The rookies on the Pride are proving themselves early and often this season.
Freshman Molly McLaughlin connected for a two-run single in the top of the second and junior pitcher Ann Bascom tossed a complete game in front a strong team defense, leading the Merrimack Valley softball team to a 2-1 victory over Pembroke.
The Pride (3-0) are undefeated to start the season, while the Spartans drop to 1-2.
“Three of (our freshmen) start. They really just follow the leadership of the seniors,” Pride Head Coach Sam York said. “They’ve fallen right in. It’s really been very seamless.”
The freshmen made their plays in the field, but senior shortstop Katelyn Hill was the standout, turning a double play to end the game with the game-tying run on base.
Hill also went 2-for-2 and drew two intentional walks.
“I’m biased, but she’s one of the best shortstops in our division,” York said. “She anchors our infield. Pembroke is known for having comebacks. They had the tying runner on base in the seventh. To turn a double play to end the game was terrific.”
Bascom (no earned runs allowed, three hits, no walks) kept the Spartans off the board until the fourth inning when Pembroke hit a one-out single and advanced to second on an error. Another error on a grounder brought the runner home, cutting MV’s lead to 2-1.
“Ann was outstanding in the circle and the defense behind her played well,” York said.
But Bascom and company buckled down after that, only allowing one Spartan to reach base, a single in the top of the seventh.
Chloe Carigan pitched a complete game for Pembroke.
John Stark 17, Lebanon 0
Key players: John Stark – Delani Dowst (3 scoreless IP, 6 strikeouts), Jocelyn Dimond 2-for-3, 2 runs, 3-run triple), Haley Philibotte (2-for-3,triple, 2 runs), Gillian McGirr (3-for-4, double, 3 runs)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals connected for 20 hits and Dimond sparked the offense with a three-run triple in the second to give John Stark a decisive win in its opener.
Coach’s quote: “Our season home opener couldn’t have gone any better with everyone contributing offensively and our pitching staff having a very strong showing in just their first game of the season.” – John Stark’s Gerry Morin
Records: John Stark 1-0; Lebanon 0-2
Belmont 7, Raymond 2
Key players: Belmont – Chantel Martin (3-for-3), Lizzie Fleming (2-for-4)
Highlights/key moments: Julianna Estremera came in to pitch in the fifth inning and earned the save. Estremera retired all nine batters she faced.
Coach’s quote: “Offensively we need to make adjustments, but I’m very happy with our defensive play in the game.” – Belmont’s Bill Clary
Records: Belmont 3-0; Raymond 0-1
Bishop Brady 23, Winnisquam 8
Key players: Bishop Brady – Abby Santis (6-for-6, 3 R, 5 RBI), Aniecia Vargas (5-for-6, 5 R, HR, 3 RBI), Maddy Rines (3-for-4, R, 2 doubles, 3 RBI), Cait Mallahan (2-for-3, R, HR, 5 RBI), Jamie Cookingham (2-for-4, 4 R, HR, 5 RBI), Lily Rivera (W, 3⅔ IP, 4 K; 2-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBI), Emily Santis (1-for-5, 2 R); Winnisquam – Lauren Bolstridge (3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 doubles), Madysin Skeats (1-for-3, RBI), Carly Catty (1-for-3, 2 RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears have now scored 37 runs in three games but only have two wins to show for it. The Green Giants led by just one entering the fifth inning, but plated 14 runs in the final three frames to cruise to their third straight win to open the season.
Coach’s quote: “Off to a great start. We had some great at bats today, even the outs were loud.” – Bishop Brady’s Freddy Rivera
Coach’s quote: “Hopefully we do better fielding and pitching and keep hitting.” – Winnisquam’s Kevin Dame
Records: Brady 3-0 ; Winnisquam 2-1
Franklin 25, Somersworth 1
Key players: Franklin – Hailey Haskins (5 IP, hit, 9 strikeouts, no walks; 3-for-5, 5 RBI, 3 runs, 2-run home run), Anna Doherty (grand slam), Mackenzie Weatherbee (3-for-4, walk, 4 runs, home run), Maria Haney (2 hits), Lexi Lynch (2 hits), Ryley Haskins (2 hits), Jess Cilley (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments: Haskins pitched a one-hitter in a game shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule. Haskins also hit a two-run homer and Weatherbee hit a solo shot in a 10-run second inning. The Golden Tornadoes hit early and often, scoring nine runs in the first inning. Doherty hit a grand slam in the third. Franklin had 18 hits as a team and took advantage of nine walks.
Coach’s quote: “Games like this are difficult to assess, particularly when almost everything goes right for you. We hit everything. We had more hits tonight then the entire team did all last night in the batting cage.” – Franklin’s Skip DuBois
Records: Franklin 2-0; Somersworth 0-2
White Mtns. 7, Gilford 3
Key players: Gilford – Kasey Moore (triple, single), Brooke Beaudet (2-run double), Jillian Lachapelle (6 hits, 6 strikeouts)
Highlights/key moments: The game was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the sixth inning when the Spartans scored six runs to secure the win. The Golden Eagles answered with two runs in the top of the seventh. Moore and Samantha Knowles singled and were driven home by Beaudet’s two-run double. Moorun double by Brooke Beaudet.
