softball.htm

ACTON -- The Lynn Classical softball team gave it all it had Monday against top-seeded Acton-Boxborough in the Division 1 North softball semifinal.

However, the Colonials had that much more to give. The result was an 8-3 loss in a game that, while it spelled the end of the Rams' season, certainly left everyone wearing green and gold with a feeling of accomplishment for a great season.

"I just wanted to coach these kids for one more game," said coach Chris Warren afterward. "Nobody's happy unless they've won a state championship. But we won a league title, which is something they'll all look back on as a big thrill, and we have nothing to hang our heads about. It's been a great group of kids."

The Colonials will move on to the semifinals and face the winner of Wednesday's Reading-Billerica game Thursday at Martin Park in Lowell.

Classical threw a scare into the Colonials, scoring two runs in the top of the second inning to go up 2-0. Sam Barker led off the inning with an infield hit and went to third when Kristen Dean boomed a double to left. Hannah Byrne's single drove one home, and Jenny Garrity's base hit scored the other.

But any hopes of a Classical upset took a severe hit in the bottom of the third, when the Colonials decided to switch gears and play small ball.

"We knew we weren't going to pound (pitcher Garrity)," said A-B coach Mary Matthews, "so we decided to play small ball. You have to force teams to make plays."

Left fielder Hayley O'Brien led off with a bunt single that she pushed past the mound, and she moved to second on Jess Proulx's infield hit. Garrity got the dangerous (and speedy) Devon Agule to strike out, but catcher Jenny McDonnell singled to center, bringing home A-B's first run.

The Rams elected to walk Erin Fry to load the bases and set up a force at any base, but Lauren Murphy foiled that strategy when she singled to center, knocking home two runs and make it 3-2, Colonials. Pitcher Yaya Furia bunted her way on, but Fry, trying to score from second, was thrown out by first baseman Kristen Dean. An error brought home the fourth run, but the Rams made another nice defensive play when Dean, once again, threw out a runner at the plate for the third out.

Classical bounced back, getting a run in the top of the fourth when Kristen Dean singled, took second on a walk, went to third on an error, and scored on Erin McCall's sacrifice fly. The Rams had a chance to tie the game in the fifth when Courtney Sullivan, who had gone all the way to third on an infield hit, an error, and a wild pitch, could advance no further as Furia snared Barker's hard-hit one-hopper back to the mound and then, after a walk to Dean, got Amanda Stevens to ground to third.

And that's where things fell apart for the Rams. Acton-Boxborough sent nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the fifth and scored four runs to put the game away. A single and a ground-rule double to Agule and McDonnell, respectively, followed by another intentional walk to Fry, loaded the bases with none out. Lauren Murphy hit a curving line drive down the third-base line that Byrne managed to corral about a foot from the ground. Byrne tagged third to double off Agule, and the Rams were almost out of the inning unscathed.

However, Garrity hit Furia with a pitch to re-load the bases. She then tried to pick her counterpart off first, and nearly succeeded, but the call went the other way as howls of protest rose up from the Classical bench.

The call was crucial, too, as Erin Murphy cleared the bases with a double, and Tina Proulx scored her with a single.

"That was a tough call," Warren said. "That would have been the third out, and next thing you know, the girl hits a double, and we're down five runs instead of one.

"The girls gave it everything they had," Warren said. "They left it all out there (on the field)."

The Classical High softball team will jump from the frying pan right into the fire when it plays top-seeded Acton-Boxboro today in the MIAA Division 1 North quarterfinals at Acton-Boxboro.

The Rams earned a crack at the 19-2 Colonials with a 6-3 win over Danvers Saturday at Grace Rogato Field.

The two Northeastern Conference teams came into the game with identical 14-6 records. Classical had defeated the Falcons earlier in the season, but only by a 4-2 margin, hardly enough to tip the scale in either direction. The Rams went on to win the NEC North title and Danvers shared top honors in the South.

Classical fans, who only a week earlier watched their team spot St. Mary's six runs in the first inning of the John Holland softball tournament final, had to be concerned when Danvers came out flying.

Leadoff hitter and Northeastern Conference South Most Valuable Player Ashley Burnham, a terror at the plate and on the bases, opened the game with a walk, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and a passed ball, and scored on a Caraline Moholland single to centerfield. When Classical pitcher Jenny Garrity hit Jill Carroll to load the bases with one out, it looked like it might be a long inning, but Garrity buckled down and fanned the next two batters to get out of the jam.

"To give up only one run in the first inning against those guys is a win," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "That keeps us in that game."

The Rams made sure the defensive stand didn't go to waste, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first. With one out, No. 2 batter Courtney Sullivan (2-for-3) reached on a bunt single and shortstop Afton Dean (3-for-4, 2 runs scored) singled to left and hustled to second on the throw to third. That set the stage for catcher Sam Barker, who ripped a single to left, scoring both runners. Like Dean, she took second on the throw, putting herself in position to score on Amanda Stevens' single to centerfield.

