WESTFIELD – After two games in the Little League softball 10-Year-Olds state championship, it was clear that the only thing in common between the two opposing teams was the “W” in each of their names.
Westfield once again rode the arm of their ace pitcher and battered Woburn, 11-2, and finally, 10-1, for two “W’s” to sweep the best-of-3 series Saturday at Sadie Knox.
Westfield pitcher Marleigh Monroe struck out 16 batters in the opening game, and followed that up with 14 strikeouts in the nightcap. She has nearly a hundred Ks this postseason.
LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS
Westfield 10-Year-Olds
“Marleigh is something special … and this is a special group of girls,” Westfield manager Tony Bouchard said of his All-Star unit. “It’s been a very fun ride.”
Paige Hutkoski opened the scoring barrage for Westfield in Game 2 of the states with a two-out infield single in the top of the first inning, stole second base, and scored on Ali LaPanne’s RBI hit.
In the second, Mia Tavares doubled, Kelsey Bouchard delivered an RBI single, and Monroe and Rachel Bonfitto hit into run-scoring fielder’s choices.
Westfield blew the game open in the fourth. Bouchard’s fielder’s choice RBI, and two-run singles from Hutkoski and Bonfitto accounted for the scoring. Grace Leduc doubled, and added an RBI single in the sixth.
After the game, the girls briefly celebrated, receiving championship pins and proudly carried the banner around the park. The good times are not over though as Westfield will prepare to play in a regional invitational. Details regarding the upcoming tournament were not available at press time.
