Talk about a big stage to enjoy your breakout game.
On Friday afternoon, Triton freshman Virginia Thompson picked quite the spot to introduce herself to the CAL softball world. The team’s new starting catcher this year, Thompson went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI to lead the Vikings to a victory over rival Newburyport, 10-5.
It was a gritty bounceback win for Triton (1-1), after it fell to North Reading in a pitcher’s duel the day prior, 2-1. Emma Penniman had 10 strikeouts in the circle during that one, but only her and Jillian Guisto managed to get hits. That, however, changed on Friday thanks to Thompson. Once again Penniman had 10 punchouts along with a hit, and both Maddie January and Maggie Rennick also had hits to help the Vikings overcome making six errors.
For Newburyport (1-2), Cassidy Bolcome went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI, and Isla DeVivo had the team’s final hit. The Clippers will look to get back on track when the travel to Pentucket on Monday (4 p.m.).
PENTUCKET: Murphy reaches 100 hits, Panthers slug past North Reading
It’s already two games, and two huge wins for Pentucket.
After taking down Essex Tech to open their season, the Panthers were able to keep it rolling on Friday with a massive victory over a perennially-strong North Reading program, 12-8. And leading the way once again was Kayla Murphy, who went 3-for-4 with a grand slam to eclipse the 100-hit career milestone. Factoring in the two games this spring, the UMass Boston commit and three-time Daily News All-Star now has a career .453 average (102-for-225).
Elsewhere for Pentucket (2-0) on Friday, leadoff hitter Sarah Freitas went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, and Mia Bartholomew went 1-for-2 with three RBI. Then in the circle, Molly LeBel added nine more strikeouts to her ever-growing career totals (595).
AMESBURY: Donnell, Redhawks blast 18 hits in win
It didn’t take long for the Amesbury bats to get into midseason form.
During their season opener on a chilly Thursday afternoon, the Redhawks belted out 18 hits to roll to a victory over Manchester-Essex, 19-7. Senior captain Alex Donnell had herself a game, going 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while also tossing all seven innings in the circle and striking out nine.
Celia Tavares, a returning CAL All-Star, also got off to a hot start, going 2-for-4 with a home run in the top of the fourth inning. Fellow senior captain Lexi LeBlanc went 3-for-5 with three RBI, and Hope Shanahan, Addy Cooper, Ana Gordon and Charlotte Costigan all had two hits as well.
GOVERNOR’S: Rough week results in two setbacks
It appears that Governor’s Academy found the strength of the ISL this week.
Following a pair of wins to open its season, the Govs couldn’t keep the momentum rolling over the last seven days. On Wednesday it was a tough 8-0 loss to Phillips Andover Acadmey, then on Friday Tabor Academy came into town and was able to drive away with a walkoff 4-3 victory.
Angelina Moroz, of Merrimac, still had a nice week. Against Phillips she went 1-for-2 at the plate, then in the matchup against Tabor she went 1-for-3 while also going the distance in the circle and striking out 12. Only one of the four runs she allowed was earned.