Garrity (7 hits, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks, 2 hit batters) set the Falcons down in order in the second and third innings. In the bottom of the third, the Rams scored what would be the winning run. Dean led off with a double and went to third on a grounder to short by Barker. The first baseman tried to nail Dean at third, but the throw got away and Dean ended up scoring.

Danvers made things interesting in the top of the third when Carroll (2-for-2) doubled to left field to jumpstart a two-run inning, but the rally fizzled with two runners on base. Danvers, trailing 4-3, stranded two more runners in the sixth. Barker provided the defensive highlight of that inning when she threw out Burnham, who in the previous inning had gunned down Sullivan at home, trying to steal second.

Classical gave itself a little breathing room by scoring two more runs in the bottom of the inning. One scored on a Fallon Gaudet ground ball to second and the other on a Meghan Pierre single to right-center.

"We didn't have much timely hitting," Danvers coach Tara Petrocelli said, adding that the loss is going to hurt for a long time.

"We knew they hit the ball well," Petrocelli said about Classical. "They're solid up and down the lineup. You can't give a team more than three outs an inning and unfortunately, we did that a few times."

"The worst thing about today is that another Northeastern Conference team goes home," Warren said, adding that Burnham had a phenomenal high school career and will probably have a great college career as well.

Danvers pitcher Diana Bean allowed 10 hits and one walk, and struck out two. Classical put the finishing touches on the win by turning a 5 (Hannah Byrne) to 4 (Amanda Stevens) to 3 (Kristen Dean) double play to end the game.

There are two ways of looking at drawing a league opponent in a state tournament game, and between Chris Warren of Lynn Classical and Tara Petrucelli of Danvers, you'll find both of them.

The Rams, seeded eighth in the upcoming Division 1 North sectionals, will play the Falcons Saturday (3:30) at Breed in a first-round game that'll feature two of the Northeastern Conference's marquee shortstops: Ashley Burnham (Danvers) and Afton Dean.

"That is true," says Petrucelli. "But there are eight other players on both teams, too."

Petrucelli, actually, isn't really fazed by the idea of playing a team that's already defeated her once this year.

"We respect whoever we play," she says. "So, in that sense, it really doesn't matter. We know a little more about them, and they know a little more about us. So ... let's play."

"There are goods and bads to it," says Warren, whose team is seeded eighth to Danvers' ninth. "We had one game against them this year, and it was very good. We beat them, 4-2. We certainly know enough about them."

Classical was the sole winner of the NEC/North while Danvers shared the NEC South title with Swampscott -- which draws Central Catholic Friday (3:30) in Lawrence in a preliminary-round game in Division 2.

"I don't know that much about them, except that they're in a very good league, and they're always good," says coach Annamaria Addonizio, whose team is seeded 10th. "We're looking forward to it."

The Northeastern Conference North All-Star team rallied from a two-run deficit after five innings to overtake the NEC South, 11-8, at Breed's Grace Rogato Field on Tuesday.

The North scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead for good. Beth Cullen and Jayne Spiridigliozzi from Beverly each had two-run singles to spark the rally. The Lynn contingent also contributed with the bats, with English's Cara Crowley going 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI; Classical's Afton Dean had a hit, an RBI and scored a run; Sam Barker had a hit and scored two runs; Kristen Dean had a double and scored a run; Amanda Stevens had a hit and two RBI; and Hannah Byrne had a hit and an RBI. Peabody's Sam Terenzoni also helped the cause with a hit, an RBI and a run scored. The North team was coached by Classical's Chris Warren with Butch Melanphy, Peabody, assisting. Jenny Garrity, Classical, and Nicole Wilson, Peabody, split the game on the mound.

The South team also had some solid performances. Kristen Finn pitched the first two innings. Katie Fallon, Marblehead, ripped a double off the fence, as did Swampscott's Sam Perry. Ashley White of Marblehead singled in two runs on a line drive down the third-base line and Mallorie McGrath, Swampscott, also cracked a single down the third-base line that scored a run. Cassie Labella, Saugus, singled in a run. Ashley Burnham, Danvers, also helped out with a walk and single.

St. Mary's starter Katelynn Fanning pitches during the Holland Tournament final Sunday. (ITEM PHOTO / JONATHON M. WHITMORE)

LYNN -- When the pairings for the MIAA Division 3 North softball tournament are released this afternoon, St. Mary's hopes to be one of the top seeds in the sectional. And with the Spartans looking to return to the North final, their performance in the John Holland Memorial Tournament was a good way to head into the second season.

On Sunday at Grace Rogato Field, St. Mary's faced Lynn Classical, the champion of the Northeastern Conference's North division, in the finals. And from the start, the Spartans played with a purpose.

By the time St. Mary's was done, it had pounded out 13 hits and nine runs en route to a 9-2 win and its fourth tournament title since 2001.

"These kids want to win," St. Mary's coach Colleen Newbury said. "The communication on this team has been really good this year, and that's something that we didn't have last season."

