Contributed Article:
It appears that Hopkinton and Norton are on a collision course for the league title in Hopkinton on Thursday. Both beat a tough Medway team this week, and both look to repeat their early season success against Medfield this week before matching up in what appears to be the game that could decide the league title.
On Monday in a hotly contested game, Hopkinton rallied to overcome an early Medway lead and beat the Mustangs 7-3 behind the arm of Heather Holly. Elsewhere, sophomore pitcher Alana Potts had a CG win and a walk-off GWRBI against Bellingham in a tough 2-1 Warrior victory, and Ashland continued its impressive resurgence under first year coach Steve Abbatine with a convincing 13-4 win over Millis.
Tuesday’s showcase game was an instant classic, a 9-inning 1-0 win for Millis over Holliston. Senior Carly Wenzel impressed in her first start of the season, outdueling Erin Kerr (12K) for the complete game win. D-S defeated Wayland in a non-league game, 11-0 behind 4 hits from junior Tara Raftery.
Wednesday had some big matchups, as Holliston shocked Medway, scoring two runs in the 7th for a walkoff win, 8-7. Lindsay Howland and Erin Kerr each had 3 RBI for the Panthers, while Cat Higgins had three hits for the Mustangs. Medfield defeated Ashland 8-6, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit courtesy of a bases-clearing triple in the first inning by hot-hitting Clocker Jillian Celatka. Elizabeth Cousins, Katie Zona, and Ari Tristani all paced the offense, while Elisa Cimmino continued her excellent defensive play at 2nd base, snuffing out some potential Ashland rallies throughout the game. Also, Norton defeated Bellingham 2-0 behind a 2 hit performance in the circle by Megan Vegnani.
On Thursday, Norton’s Kelly Nelson continued her impressive first half with a 16K performance over Medway, as the Lancers won 7-0. Medfield continued its winning ways with a solid road win over Millis, 8-2. Alana Potts notched her 6th win of the season, and captains Ally Carlin and Elizabeth Cousins paced the offense with key 2-out RBI hits. Cimmino again had a fantastic defensive game, matched play for play by Millis’ center fielder Emily Malewicz who made several key catches.
Big upcoming games this week are tough road matchups for Medfield; Monday at Norton, Tuesday at Holliston, and Wednesday at Hopkinton, Millis vs. Medway on Tuesday, Holliston vs. Millis on Wednesday, and the big game on Thursday as Norton travels to Hopkinton for the biggest matchup of the week.
Coaches, be sure to let me know any performances to include each week, as well as things that can’t be gleaned from the maxpreps website.
