Connolly hits 2 HRs, no hitter tossed by Stone
Published in the April 27, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider softball enjoyed a thrilling week that included a no-hitter tossed by junior pitcher Jill Stone and two in-the-park homers by senior captain Saoirse Connolly. Their efforts helped Melrose (3-2) pick up two wins this week, including a rare victory over Woburn, 5-2 on April 19 and a 12-0 mercy-rule win over Stoneham.
According to coach Tawny Palmieri, beating Woburn (17-3 last season) was a historic feat. “This is the first time Melrose has beaten Woburn in years – at last four, so this was definitely a big win.”
It was a solid overall effort from the team, with stellar pitching from Jill Stone and two home runs from senior captain Saoirse Connolly, who scored all five RBI’s in the game, a monster performance for the slugger.
SAOIRSE CONNOLLY scored all 5 runs in Melrose’s victory over Woburn on April 19, including two in-the-park home runs. (Donna Larsson photo)
“Saoirse stepped up emormously for us,” says the coach. “And Jill just shut them down. She was hitting her spots and when she controls her spots she can beat anyone.”
Stone was aided by the work of Emily Cataldo, who went 3-3 at the plate, Sam Farrell (2-4) and Briana Stanton (2-4). Their hits were crucial in allowing Connolly to clear the bases. “We played as a team and stepped up when we needed to,” says the coach.
On Monday, Melrose hosted Stoneham and shut the Spartans out in a remarkable no-no from Stone thrown over five innings. “I was so happy for her and so were her teammates,” says the coach. And Melrose’s 12 runs were courtesy of some power hitting by Emily Cataldo, Saoirse Connolly, Sam Farrell and Briana Stanton.
Palmieri was especially pleased that the game was an opportunity to get her entire 17 player roster into the game. “Everyone contributed and got time to help lead us to victory.”
Melrose (3-3) is clicking at the right time with an improved chemistry. “I’m not sure our record indicates what this team is capable of,” the coach says. “When we click, we can compete and beat anyone.”
What’s the key to that clicking? A newness about the team. “We have new players, a freshmen on our team, new coaches, there is a formula that the kids are responding to,” she says. “I’m seeing them bond now and that helps our efforts on the field.”
Melrose hopes to continue their winning ways when they host Wakefield on Thursday (post-deadline) and will travel to Burlington on Monday for a league game at 3:45 p.m.