Facing one of its toughest tests of the season in the Rams, St. Mary's (18-2) passed with flying colors. And that performance had the attention of Classical coach Chris Warren.

"You can't spot a team like St. Mary's six runs because you can't chase against them," Warren said.

The six runs Warren spoke of came in the top of the first inning, where the Spartans came out flying.

Jenny Garrity got the first batter of the game, Katelynn Fanning, but the next nine St. Mary's hitters who came to the plate reached base. Erin McAndrews (3-for-4) gave the Spartans the lead with an RBI single that scored Jenna Fraher.

Kristen Mondello (3-for-4) upped the gap to 2-0 when she plated Kristina Burri with a base hit. Ariel LaRosa made it 3-0 with a hit that scored courtesy runner Chelsey Paone.

Anna Jackson increased the gap to 5-0 when she ripped a 2-run single, scoring Mondello and Maria Nazzaro. LaRosa completed the scoring when she scored on a throwing error at first.

"That was a big thing," Newbury said about the first inning. "We wanted to get good pitches to hit and drive the ball."

Classical (14-6) had a chance to chip into the lead in the bottom of the first as Fallon Gaudet singled and moved to third on a Courtney Sullivan walk and Sam Barker's single. But the threat went away when Sullivan was caught too far off second base on Kristen Dean's fly ball to left.

"We had a chance to get back in it there and we made a couple of mistakes on the bases," Warren said.

The Rams did, however, eat into the lead in the second against Fanning. Hannah Byrne and Garrity singled with one down before Meaghan Pierre reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases.

A walk to Gaudet brought Byrne across and Afton Dean cut the lead to 6-2 when pinch runner Katie Fitzgerald scored on her infield single. But Fanning got Barker to fly out to right to leave the bases loaded.

After a scoreless third, Burri got a run back for the Spartans in the fourth. She singled and went to third on McAndrews' base hit to right. Moments later, a Garrity pitch got to the backstop and Burri scampered home with St. Mary's seventh run.

Two more runs in the sixth on a McAndrews single and a Mondello double closed out the scoring as Fanning held Classical to two hits over the last five innings to claim her second Ginny Dandreo Award as the tourney's best pitcher.

"Katelynn just gets the job done," Newbury said. "And a lot of times, we tell her to just let us play defense because they are so good behind her."

PEABODY -- Heading into Monday's showdown between the Northeastern Conference/North's top two teams, the Peabody softball players knew they needed a win to stay in contention to win the division.

With the help of some strong individual performances and a little bit of wind, the Tanners put themselves in position to tie for the title.

Peabody rode the pitching of Nicole Wilson and were aided by a brisk wind to leftfield that helped them hit two home runs in a 4-1 victory over Classical in Peabody.

Peabody (13-3 overall, 11-3 NEC) pulled within a half-game of Classical (12-5 overall, 12-3 NEC) for first place in the NEC North. Peabody has two games left against Winthrop and Revere, while Classical has one game remaining against English.

Wilson allowed only two hits in her complete-game victory. She gave up one unearned run, struck out three and walked one.

"She had great focus and control," said Peabody coach Butch Melanaphy. "She's a very mature pitcher overall as a sophomore."

Peabody fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, as two errors by the Tanner defense allowed the Rams' Fallon Gaudet to reach third base. Gaudet scored when Sam Barker hit into a fielder's choice.

Classical starter Jenny Garrity kept the Tanners at bay for the first three innings, working out of jams in the second and third. Peabody put two runners on in both frames but failed to push a run across the plate.

Peabody got its first run in the fourth inning, as Stephanie Fodera (2-2, RBI) hit a deep shot well over the leftfield fence to tie the game at 1-1.

The following inning, the wind helped to carry a two-run homer by MaryKate Helas (1-2, 2 RBI) on a fly ball that just cleared the leftfield wall.

The 3-1 lead proved to be all the cushion Wilson needed. After a one-out error in the first inning by the Tanners, Wilson retired 16 of the next 17 Classical hitters, walking one batter in the third. The Rams did not record a hit off Wilson until there were two outs in the sixth inning.

Peabody added one more run in the sixth when Tawny Palmieri (2-4, RBI) laced an RBI double to center.

After the game, Melanaphy said his team was well-prepared heading into the contest.

"We understood the meaning of this game," he said. "We've been talking about it, waiting for it."

Garrity allowed four runs, eight hits and three walks. She struck out four Tanners.

"Jenny, as a sophomore, will learn a lot from this game," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "But we only scored one run for her. We're not going to win many games scoring one run."

The Classical High softball team righted the ship Thursday with a 6-3 win over Salem at Grace Rogato Field.

The Rams (12-4, 12-2 Northeastern Conference) shook off the effects of a one-run loss to Beverly a day earlier, with a four-run fourth inning providing the killer blow. They're off until Monday when they take on Peabody.

