Softball: Concord 4, Salem 2

Concord 4, Salem 2

Key players: Concord – Kryslin Stearns (3-for-3, 2 doubles, 2 RBI), Andie Moreira (2-for-3, double, RBI, run), Sarah Taylor (hit, run), Kennedy Craigue (hit, RBI, run), Brooke Wyatt (hit), Delaney Duford (run), Maddy Wachter (win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 6 K) Salem — Madeline Beeley (HR), Emersen Poulin (2 H), Ava McNamara (2 hits; 6 IP, 1 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 6 K)

Highlights: Concord broke out for three runs in the first and played error-free ball to secure the top seed and a first-round bye for the upcoming D-I tournament. Taylor, a junior, rapped her 100th career hit. The Tide finished the regular season with victories against five top-nine teams over the last two weeks.

Coach’s quote: “We had a rugged schedule to close the regular season which has us starting to hit our stride. This game definitely took on a playoff feel, and there’s a good chance we could meet Salem again in the playoffs.” – Concord assistant Sandy Smith

Records: Concord 17-1; Salem 14-3