Published in the June 15, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MARBLEHEAD, MA—The Melrose High girls’ softball team’s season ended on Friday, June 8 in the Div. 2 North playoff opener at Marblehead Veteran’s Middle School when the team took a 5-2 loss to Marblehead. 

No. 13 seed Melrose faced a formidable opponent in #1 seed Marblehead (17-2) headed by pitcher Charlotte Plakans, who has notched over 100 strikeouts over the season and registered seven against Melrose. But the Lady Raiders had their own weapon in Jill Stone, who has done the lion’s share of pitching duties in a tireless season. 

She retired the side at the start of the game and Melrose struck first at the plate when Sam Farrell scored an RBI single to knock in Emily Cataldo to give Melrose a 1-0 lead.

“We had a great start to the game and all the momentum was on our side. And then the pendulum swung,” said Melrose coach Tawny Palmieri. “Timing is everything.”

THE MELROSE High girls’ softball team saw their successful season come to a close with a loss to Marblehead, 5-2. (Donna Larsson photo)

In the second inning, there was a brief rain delay and when it ended, a revived Magician squad cast a spell and reversed course. Marblehead’s Plakans retired Melrose batters and tied the game with an RBI single that made it 1-1. In the fourth inning, Melrose regained the lead, 2-1 when Jill Stone knocked in Sam Farrell, beating out a throw to first. 

“Jill batted incredibly well and she really pitched here heart out,” says the coach. 

In the fifth, Marblehead’s Sammir Treff knocked in Emma Ferrante to tie things up. Melrose stranded runners with bases loaded in the sixth, missing an opportunity to break open the game.

“Not capitalizing on that hurt us,” says Palmieri. “We were just looking for a hit that could knock in a run or two. It could have swayed the game. But Marblehead was finding the holes on the field and played great defensively.” 

One instant was a Marblehead double play at first base off a smoking line drive single by Saoirse Connolly. “It was a great heads up catch, but if that got past her it would have driven in two runs. Saoirse is a special player and she hits the ball hard.” 

Marblehead’s Ferrante and teammate Mercedes Pelletier helped drive in runs to make it a 5-2 game and despite a single by Melrose’s Cataldo, the Lady Raiders came up empty in the 7th which gave Marblehead the win.  

Despite the loss, Palmieri is more than proud of her first team at MHS. It’s been a great debut for the coach.  “This is the best group. I couldn’t have asked for a better one to coach in my first season.” 

That includes her seniors, Saoirse Connolly, Sam Farrell, Emily Cataldo and Caitlin Kenney. “They wanted this game and I wish it could have ended with a win. But this isn’t the end for them, many will go on to play college ball.” 

But Melrose is a fairly young team who return many underclassmen, including their pitchers. No doubt the future is bright for the Melrose sluggers. 

Says the coach, “I’m encouraging the girls to work hard on the off season so we can come back even stronger next spring.”