Classical got things going with two runs in the second inning. Kristen Dean singled in Sam Barker and Hannah Byrne hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Dean. Byrne, a freshman, had another productive outing at the plate, going 1-for-2 with three RBI. She sparked fourth-inning outburst with a two-run single to left field and then scored on a Jenny Garrity single. Jill Adams laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Katie Fitzpatrick, who was running for Garrity, for the final run.

Salem (5-10) scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning, but Garrity buckled down when it counted and the threat died with a couple of popups.

"Jenny's doing a good job," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "She's keeping focused."

Ashley White, catcher Jen Nguyen and third baseman Julia Jennings played well for Salem.

Beverly 4, Classical 3

At Beverly, the Panthers scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to sink the Rams, who had scored twice in the top of the inning to go up 4-3. Hannah Byrne was the bright spot for Classical, going 3-for-3, including an RBI single in the seventh. Meghan Pierre (RBI single in the seventh) and Sam Barker (RBI single in the fourth) also contributed. Jenny Garrity (10 hits, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk, 2 hit batters) took the loss.

Classical 13, Revere 1

At Breed, Jenny Garrity allowed one hit (in the third inning) and her teammates took care of business at the plate. Kristen Dean (2-for-3, RBI, run scored); Sam Barker (hit, 3 RBI); Amanda Stevens (3 walks, run scored) and Courtney Sullivan (2-for-2, run scored) did the bulk of the damage with Garrity helping her own cause with a 2-run double. Paige Licata spoiled Garrity's no hit (five innings) bid with a triple and then scored on a passed ball.

The Rams are 11-3 overall, 11-1 in the Northeastern Conference.

Revere is 3-11.

The Classical High softball team qualified for the state tournament Thursday with a 6-3 win over Marblehead, and the Rams did it with a little time to spare.

"Usually it comes down to Memorial Day weekend (the Holland tournament)," coach Chris Warren said. "This is really exciting for the kids and the program. We've gone 5-1 against (NEC) South teams in a two-week span."

Classical (10-3, 10-1 NEC) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but the Magicians came right back to go up 2-1. The Rams regained the lead in the third and by the sixth, led 6-2.

Sam Barker had an RBI double and Hannah Byrne an RBI single in the third inning, and in the sixth, after fouling off six pitches, Afton Dean (3-for-4, 2 RBI) singled in a run. Erin McCall also brought one in on a sacrifice fly. Courtney Sullivan was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Jenny Garrity (3 hits, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks) turned in a beauty on the mound.

Spotting a team like Danvers two runs in the first inning usually isn't a recommended strategy, but Classical didn't push the panic button and the result was a 4-2 win at Breed.

The Falcons (8-4) took the early lead on RBI singles by Caraline Mulholland and Diana Bean, but the Rams (9-3, 9-1 Northeastern Conference) got a run in the second, one in the fifth and two in the sixth.

"We took this as a really big game," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "They lead the (NEC) South and we lead the North. It was playoff-type softball. It was very well-played on both sides."

Amanda Stevens led off the second inning with a triple over the left fielder's head and scored on a Hannah Byrne single. Afton Dean tied the game in the fifth on an RBI single that scored Katie Fitzgerald (single). In the sixth, Jenny Garrity brought in the game-winner with an RBI single that scored Stevens (single). Meagan Pierre's RBI double gave the Rams a little breathing room.

Warren said one key was keeping Falcons shortstop Ashley Burnham off the bases, although she did reach once on an error. Burnham almost reached in the final inning, but Afton Dean made a diving catch on a line drive to end the threat. Jenny Garrity (7 IP, 5 hits, 3 strikeouts, 3 walks) got the win.

Classical 15, Gloucester 3

At Gloucester, the Rams avenged an 8-5 opening-day loss. Sam Barker went 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored; Amanda Stevens also excelled (3-for-5, 4 RBI, double). Freshman Hannah Byrne (3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 runs) and Rachel Carroll (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs) scored, also contributed. Jenny Garrity (7 hits, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks) got the win.

The Classical High softball team saw its six-game winning streak come to a grinding halt with a 3-1 loss to Winthrop Friday at Grace Rogato Field.

The Vikings (7-4) got all the offense they would need in the first inning when they scored a run on a Kristen Finn single and another on an error. They padded they lead in the four thanks to a Lindsey Barker RBI single.

Classical had a couple of chances to do some damage. The Rams (7-3, 7-1 Northeastern Conference) loaded the bases in the first inning with one out, but came away empty handed. They had runners on second and third in the fifth with one out, but two pop ups later the Rams were heading back to the bench.

"We missed opportunities at the plate and we made a couple of errors," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "We didn't play our greatest game."

Jenny Garrity took the loss, allowing seven hits, striking out three and walking two. Finn allowed eight hits and struck out five for the win.

"It was a great high school game," Winthrop coach Dave Guffy said. "It the weather was better, I would say it would have been a perfect game."

