seniors came up big in Div. 2 North opener
Published June 25, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
BURLINGTON—The Melrose High softball team entered the MIAA Div. 2 North playoffs on Monday as the #13 seed with a winning 6-5 record and faced a familiar foe for the third time this spring season: #4 Burlington (14-2) who Melrose had lost to twice this year, but did save their best for on Monday, June 21 during an extra inning effort that saw Melrose lose in a 7-5 heartbreaker to finish their season 6-6.
It was one their most solid games of the season, fueled in part by the efforts of their departing seniors who came up big, including senior Brianna Stanton (3-4) who had a two run double in the 7th to force extra innings. While Burlington would finish the game on a 2 run shot that sent Melrose packing, the Red Raiders were charged up when it mattered.
“We came to play,” said Melrose coach Kelly O’Neil after the game. “There was no ‘senioritis’. My upperclassmen were dialed in and never gave up.”
Senioritis certainly didn’t strike senior Caroline Kiernan, who had a key RBI in the game. Says O’Neill, “Caroline was just lights-out on third base.” She also acknowledged fellow senior Adriana Centrella. “She crossed the plate for us in key moments.”
Overall, coach O’Neill is so appreciative of her upperclassman. “They missed a critical junior year, but made such huge strides,” says O’Neill. “It’s hard to believe that when we last played my juniors were only freshman and my seniors were sophomores.”
Certainly there is much they could have accomplished if they played last year but they still managed a competitive team with enjoyable highs this spring. And youth has also served them well. Sophomore Maddie Tobin continues a fantastic year. On Monday, she scored twice thanks in part to her finesse on the base path. Her delay-steal at home helped Melrose earn a critical run in the game. Talk about a game changer. Says O’Neill of her short stop. “Maddie is just an unbelievable player. I can’t wait to see her next season.”
Meanwhile, Melrose pitcher Cassie Sleeper went the distance in 7 innings with 4 strikeouts. Though the bats got her, O’Neill notes that Melrose remained competitive. “Cassie has matured as a pitcher this season, and today, hit her spots. Fortunately, she had great defensive work behind her.”
One bright spot has been the progression of Melrose’s outfield, manned mostly by Sofia Centrella, Ava Burns and Lauren Overlan. Coach O’Neill has particularly enjoyed that combo. “They started as a work and progress at the start of the year and ended up being dominant,” says O’Neill. “Lauren Overlan in right has really turned it around and Ava Burns has been phenomenal in center. Both those two are coming back next season, which is an advantage.”
One exceptional return next season comes in the form of Maddie Kozlowski who has cleaned it up at the plate and called the shots behind it as catcher. “Maddie is just so reliable,” says the coach. “She provides at the plate works behind it as catcher. I’m so excited that she’s returning.”
Overall, this coach is grateful for the contributions of her exiting seniors Francessca Maiuri, Delia McCarthy, Adriana Centrella, Caroline Kiernan, Sofia Centrella, Briana Staton, and Emily Waden.
And after such a competitive season, Melrose named three All Stars: Maddie Kazlowski, Maggie Tobin and Cassie Sleeper.
Serving as captains next season are Ava Burns, Lauren Overlan and Maddie Kazlowski.
