METHUEN – All through the year at different points, Molly Purtschert has made the walk from left field to the mound in relief.
Big situations, tight spots, she’s seen it all. And for the most part, the Mia Rousseau/Purtschert pitching combo has worked to perfection for the MVC2 champs from Andover High School.
In Saturday night’s Methuen Invitational title game, Purtschert was summoned a bit earlier than usual – with the bases loaded and no out in the second inning tied at 2-2 against the host Rangers.
And again, the senior delivered. Purtschert worked six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, striking out four, to lift the Warriors to the 10-4 win and back-to-back Methuen Invite titles.
“I’m used to it at this point. I come in a lot in the middle of the game, but I’ve learned to tune everything out, to tune out the screaming and tune out the pressure and just take it one pitch at a time,” said Purtschert, the tourney Most Valuable Player.
“It means a lot to go two years in a row and win this. Last year, we had a great year, but to show that wasn’t just a one-time thing and to show we are a great program, keeping it going, that’s really important.”
The stellar mound work allowed Andover to do what it does best – hit. And the Warriors did just that to finish up at 15-5 and claim their sixth title in the 25-year history of the event.
Purtschert had three hits, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs to pace the offense. Catcher Aria Fraser was lethal at the top of the lineup in a 3-for-3 night, scoring twice, and Evie Rittershaus drilled two of the Warriors’ 12 hits. Caroline Samaras made a pair of dynamite catches in left field with runners on to help Purtschert escape any real damage.
“I think this was a really big win for us in terms of momentum,” said Purtschert as the Warriors now turn the page to the postseason. “We’re just going to keep the energy up, and I think this is a really good boost for us going into the tournament. We’ve built some good confidence.
“I think we just have some extra grit as a team. We’re really tough, and we’re really passionate. We just love being out here playing the game.”
Adriana Delaney won the Methuen MVP award for the tourney. Coming off a three-hit night in Friday’s semis, the senior had a double and a triple in the final for the 10-10 Rangers, who will also head to the Division 1 state tourney after a brief, one-year hiatus.
In the consolation round, Amesbury beat North Andover, 6-4, despite three hits from Knights’ tourney MVP Lauren Lynch. Katie Manzi had two hits.
North Andover finished up the regular season at 11-9.