THE MELROSE High varsity softball team picked up a big win over Winchester last week and this week will host Senior Night. Pictured is senior captain Maddie Tobin. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High varsity softball team picked up a key win over Winchester, 10-2, on April 26 at Pine Banks field in Melrose, just as they prepare to host Senior Night this week to honor their outgoing graduates.
At 4-7, Melrose will embark on their second set of ML Freedom games in the coming weeks in hopes to putting together a playoff-qualifying campaign. Their win over Winchester was a great way to kick that off. Earning the victory on the mound was senior captain Cassie Sleeper, who gave up just three hits and delivered six strikeouts, while also going 4-4 at the plate.
Melrose took a lead in the second that they wouldn’t lose en route to a 10-2 final score.
Also adding to the offensive onslaught were senior captain Maddie Tobin with two doubles, and sophomore Leah Fowke with a two-run triple. Also showcasing hot bats were Ella Bonacorsi, Gigi Albuja and freshman Brynn Baker.
Melrose head coach Kelly Smith notes that the team’s defense helped seal the deal against the Red and Black.
“Our defense was great all around. Maddie Tobin is on fire in the infield and at the plate she produced huge for us. And Maggie Turner was dynamite in outfield,” she says. “There wasn’t a ball this kid didn’t catch. She has developed to a point of complete control in the outfield. She’s game changer.”
She also noted the contributions of pitcher Riley Jones, who has recently seen innings in right field. “She’s been really successful. Having Riley in the field even when not on the mound gives us more flexibility in our batting lineup. She has shown her athletic ability being able to perform both in the outfield as well as on the mound.”
Sophomore Gigi Albuja continues to impress behind the plate. Says her coach, “She’s showing newfound dominance behind the plate. She caught a huge foul ball and threw out a couple of runners.”
Melrose is currently power ranked at #42 but expect that to go up with many games left including Freedom League games and a Mayors Cup match against Malden for Senior Day on Thursday (post deadline). “We beat Malden by one last year and suspect they are ready to battle,” notes the coach.
She also has her eye on Freedom League rematches. “We will play Wilmington and Wakefield again with our full roster. Last time we were missing Cassie Sleeper.”
On the mind was this week’s Senior Night celebration. Says the coach, “We will be celebrating our phenomenal seniors Sarah Hitchman, Cassie Sleeper and Maddie Tobin. All intricate parts of our team both on and off the field.”