Coach’s quote: “White Mountains is the defending state champions and we outhit them, 8-6. Jillian Lachapelle got her first varsity start on the mound and held White Mountains to only two hits in the first five innings.” – Gilford’s Joan Forge
Records: White Mtns. 1-0; Gilford 0-2
Newfound 8, Kearsarge 0
Key players: Newfound – Amanda Johnston (6 IP, 3 H, 8 K; 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB), Ashlee Dukette (2-for-4, 3 RBI, HR); Kearsarge – Katlyn Kleckner (1-for-3), Rachel Breault (1-for-3), Rachel Breault (7 IP, 9 H)
Highlights/key moments: Dukette lifted a two-run homer and Johnston was nearly perfect at the plate to help the Bears win their second game of the season. Newfound played a clean game with no errors while allowing just two walks. Paige Dostie put down a nice sacrifice bunt and the defense was led by Hayleigh Letourneau at second base and Hallie Clark at first.
Records: Newfound 2-0; Kearsarge 0-3
Sunapee 14, Hopkinton 1
Key players: Hopkinton – Gabby Lajeunesse (run)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks struggled both offensively and defensively against the Lakers. A 2-1 game after two soon turned into a blowout as Sunapee took advantage of every opportunity and the Hawks couldn’t manage a hit.
Coach’s quote: “Rough day but hopefully we got everything out of our system in one day.” – Hopkinton’s Dan Meserve
Records: Sunapee 2-0; Hopkinton 2-1
Farmington 17, Pittsfield 10
Key players: Pittsfield – Allyssa Sullivan (3-for-4, double, triple, 2 runs) Arianna Cyr 3-for-4, 3 runs), Tori Lee (1-for-2, 2 walks, 3 runs)
Highlights/key moments: The Panthers didn’t give up and played offensively, but ultimately fell to the Tigers.
Coach’s quote: “Four games in four days, but we hold our heads high. We have three more games this week. We have to stay strong.” – Pittsfield’s Buddy Carchide
Records: Farmington 1-2; Pittsfield 2-2
Hollis/Brookline 11, John Stark 8
Key players: John Stark – Rylee Ledoux (5 goals), Lexi Knapton (first career 2 varsity goals, 4 draw controls), Sara Medvetz (2 goals, 2 assists ), Allie McKean – (6 groundballs, goal, good clearing)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals fell behind by two goals early on, but rattled off four goals in the last five minutes of the half to take a 7-4 halftime lead. The Cavaliers scored four straight goals to open the second half and John Stark couldn’t capitalize on scoring chances late in the game.
Coach’s quote: “The girls played a great last 15 minutes of the first half, but having three starters out showed as the game wore on. We will have to do better at capitalizing on scoring opportunities.” – John Stark’s John Warner
Records: H/B 3-0; John Stark 0-2
Winnacunnet 16, Pembroke 0
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans fought hard, but fell short against an undefeated Warriors squad.
Records: Winnacunnet 3-0; Pembroke 0-2
Kearsarge 16, Bishop Brady 3
Key players: Kearsarge – Leslie Angus (6 goals, assist), Jackie DeAngelis (3 goals, assist), Emilie Webster (3 goals, assist), Maicy Hansen (2 goals, 2 assists), Anya Nowicki (15 saves); Bishop Brady – Sam Will (2 goals), Emma Windsor (11 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Nowicki shut down the Green Giants’ offense and was supported by a prolific offense, helping the Cougars win its second-straight game.
Records: Kearsarge 2-1; Bishop Brady 1-2
Derryfield 7, Bishop Brady 2
Key players: Bishop Brady – Abi Leonardi (8-0 win at No. 2), Emma Place (8-0 win at No. 4)
Highlights/key moments: Freshman Rachel Achong lost a competitive match at No. 3 singles and Aleksa Bonvie played a gritty match, losing 8-5 at No. 5 singles against the undefeated Cougars.
Coach’s quote: “Derryfield is a top four contender and played like it today.” – Bishop Brady’s Lee Herrington
Records: Derryfield 4-1; Bishop Brady 0-1
Man. Central 7, Concord 2
Key players: Concord – Abby Pope (win at No. 4 singles), Lydia Yen and Emma Pederson (win at No. 3 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide only managed two victories against the undefeated Little Green.
Coach’s quote: “Central came to play today and showed Concord why they they remain undefeated. We have some work to do.” – Concord’s PJ Cistulli
Records: Man. Central 4-0; Concord 2-1
St. Thomas 8, Pembroke 1
Key players: Pembroke – Kaitlyn Thompson and Jaden Russell (8-4 win at No. 1 doubles)
Highlights/key moments: The Spartans won the top doubles match, but lost on the road to the Saints.
Coach’s quote: “St. Thomas played steady against us today.” – Pembroke’s David Goulet
Records: St. Thomas 2-1; Pembroke 0-2
Bow 7, Gilford 2
Key players: Bow – Nandita Kasireddy (8-5 win at No. 1), Gwen Molind (8-1 win at No. 3), Izzy Urbina (8-0 win at No. 4), Emma Conley (8-1 win at No. 5), Isabelle Dolcino (8-0 win at No. 6)
Highlights/key moments: The Golden Eagles took wins in the top singles and doubles matches, but the Falcons domianted the bottom of the ladder. Claire Mulvaney and Urbina won 8-1 at No. 2 doubles while Dolcino and Lara Chern won 8-1 at No. 3. Molind and Kasireddy lost No. 1 doubles in a tiebreaker.
Records: Bow 2-0; Gilford 1-3