Unbeaten and outscoring the opposition 84-10 through six games, Division I state finalist Bishop Guertin issued a warning shot to the rest of the state in the early going:
The Cardinals are back.
Claire Ballard and the Windham Jaguars had a message of their own to send on Thursday afternoon.
The Bates College-bound senior struck out six in a complete-game, powering the Jags to a 7-2 victory. At 7-0, Windham is one of just three Division I unbeatens, along with Londonderry and Pinkerton Academy.
“This one was really huge for our team,” said Ballard. “We’ve put in the effort, and it’s all coming together. We’re really firing in all aspects of our game.
“We’ve been really positive, coming together, supporting each other. We’re focusing on the little wins, and we’re using them to get the bigger wins.”
Ballard got plenty of help behind her in the field, including a very familiar face, her sophomore sister Kate at second base.
“She’s killing it right now. I’m so proud of her,” said Claire. “I love playing with her. I really do.
“Our defense helped us out so much (Thursday). They were on fire.”
Senior Anna Mitrou homered and singled, driving in three runs. Kate Ballard and freshman Lily Carballeira had multi-hit games.
“Never in my four years have we had a record this good,” said Claire. “Wanting to keep that up just keeps us going. This has been great. It really has. As long as we keep the energy up, we should be OK.”