LYNN -- After rolling through the first half of its Northeastern Conference North schedule unblemished, the Classical softball team is finding the competition in the NEC South to its liking as well.

On Thursday at Grace Rogato Field, the Rams cranked out 10 hits and five runs off Saugus ace Ashlee Patterson before having to hold off a three-run seventh-inning rally from Saugus to grab a 5-4 win and move to 7-2 for the season.

"The South is just as strong as the North and we know that we have to bring our best to beat these teams," Classical coach Chris Warren said.

For the second straight game, it was the quartet of Afton Dean, Sam Barker, Kristen Dean and Amanda Stevens that led the way to victory for Classical.

The foursome had nine of Classical's 10 hits, drove home four runs and scored all five Rams runs. Barker led the hit brigade, going 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored while Afton Dean was 3-for-3 with three runs scored.

Kristen Dean, who was playing despite an injured knee, was 2-for-3 while Stevens was 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI.

"Those four have done it for us all year," Warren said. "They come to play every day and are tough outs and they pulled through when we needed it."

Classical was a walking MASH unit in this one, as Dean was scratched from field duty just before the game with a balky knee. The Rams then lost first baseman Hannah Byrne in the fourth inning to an injured ankle and then had to sweat out a Barker injury in the fifth.

"We're all banged up and we had to exhaust our bench except for one player (Jill Adams)," Warren said. "And you're only as good as the people behind you and everyone did a good job filling in."

The meat of the order came up big for Classical in an 8-5 come-from-behind win over Swampscott Wednesday at Swampscott.

Although Swampscott tapped Classical for 14 hits, the Rams had the bats when they needed them. Classical scored three runs in the sixth inning to take the lead, 5-4, after trailing 4-2, and scored three more in the top of the seventh after the Big Blue had come back to tie the game in the sixth.

"Our big guns (the 3, 4, 5 and 6 batters) did it in the seventh," Classical coach Chris Warren said.

Shortstop Afton Dean led off with a single and catcher Sam Barker reached first on a bunt. Kristen Dean singled to load the bases and Amanda Stevens singled to score Afton Dan. Hannah Byrne hit a sac fly to deep center to drive in the second run and Jenny Garrity hit a sacrifice fly.

Garrity allowed 14 hits; the defense minimized the damage. Barker came up with a key play in the first inning when she caught a popup out of bounds on the first-base side and doubled up a runner who had taken a lead at third.

Classical scored three runs in the sixth inning with two outs. Stevens and Byrne walked and Garrity singled to drive in Stevens. Another runs scored on an error and Kate Fitzgerald drove in Rachel Carroll with a slap single.

Swampscott scored two runs in the first on RBI singles by Sam Perry and Moe Bradley. Roche drove in a run in the second on a fielder's choice and plated another in the fifth on a single. Mallorie McGrath also had an RBI single. Swampscott is 3-3, 3-4 overall and Classical is 6-2 overall, 6-0 NEC.

LYNN -- Fresh off its win over previously unbeaten Peabody, the Classical softball team came to Keaney Park on Friday looking to exact a little revenge on Lynn English.

Last season, the Bulldogs took two of the three meetings between the two squads. And despite English coming in without a victory, the Rams were bound to take this game seriously.

And do that they did.

Classical scored in every inning except the fifth to complete the first half of their Northeastern Conference North schedule at 5-0 thanks to a 14-1, 6-inning win.

"We always have to get ready for them (English) because they are always up for us," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "They always play us tough and beat us two out of three last year. And we didn't want that to happen again."

Unlike its previous six games, where the Rams had won mainly with pitching and a spectacular defense, it was the Classical offense which stole the show on Friday.

The Rams (5-2) pounded out 16 hits against English pitching, with 10 players recording at least one hit. Seniors Afton Dean and Sam Barker did the bulk of the damage.

Dean went 4-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored while Barker was 2-for-5 with four RBI. Hannah Byrne and Jenny Garrity also drove home two runs each.

"Classical wholeheartedly deserved to win the game," English coach Alisa Fila said. "They showed up ready to play."

Classical wasted little time in getting its offense started as it sent eight batters to the plate in the top of the first.

Katie Fitzgerald singled and was sacrificed to second by Courtney Sullivan. After a wild pitch, Afton Dean drove home the first of her three runs with a single to center.

After a Barker flyout and a wild pitch, Kristen Dean made it 2-0 with a base hit to left. The Rams then loaded the bases before Tiffany Drown got Garrity on a grounder to second to end the inning.

"Scoring early was big for us," Warren said. "These girls come to the field with a great mindset. They are here to play and win."

Garrity set the Bulldogs down in order in the bottom of the first, paving the way for her teammates to break the game open in the second.

Jill Adams' bunt singled ignited a nine batter, five-run outburst that gave Garrity and the Rams plenty of insurance runs.

A one out walk to Rachel Carroll put runners on first and second. Afton Dean brought Adams around with her second hit of the game before Barker smoked a single to center, scoring Carroll to make it 5-0.

