After losing three of its last four games, the Concord High softball team found a way to win on Friday, claiming a 3-2, 10-inning win at Manchester Central. And it was sophomore Abby Rochette who showed the Crimson Tide the way.
Rochette roped a triple to the fence in the top of the 10th and scored what turned into the winning run after the throw got away from the cutoff. And in the bottom of the 10th, Rochette completed her five innings of hitless relief to earn the win in the circle.
“We started off a little shaky but finished strong to get back on the winning track,” Concord assistant coach Sandy Smith said. “I’m very happy with the effort and enthusiasm late in the game. Overall, a good step in the right direction.”
Concord (6-6) trailed, 2-1, in the sixth, but Jill Dusseault (2-for-4, double, RBI) delivered a double to plate Izzy Dunn (4-for-5, double, two runs) and tie the game.
Caitlyn Shea started the game for Concord and pitched five innings, giving up two unearned runs on four hits. Abby Corbett drove in the Tide’s first run with a double and Emmily Attocknie (seven assists) had a great defensive game at third.
SOFTBALL
John Stark 15, Lebanon 3
Key players: John Stark – Haley Philibotte (3-for-3, double, 2 runs), Jocelyn Dimond (2-for-3, 4 runs, 2 BB)
Highlights/key moments: The Generals scored 12 runs on 13 hits in the first inning to take total control early.
Records: John Stark 4-6; Lebanon 2-7
Pembroke Academy 13,
Merrimack Valley 2
Key players: MV – Katelyn Hill (1-for-2, RBI double), Molly McLaughlin (RBI single)
Highlights/key moments: It was the fourth win in a row for the Spartans.
Records: Pembroke 8-4; MV 7-4
Franklin 9, Hanover 1
Key players: Franklin – Meghan Johnston (complete game, 1 H, 11 K, 1 BB; 3-for-4, 3 runs), Anna Doherty (2 hits), Mackenzie Weatherbee (2 hits)
Highlights/key moments: Making her first varsity start, Johnston tossed a gem and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning
Records: Franklin 5-5; Hanover 0-11
Hopkinton 13, Newmarket 7
Key players: Hopkinton – Megan Blanchette (2-for-2, 3 RBI, 2 runs, triple), Gabby Lajeunesse (1-for-2, 4 runs) Clara Walling (1-for-3, RBI)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks were the beneficiaries of 14 walks and four hit batters and led 11-3 after five innings. Fourteen Hopkinton players got an at-bat in the game.
Coach’s quote: “It isn’t often you get four wins in a week. Nice job by the team to take care of business.” – Hopkinton’s Dan Meserve
Records: Hopkinton 10-2; Newmarket 2-10
Londonderry 15, Concord 4
Key players: Concord – Becca Proulx (2 goals), Nicole Toler (goal), Jess Nelson (goal)
Highlights/key moments: After recording goal totals of 15 and 14 in its last two games, the Tide struggled to get the attack going against the Lancers.
Coach’s quote: “It was a tough game. We had our moments but we were unable to come away with a victory.” – Concord’s Steph Johnson
Records: Concord 5-4; Londonderry 8-4
Bishop Brady 14,
Pembroke Academy 8
Key players: Brady – Abby Sharpf (3 goals), Sam Will (3 goals), Mary Anne Wiley (2 goals), Abby Tremblay (2 goals), Alex Sacco (two goals), Hannah Brigham (goal), Molly Levesque (goal), Macaela Eaton (defense), Emma Windsor (21 saves)
Records: Bishop Brady 3-5; Pembroke 1-9
Oyster River 15, Merrimack Valley 5
Key players: MV – Brittany Leonard (20 saves), Talia Dinger (4 goals), Elli Acquilano (goal)
Highlights/key moments: After falling behind 10-1, the Pride stepped up after halftime.
Records: MV 3-5; Oyster River 5-5
Hopkinton 16, Belmont 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Amelia Bassett (4 goals, 2 assists), Lyndon Flanagan (3 goals, 3 assists), Taylor Signor (2 goals, 2 assists), Hannah Wood (2 goals)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks notched their third win in the last four games, blanking the winless Raiders as Emily Metzger and Sydney Stockwell picked up their first varsity goals.
Records: Hopkinton 7-3; Belmont 0-5
Kearsarge 14, St. Thomas 2
Key players: Kearsarge – Leslie Angus (6 goals, 3 assists), Jackie DeAngelis (4 goals, assist), Maicy Hansen (2 goals, assist)
Highlights/key moments: Kearsarge traveled to Dover and found its second straight win.
Records: Kearsarge 7-3; St. Thomas 4-6
Concord 5, Exeter 4
Key players: Concord – Becky Cistulli (8-1 singles win), Abby Pope (8-0 singles win), Sabrina Hart-Meyer (8-4 singles win)
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide earned the road win on the doubles courts as Alex Killinger and Cistulli came from 5-0 down to pull out an 8-6 win at first doubles and Hart-Meyer and Pope won, 8-4, at second doubles.
Coach’s quote: “The girls came to the match with confidence and played with purpose against a perennial playoff team We are part of the conversation for playoffs.” – Concord’s PJ Cistulli
Records: Concord 8-4; Exeter 8-2
Plymouth 6, Kearsarge 3
Key players: Kearsarge – Morganne Flinkstrom (9-7 win at No. 3 singles), Ellie Mellot (8-6 win at No. 4)
Highlights/key moments: The Division III Cougars needed to win all three doubles matches to claim the team win against D-II Plymouth, but Kearsarge only managed one doubles decision as Elise Paquette and Ellie Mellot won, 9-8, at first doubles.
Coach’s quote: “Today was Senior Day at Kearsarge … I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to coach these six wonderful girls.” – Kearsarge’s Laura Joslin-King
Records: Kearsarge 2-10, Plymouth 7-4
Oyster River 8, Coe-Brown 1
Key players: Coe-Brown – Jillian Gordon (win at No. 3 singles)
Highlights/key moments: After winning eight straight matches, the Bears have now lost their last two against a pair of top teams in Division II.
Records: Coe-Brown 8-4; Oyster River 8-3