Westfield pitcher Sarah McNerney delivers from the mound. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School softball team is tourney-bound.
Westfield secured a Division 1 postseason bid a perfect record through the first half of the high school softball season with a 7-0 shutout of visiting Chicopee Comp Friday. The Bombers are now 10-0.
What does it all mean?
“Nothing,” Westfield coach Joe Stella said. “We just need to be playing this well at the end of the year. This is getting us ready. We don’t want to peak now.”
Westfield pitcher Sarah McNerney has continued to look stronger as the season has progressed.
On Friday, McNerney pitched a complete game, 3-hitter. She struck out five batters, hit two, and walked none.
Westfield’s defense backed her up with two double plays.
“That kind of took the wind out of their sails,” coach Stella said. “Sarah pitched an excellent game and our defense was outstanding.”
Maddy Atkocaitis led the way at the plate for Westfield, going 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs and a run scored. Jesse Pratt (2-for-4, RBI, run), Jules Sharon (hit, 2 runs), Rachel Swords (double, RBI, run), Kate Puza (hit, RBI), and Analise Eak (2 walks, 2 runs) also contributed for the Bombers.
“Chicopee Comp came to play, but we were able to push some runs across,” Stella said.
Note: High school teams must post a .500 or better record, or finish first or second in their respective leagues to earn a tournament berth. Westfield, with just 10 games remaining, is ensured of at least a .500 record with a 10-0 start.