Kristen Dean then walked before Hannah Byrne's two out single brought Barker and Dean home to make it 7-0 after two innings.

The Bulldogs (0-6) got on the board in the bottom of the inning. Cara Crowley walked and was on third with two outs. Amanda Witunsky then doubled her home to make it 8-1.

Classical got that run back in the third thanks to a Fitzgerald walk, stolen base and an English error. The Rams then tacked on four more runs in the top of the fourth, sending nine batters to the plate for a second time in the game.

Garrity delivered the big hit of the inning as her 2-run single scored Amanda Stevens and Meagan Pierre. Sullivan and Afton Dean also drove home runs in the inning that upped the lead to 12-1.

"The girls did a great job of coming out and hitting the ball and making them make plays," Warren said.

Garrity would hold English to just two hits over their final three at bats after Witunsky's double. Barker then put the cap on the Rams win a 2-run triple to close the scoring in the sixth.

LYNN -- Having graduated seven starters from last season, the Classical softball team was a squad that many observers overlooked as a factor in the Northeastern Conference this season.

On Wednesday at Grace Rogato Field, however, the Rams delivered a very clear message to the 11 other NEC teams that they are going to be a force in the NEC North race.

Taking advantage of a pair of chances handed to them by previously-unbeaten Peabody, the Rams scored twice in the first and again in the fourth as sophomore Jenny Garrity twirled a six-hitter to give the Rams a 3-1 lead and first place in the North.

"These kids have come in and bought right into our philosophies," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "We played very well, especially on defense, and were able to take advantage of their mistakes."

Peabody (5-1) had come in playing very good softball, but a pair of outfield mistakes proved to be too much to overcome despite a superb pitching effort from Nicole Wilson, who held Classical (4-2, 4-0) to four hits.

"Being 5-0, the bull's-eye was on our backs," Tanners coach Butch Melanphy said. "But I told the kids not to hang their heads about it. Classical played well, and that's a credit to them."

The Rams' sharp defense was on display again, beginning shortly after Peabody shortstop Tawny Palmieri, who was 3-for-3 in the contest, tripled into the left-field corner on Garrity's second pitch of the game.

Two pitches later, she broke for home on a ball that got past Sam Barker, but the Classical catcher recovered and flipped to Garrity, who applied the tag to get Palmieri.

"I'm aggressive on the basepaths and I will not yell at them for being aggressive," Melanphy said. "They have to make the play, and Classical did."

The aggressive baserunning proved costly when Sam Terenzoni singled one pitch later before Garrity got out of the inning without further damage.

Classical would then get its offense going in the bottom of the first. Wilson retired Katie Fitzgerald and Courtney Sullivan to start the inning before Afton Dean lined a shot off Wilson's knee and into center.

Barker followed with a bullet to right for a hit. And when the ball was misplayed and got to the fence, both runners would find their way to the plate to give Classical a 2-0 lead.

"Sam got a nice hit there and they made the mistake and we jumped on it for two runs," Warren said.

Garrity breezed through the second before Palmieri singled with one out in the third. But the Tanners wouldn't score as Terenzoni hit a one-hopper to Kristen Dean at first to start a 3-6 inning-ending double play and a stretch that saw Garrity set the Tanners down in order twice in a row.

In the fourth, Classical added to its lead. With one down, Barker ripped a single up the middle and moved to second when the ball was misplayed.

After a groundout, second baseman Amanda Stevens came through with a base hit to right that brought Barker around to make it 3-0.

And with Garrity befuddling the Tanner lineup, that looked like an insurmountable gap.

"Jenny pitched incredible. She moved the ball around and kept them off-balance," Warren said. "We knew they were a good hitting team, and (Garrity) and Sam did a great job."

In the sixth, though, Peabody would make Garrity and the Rams sweat a bit on an 82-degree day.

Palmieri's second triple of the game to the left-field corner gave Peabody life with one out. Garrity then walked Terenzoni, who headed for second while Palmieri broke for the plate.

Palmieri slid home ahead of Afton Dean's throw, but Barker's throw back to second was in time to get Terenzoni. After a walk to Michelle Grifoni, Garrity got Mary Kate Helas to fly to right to end the inning.

Peabody would have one more threat in the seventh when Amanda Smith singled and reached third. But Garrity struck out Erica Ricci and Emily Milewska to end the game.

"Everybody talked about Peabody. But Lynn Classical is in the North also, and they're pretty good," Warren said. "This is a great confidence-boost for us."

