first-ever varsity win going all five innings. She gave up three runs (two earned), eight hits, one walk and she struck out six.

On May 8, the Pioneers visit Manchester-Essex. They then host Lowell Catholic on May 10 in a non-league game.

On May 13, the Pioneers host Essex Tech and they then visit Essex Tech the next day up in Danvers. All four of these games will start at 4 p.m.