Westfield third baseman Maddy Atkocaitis attempts to tag out Minnechaug’s Sam Mariani (21). (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School softball team aced its mid-terms, receiving an A-plus through the first half of the season with a 10-0 mark. The Bombers just narrowly passed its latest test.
Westfield rallied from a three-run deficit, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning Wednesday to defeat visiting Minnechaug 10-9.
Victoria Camp, 0-for-2 in her two previous at-bats, delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh to keep the Bombers unbeaten at 19-0.
“It was an unbelievable game – the kids were just fantastic,” Westfield head softball coach Joe Stella said. “It wasn’t by any stretch our best game defensively. (Pitcher) Sarah (McNerney) was not as sharp as usual, but to come back for four runs in the seventh inning when we’re down by three was unbelievable.”
Gateway’s Jessie Walton, background, beats the tag at home during yesterday’s game against Smith Academy. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Kaitlyn Puza (2-for-3 double, 2 runs, 2 RBIs) led off the seventh with a walk. Lexi Minicucci (3-for-4, 3 runs, RBI), who has been hot at the plate as of late, singled. Analise Eak (double, 2 runs, RBI) walked to load the bases. Karly Mastello (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, run) followed with a two-run double to pull Westfield within one, 9-8. Rachel Swords knotted the game 9-9 with a sac-RBI, setting up the big hit from Camp (2-for-4, run, RBI).
Jules Sharon also contributed at the plate for the Bombers, going 2-for-4 with a double and run scored.
McNerney struck out three Minnechaug batters.
Walton, Cooper, Main each hit pair
Smith Academy 18, Gateway 5
HUNTINGTON – Jessie Walton (2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI), Jordan Cooper (2-3, double, run, hit by pitch), and Meghan Main (2-4) paved the way on offense for Gateway.
Lancers ground Bombers
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Longmeadow 19, Westfield 2
Mackenzie Millikan scored the lone two Westfield goals in a tough loss for her team.
