Comeback win over Wakefield earns Melrose a postseason
Published in the May 25, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High softball team is returning to playoffs after clinching a spot with a 10-8 comeback win over rival Wakefield on Wednesday, May 16 at Vet’s Field in Wakefield. Melrose remains 9-7 on the season with contests against Wilmington and non-league Malden remaining.
Getting to playoffs is an impressive feat for first-year coach Tawny Palmieri, who earlier this season indicated a desire for Melrose to both qualify and make an extended run in the postseason.
“Wakefield was a tough game,” says Palmieri. “Both teams were hungry. Jill pitched the entire game and kept her head when things got tough, she did exactly what a good pitcher should do. [Colette] Skinner and [Sam] Farrell came up with some big hits when we needed them the most. Total team effort.”
Melrose pitcher Jill Stone went the distance for the Lady Raiders in 7 innings. “Jill has been the glue of the team,” says her coach. “She’s is one of the strongest mental pitchers I’ve had the privilege of coaching. She doesn’t let anything bother her. Couldn’t ask for a better attitude and teammate on the mound. She works well with Sam Farrell, great battery to coach.”
SENIOR MEMBERS are a big reason for Melrose’s playoff berth in the Div. 2 North field. Pictured from left, senior captains Caitlin Kenney, Saoirse Connolly, Sam Farrell, and Emily Cataldo. (Donna Larsson photo)
For Melrose, it was a matter of staging a comeback against the Warriors. In the start of the game, they capitalized on errors in the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead when Rebecca Dumont and Saoirse Connolly hit singles and Sam Farrell advanced after a botched double play attempt, scoring Dumont. Collette Skinner knocked in both Farrell and Stone to put Melrose up, 3-0. Wakefield got on board when they scored on a wild pitch by Stone that made it 3-1. Wakefield came back strong in the second. Julia Purcell hit to right for a single and was then knocked in by Juliette Guanci. Meghan Gibbon tied it up, 3-3 and later in the inning, Vanessa Kaddaras tripled to center to make it 6-3, advantage Wakefield.
But Melrose fought back in the top of the fourth when Melrose’s Stone smacked a double to right, followed by a single by Collette Skinner. Sophia Centrella laid a bunt for a single that loaded the bases. Finally, Adrianna Centrella scored Stone in with a sac fly to center. Melrose tied the game in the sixth inning. With one out, Ella Ruby tripled to right. Sophia Centrella earned a base on a bunt and Adrianna Centrella drew a walk. Jill Cataldo (2RBIs) singled in Ruby and Adrianna Centrella to make it 6-6. Melrose launched a big rally in the seventh, starting with Saoirse Connolly (2-4) who hit a single followed by Sam Farrell who took one at the plate and was awarded first. Collette Skinner load the bases with a single and Ella Ruby’s fielder’s choice knocked in Connolly. Sophia Centrella (2-4) scored Farrell to narrow the gap, 8-6. Adrianna Centrella hit Ruby and Centrella in to put Melrose up 10-6. While Wakefield added two runs in the bottom of the seventh, it wasn’t enough to battle back and Melrose took the win, 10-8.
It was a tremendous group effort offensively, starting with their upperclassmen. “The leaders offensively on this team have been the four captains,” notes the coach. “Especially Saoirse Connolly with 20 RBIs, leading the league.”
Being able to experience playoffs for her seniors was important to the coach. “It means the world to me to be able to qualify this season. I have gotten to know these players pretty well, especially the seniors. I wish I had all four years with those 4 girls, but I am grateful for at least one. I could not be happier coaching those girls, they get it. They will be greatly missed next year.”
As they anticipate their postseason, they will be prepared for anything. “We approach every team and every game the same way. The girls know they have to show up ready to go from the first pitch to the last, there is no letting up until the game is over.”