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, April 17, 2008

At Grace Rogato Field, the Rams (3-2, 3-0 NEC) used five two-out runs in the fifth inning to break open a 2-1 game. Amanda Stevens led the way with two hits and three RBI. Kristen Dean also drove home three runs while Afton Dean and Erin McCall also had RBI's. Jenny Garrity got the win, striking out four and walking one while going 2-for-3 at the plate.
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If there's one thing people have always said about high school softball, it's that a dominating pitcher really dominates.
It never got to the point where every game ended up at 1-0, but very often - and especially in the state tournament, with the better pitchers participating - runs have been precious, and extremely hard to come by.
Not so this year. The state softball association has moved the pitching rubber back from 40 to 43 feet away from home plate, and that one little yard has made a difference.
"I definitely think it's made a difference," said Saugus coach Bobbie Finocchio, who saw balls put in play all afternoon Monday as two of the area's better pitchers - Courtney Colantuno and Ashlee Patterson - squared off against each other.
"I wasn't here last year, but from what I've been told, both pitchers were practically unhittable at times last season," Finocchio said.
Colantuno agrees. Even though her team only scored a run in that game, she said, "I think we actually had more hits than they did, but we couldn't put enough of them together."
Colantuno has a unique perspective on the change, because - unlike a lot of pitchers - she's arguably her team's best hitter as well as one of the top pitchers in the Northeastern Conference.
"There's definitely a lot more hitting," she said. "I looked in the paper today, and all of the scores are high. You're not seeing any shutouts. There's a lot more offense. The pitchers don't dominate anymore."
Naturally, Colantuno thinks it's great when she's hitting. But how about when she's pitching?
"I'd rather be closer in," she says.
However, Colantuno also says that the change will help her in the long run.
"If I want to pitch in college (where the distance is already 43 feet), it's probably good that I do it now," she says.
Patterson seems unfazed by the change. She held Marblehead to one run Monday, but in two games last week, English scored four runs and Classical seven.
Still, she says, "my pitches have more movement. My screwball and my drop curve are both moving better (at 43 feet)."
St. Mary's Katelyn Fanning also sees a difference in the movement of her pitches.
"If anything, I've had to change my mechanics," she said. "It's not so much the release point, but I feel that I have to throw the ball harder to get it to the plate."
On the other hand, she says, "I'm definitely not a power pitcher. I'm tiny. I have to use a lot more finesse when I pitch. I have to fool them. In my first three games, I'm striking out as many hitters as I did last year."
For Fanning and Patterson, the adjustment hasn't been as difficult as you might think.
"I didn't think it would make that much of a difference," said Patterson. "I pitched at 43 feet last summer in the Bay State Games, so I got used to it there."
If there's any real change, all three say, it may come with the rising fastball that so many softball pitchers use when they need a strikeout.
"It could be that it's just too high by the time it reaches the plate," acknowledges Colantuno.
"When it does reach the catcher, it's a little higher than it used to be at 40 feet," says Fanning. "But it's not that bad. You have to let go of it a little differently now than before."
Whatever concerns the pitchers may have (or not have), the results are pretty obvious. Hitters are putting balls into play, fielders have to be on their toes more, and Colantuno - for one - thinks it makes for a better game.
"I think it's great," she says. "I'm not worried (about more balls being put into play). I have a great team behind me."

Classical Rules over Revere Classical 12, Revere 0

At Revere, the Rams (2-2, 2-0 Northeastern Conference) scored three runs in the first inning and six in the second. The Patriots (2-1) could only muster three hits off Jenny Garrity (3 innings) and Erin McCall (2 innings). The game was called in the sixth.

Seniors Afton Dean (2-for-3, RBI, 3 runs), Sam Barker (hit, 3 RBI), Kristen Dean (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Amanda Stevens (2-for-3, 1 run, 2 RBI) brought the bats and freshman third baseman Hannah Byrne snagged a couple of line drives to provide the leather.

Saugus 8, Classical 7

At Saugus, the Rams jumped out to a 3-0 lead with two runs in the first inning and one in the third, but the Sachems (2-0) tied things up by the fourth.

Saugus pitcher Ashlee Patterson (7 innings, 9 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, 6 earned runs) helped herself out by doubling in a pair of runs in a four-run fifth inning.

The other two runs scored on ground outs.

The Rams fought back to tie it a t 7-7 with four runs in the top of the sixth, but Saugus had the final word when Elizabeth Shaw singled in Kelsey Sturgis in the bottom half of the inning to take an 8-7 lead.

Afton Dean (2-for-2), Sam Barker (2-run double); Kristen Dean (2-for-4, run scored) and Erin McCall (hit, 2 RBI) supplied the Classical (1-2, 1-0) offense.

Jenny Garrity (9 hits, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk, 1 hit batter) took the loss.

Gloucester 8, Classical 5

At Breed, missed opportunities in the early innings proved costly to the Rams (0-1). Classical loaded the bases in the first inning, but the next two batters struck out, and it loaded the bases again in the second, only to see the next three batters fan. The score was tied, 5-5, after five innings, but the Fishermen took the lead for good with three runs in the top of the sixth.

Jill Lukegord picked up the win, allowing nine hits, striking out seven and walking eight. Jenny Garrity (8 strikeouts, 8 hits, 8 walks) took the loss with Erin McCall pitching the final inning for the Rams.

