WESTFIELD – The Westfield Softball Majors, fresh off a valiant effort Thursday against District 4 champion Jack Barry Little League of Worcester, were slated to play their next contest Saturday.
A scheduling conflict shifted plans slightly and the Westfield girls ended up playing yesterday instead, facing off against visiting Athol of District 3 at Sadie Knox Field on Prospect Hill in the first round of the state Softball Majors consolation bracket.
While the team was unable to pick up the victory and saw Athol leave the Whip City with an 11-1 win, Westfield Coach Jeff Gelinas praised his girls’ effort on the diamond Sunday.
“We’ve only been together for a week and a half basically and then we had these games,” he said. “We ran into teams that’ve been playing longer and may’ve had a little more talent than us, but we had a much better game today than we did the other night.”
Westfield’s Hannah Baker took the mound Sunday evening after starting at catcher against Jack Barry, and pitched admirably for the home team.
“She pitched four innings and did a great job,” said Gelinas before listing off several other Westfielders who played well in the team’s effort.
“Amber Garfield played very well at shortstop, Leilani Marsh had a good game in the outfield,” he said. “Madi Harmon had another good game at first base, Emily Gelinas played well at catcher. Just about everyone had one decent play tonight.”
Asked of the factors that helped his squad cut down on runs allowed, Gelinas said his girls played with more composure.
“The girls weren’t nearly as nervous as they were the other night. Against Worcester, the kid’s knees were knocking.” he said. “Right from the get go, we just played better softball. We fielded better, threw to the correct bases, ahead of runners. We just played better all around softball from the start.”
