Melrose picks up a 12-4 league win over Stoneham

Published May 3, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider softball team picked up a convincing victory over Stoneham on the road on Thursday, April at a sunlit Stoneham High, topping the Spartans, 12-4. 

It was a masterful day for senior captain hurler Jill Stone, who went 5 innings striking out 7 and walking none. 

“Jill looked great. They just couldn’t handle her,” says Melrose coach Kelly O’Neill after the game. 

Reliever Clara Martin pitched 2 solid innings with three strikeouts, including retiring Stoneham’s top batter, who had just homered. Melrose hurlers had plenty of run support when the team took a quick 2-0 lead, capitalizing on two passed balls in the first inning, scoring Sofia George across the plate. They also capitalized on a seven-run 2nd inning. 

JILL STONE struck out 7 in Melrose’s 12-4 win over Stoneham last Thursday. (courtesy photo)

Newly minted captain Collette Skinner (who joins Rebecca Dumont and Jill Stone in duty) had a big game and has enjoyed a strong season for Melrose in the leadoff spot. “She’s been hitting amazing,” says her coach. Skinner came up with a huge triple against Stoneham and made two tremendous outfield saves. 

Grace Solomon also had a big day with 2 RBIs, a double, triple and two stolen bases. 

Rebecca Dumont remains very strong in the infield, a rock at shortstop. “She made at least 5 or 6 put-outs on the field for us,” says O’Neill, and she also likes what she sees from Ella Ruby at third base. “Overall, we’ve been making some defensive adjustments, especially in the outfield that have helped us in game situations.” 

Melrose’s win comes on the heels of a disappointing 11-10 extra-inning loss to Woburn last week. Melrose had held a 6-2 lead over the Tanners in early innings. “There were a lot of things that we’d like to do over if we could,” says O’Neill. “And things we learned from.”

Despite the loss, Melrose enjoyed some great hitting, including a triple from Collette Skinner, a home run by Jill Stone and big hitting from Sofia George.  

Melrose has a chance to pick up another critical league win when they host Burlington today at 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting) at Pine Banks Park.