Published in the June 21, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — In a hotly contested battle, East Coast Dance Center narrowly edged out Cue Think, 8-6 in extra innings to take the North Reading Girls 12U Softball Championship!

Cue Think jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning until Bella Puliafico hit a blast to right field driving in a run to cut the lead to one in the top of the second.

In the bottom of the second, Ava Carter helped minimize further damage with a great outfield catch that she instinctively turned into a double play with a quick throw to Nicole Gadourey at second.

THE EAST COAST Dance Center won the Girls 12U Softball championship in extra innings. Pictured in the front row from left to right is Caitlin Reilly, Ava Carter, Sarah Bantel, Catherine Ma, Olivia Reilly, Julia Kelley and Erin Dee. In the middle row from left is Nicole Gadourey, Bella Puliafico, Mia Lava and Jocelyn Ostrowsky. In the back row from left is Rob Gadourey, Dave Kelley, Ted Reilly and Adam Ostrowsky.(Courtesy Photo)

In the third, Jocelyn Ostrowsky drove in Caitlin Reilly with a single and in the fourth Julia Kelley and Olivia Reilly both scored when Nicole Gadourey smashed a double. Nicole eventually scored giving East Coast Dance their first lead of the game. Mia Lava was stellar at first base making difficult plays look routine including finishing off a 1-3 double play on a tough throw.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Cue Think scored one to tie it up, but Cathy Ma’s quick reaction in the outfield kept things tied.

The seventh inning came to a close with Caitlin Reilly completing her fourth inning of pitching, giving up only one run and striking out seven. The game was tied at five with East Coast Dance batting in the top of the eighth (now into extra innings) when Sarah Bantel hit a single putting runners at 1st and 3rd. Erin Dee then singled to load the bases. Caitlin Reilly, Jocelyn Ostrowsky and Mia Lava then each drove in a run to close out the scoring for East Coast Dance and give them a 3-run lead.

After starting the game pitching three strong innings (allowing only 3 hits), Ostrowsky returned to the mound for her fourth inning of pitching. Backed up by the tremendous fielding of Ava Carter at third, East Coast Dance held Cue Think to a single run to close it out for the thrilling 8-6 victory.

It was a great game by both teams and a fitting way to end the 2018 season!