The Methuen High softball seniors, so pleased with their return to the Division 1 state tourney after a one-year hiatus, weren’t about to be one and done.
“This one means so much to me and (Laritza Santana),” said Ranger captain Adriana Delaney after No. 22 Methuen took to the road and took out No. 11 Needham, 7-1, on Monday afternoon.
“To be able to get back to the tournament after last year and keep our senior season going means so much.”
Both Delaney and Santana played big roles in the victory, each stroking a hit and driving in a run.
But the story on Monday was freshman pitcher Delaney D’Hondt and the resurgent Ranger defense behind her.
“(D’Hondt) pitched a heck of a game, and we played great defense,” said Delaney. “Sam Chalupa was great in right, too. She threw out runners at first and at third base.”
Pitching with an early lead, D’Hondt dazzled, allowing only four hits and striking out seven.
Delaney noted the Rangers had seen plenty of the 14-2 Rockets on film and were ready to go.
“We had to play our best to win,” she said. “And in the first inning, we jumped on them very quickly.
“I think as soon as we hit the bus, everyone was very pumped up. We trusted each other today.”
Melany Reyes led the offense with three hits and two RBIs. Sarah Fairchild and Addy Campbell had two hits apiece, while Chalupa pitched in a hit and drove in a run.
Now 11-10, Methuen will next challenge No. 6 Bridgewater-Raynham. That one will be Thursday at 5 p.m., again on the road.
“I feel like our bats have come alive,” said Delaney, who had five hits in the two-game Methuen Invitational back on Memorial Day weekend. “We’re very excited to be in the Sweet 16, and we’re confident and will be ready to play.”
Mass. Division 1 Softball
Round of 32
Franklin 4, Haverhill 3
The 21st-seeded Hillies took the long trip down I-495 hungry for an upset of their own against No. 12 Franklin.
Down 3-0 Haverhill rallied to tie it up two RBI singles from Emma Proia and Gabryella Kirby in the top of the seventh, only to see Franklin walk it off in the bottom half.
Bella Libucha drove in the first run in the sixth for Haverhill, which closes out at 10-11.
Mass. Division 1 Baseball
Round of 32
Xaverian 14, North Andover 3Christian Valentino, Angel Hoil-Soto and Jacob Gallant had the lone hits for the Knights. Hoil-Soto, Gallant and Joe Dorsey drove in runs.
North Andover finished at 13-11.
Mass. Division 1 Girls Tennis
Round of 16
Needham 4, Andover 1Ishwa Dharan rallied from down a set to win in three, but that was all the damage the Warriors could do against unbeaten Needham.
The MVC champs finish up at 15-2.