High school softball roundup

Lady Pirates clinch District berth

Text and photos By Steev Riccardo

Whatever it is that they are putting in the water in Oxford that the town’s baseball players are drinking, it sure looks like the Oxford Pirates girls’ team might be tapping into that source as well.

Last Thursday May 10) the Lady Pirates clobbered the Sutton Sammies 13-1 and clinched their second straight trip to the District playoffs in the process. Last year, they advanced to the second round before being eliminated.

It’s no surprise that “The Franchise” Nicole Mangaudis pitched yet another complete game, striking out 9 Sammies’ batters while allowing a mere two hits.

Callie Andrews pounded out three hits and senior star Kayde McCarthy had two hits and a run-batted-in while scoring three times for the Pirates.

Thursday’s win came on the heels of another masterful performance by Mangaudis on Wednesday, when she not only struck out 12 Northbridge Rams batters but also added three hits in the Pirates 10-4 victory.

This time it was all-star catcher Sarah Smith, who is hitting a team leading .467, and Evelyn Marquis, who is also killing the ball with a .457 batting average, that led the hitting assault.  Like their counterparts on the baseball field, it’s always a team effort with the Pirates.

Rams eyeing playoffs
The Shepherd Hill Rams have seven games remaining at press time and, as it looks, need three wins to clinch a playoff birth.  They definitely have a shot at getting it done and you have to believe with Molly Covill leading the way on the mound, they will.

Last week was a rough week for the Lady Rams as they were shutout by Leicester 3-0 on Wednesday and dropped by the Auburn Rockets on Friday 6-4.

The Rams have been hitting really well with Samantha Miller leading the team in hitting with a .414 batting average.  Marissa Colby (.406) and Cassidy Colby (.391) are also having excellent seasons at the plate.

Indians looking for positives
It’s been a rough season for the Bartlett Lady Indians but there is also optimism that they have a lot of young players that the team can build on.  One of those is 12-year-old Lucy Orne, who has been pitching better and better in every game.

Last week Orne had two consecutive games where she only allowed three runs and the Bartlett coaches have to be happy about that.  Another player who has been playing solid defense and will be returning is catcher Tori Mcintyre, who has other intangibles, one being her great attitude towards her team and the game in general.

In last week’s 3-2 loss to David Prouty, it was senior Lindsay Bond who led the way with a pair of hits. Amanda Collins also added two hits in the loss.

The Indians have a key matchup today with archrival the Shepherd Hill Rams. A win in this game could salvage what has been a tough season for the 2-11 team.

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