First baseman Kristen Dean (2-for-2, RBI), McCall (triple) and Katie Fitzgerald (1-for-3, 2 runs scored) supplied the offense for Classical, which travels to Salem today.

The Classical High softball team will have plenty of new faces in the lineup this spring.

The Rams finished 13-8 last year, including a loss to Acton-Boxboro in the first game of the tournament. Only three starters from that team are back -- shortstop Afton Dean, catcher Sam Barker and outfielder Kristen Dean.

"We lost just about everybody," coach Chris Warren said. "In that group that just left, three started as freshmen and five as sophomores. They were with me for a long time. They were good players and great kids."

One of the players lost to graduation was pitcher Melissa McLaughlin. Warren is looking for help in that department from sophomore Jenny Garrity and senior Erin McCall.

The Rams took another hit in centerfield with the loss of Savannah Clemens. Clemens had speed to burn and became a very effective slap bunter for the Rams. She hit .524 from the leadoff spot and was a Northeastern Conference All-Star.

Warren will also need replacements for second baseman Courtney King, a four-year starter and all-star; first baseman Lauren Kolodziej; third baseman Jen Saravia; third baseman and outfielder Cierra Campbell; and designated player Ashley Laramie, who is playing at Lasell College in Newton.

Although he doesn't have big numbers returning, he has a good start with the two Deans and Barker. Kristen Dean hit around .450 last year, despite missing six or seven games with pneumonia.

"I'm expecting a lot from her with the bat this year," Warren said. "She had a great year last year."

Afton Dean is a two-time Northeastern Conference All-Star. She hit .393 last year with 20 runs scored and 13 RBI. She's also solid at short with a .950 fielding percentage. Barker gives the Rams a strong presence behind the plate. Last summer she filled in as catcher in the Agganis All-Star softball game (despite being a junior) and was named her team's MVP for the game.

Warren has several players returning who saw decent playing time, including Amanda Stevens and Courtney Sullivan. Sullivan can slap bunt and Stevens had some big hits off the bench, Warren said.

Some other players who could help out are outfielder and slapper Jill Adams and Katie Fitzgerald, another slap bunter with good speed. She can play the infield or outfield. Both are juniors. Sophomore Fallon Gaudet, a transfer from St. Mary's, could help the Rams out in either the infield or outfield. Juniors Ashley Scalfani and Katie Sonia came up at the end of last year and could find their way into the lineup.

Warren said he had 57 players at tryouts the last two days, which allows for both junior varsity and freshman teams. He had 23-24 freshmen, one of them being Hannah Byrne, who made the varsity basketball team this winter.

"She's very talented," Warren said, adding she'll be working out with the older players.

Byrne and everyone else vying for a spot on the varsity will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves prior to the start of the season. Warren had 15 scrimmages set up, with six of them taking place next weekend, when the team travels to the Cape for games on Saturday and Sunday..

"The scrimmages will let us know where we stand this year," Warren said.

Warren's coaching staff includes varsity assistants Oliver Toomey and Lisa Newhall, junior varsity coaches Lauren (Abernathy) Phelps and Alison Fila, and freshman coach Nicole Oak.

Classical Softball Star Dean Begins College Selection Process

Classical’s Afton Dean may be the best Lynn shortstop since Colleen Parker, who took her gold glove and incredible slap hitting to Bishop Fenwick and won four states in the 1990s.
Dean hasn’t generated the big-time publicity yet. Danvers superstar shortstop Ashley Burnham has been on college programs’ radar ahead of Dean and other prospects in the area.
But Afton Dean’s talents can’t be ignored and the letters from college programs are arriving regularly at her address. The two-time Northeastern Conference All-Star has received several correspondences from Division 2 and Division 3 colleges, with a few Division 1 schools such as Siena College and Bryant University (who will move into Division 1 in 2008) sprinkled in the mix.
“I’ve always wanted to go Division 1, and the Bryant situation is an intriguing one,” said Dean, a three-year letter winner in coach Chris Warren’s successful program.
The Division 2 schools at the top of Dean’s list include Bentley College, Stonehill College, and Merrimack College. The Bentley Falcons are coached by former Lynn resident Michelle Myslinski. “Bentley is another one of my top prospects,” said Dean. “I definitely want to study business in college.”
Dean is doing the most she can in the off-season to enhance her prospects for a college scholarship. She played 70 games in the summer for the Boston Bat Busters, an elite team based in Reading. She will begin strength and conditioning workouts in December at High Performance Sports in Peabody.
“Softball is basically a year-round commitment for me,” said Dean.
Dean, an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society, should challenge Burnham for conference MVP honors this spring. Though she has pitched for the Rams in the past, she’s settled in nicely as the starting shortstop. “I hope to be a middle infielder in college,” said Dean, daughter of Christie and Donna Dean.
Dean and her Classical teammates will be wearing new uniforms in the 2008 season. Warren and some of his players looked at sample uniforms Friday at the school, and the team seems excited about its new look.