by Jacob Schwartz
Central Catholic defeated the Tigers 7-2 June 2 in the first round of the State Tournament. According to coach Lauren Baugher, the Tigers struggled in the field, hurting their chances of winning.
“We didn’t make plays when we had the opportunities,” Baugher said. “We basically gave them the game with our errors.”
Still, according to Baugher, there were some bright spots to take away from the game.
“Junior Clare Doolin pitched well, and senior Meghan Pursley hit a triple to knock in sophomore Bridget McLaughlin,” she said. Pursley subsequently scored the Tigers’ second and final run.
Like many years, this season was one of learning for softball, 14-7, Baugher said. “We’ve learned about how we can play defense behind our pitchers and the importance of being strong on defense, as well as in general just taking it one game at a time.”
According to Pursley, a captain with senior Ali Pappas, since this time last year, the team has changed. “We were completely different than we had been a year ago. The dynamic was just different. We had different types of hitters, and we were younger.”
Because of these changes, Pursley said, the team has different parts of the game it will continue to work on next season, including putting an emphasis on defense.
On Senior Day, May 26, the Tigers defeated Wellesley 12-1 at home.
One day before the victory over Wellesley, the Tigers defeated Needham in a landslide on the road May 25, 14-1.
At Framingham May 23, the Tigers won 6-2.
The Tigers defeated Weymouth 8-2 May 21 on the road, in what Pursley described as the high point of the season for the team.
“We played with such an aggressive attitude and took advantage of their mistakes.”
“We were aggressive on the bases and took every opportunity they gave us and ran with it.”
Pursley also was impressed by the fact that every teammate contributed.
“Everyone did something that helped us succeed, whether it was being loud on the bench, helping a player warm up or pinch running,” she said.
In the 32-1 demolition of Brookline May 20 at home, younger players were given some varsity playing time in order to prepare them for their futures with the team.
The victory qualified the Tigers for the State Tournament.
Juniors Katie Caruso and Clare Doolin were first team Bay State Conference all-stars.
Sophomore Zoe Cassidy recieved an honorable mention.