LCHS VARSITY  SOFTBALL 2011

Head Coach - Chris Warren

Assistant Varsity Coaches: Lauren Phelps, Christine Nerich, Nicole Oak, Kristen Dean
Danvers at Classical

NEC PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Hannah Byrne

Senior captain and shortstop ... Northeastern Conference all-star for a third time ... hit .398 with 30 RBI and 29 runs scored ... had an on-base percentage of .474 ... Led team to third straight NEC North title and 67 wins in four years ... "she's been a big part of the success of our program," coach Chris Warren said ... Heading to St. Anselm for softball.

NEC ALL-STAR TEAM MEMBERS

CHELSEY BARTLETT, Classical - junior catcher ... batted .325 with 29 RBIs and 16 runs scored ... "she has come a long way in being smart with the game," coach Chris Warren said.

MACKENZIE COPPINGER, Classical - Junior pitcher/left fielder ... NEC all-star ... had a 14-3 record with a 0.78 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 100 innings ... opponents batted only .144 all season ... hit two homers, drove in 10 runs and scored 19 times.

DANIELLE MORAN, Classical - Sophomore centerfielder ... NEC all-star ... batted .313 with 20 RBI and 20 runs scored as a leadoff hitter ... has great range and a strong arm in the outfield.


 


6/15/2011 - Lynn Classical High School Softball Coach CHRIS WARREN has been named THE DIVISION ONE SOFTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR BY THE BOSTON GLOBE!!! 

VARSITY TEAM 2011

JV TEAM 2011

Classical softball falls to Acton-Boxborough

 

LYNN - In the Division 1 North quarterfinals, Acton-Boxborough prevailed against Lynn Classical, 6-1, at Breed on Monday, resulting in the Colonials' fourth time knocking the Rams out of tournament play in five years.

"No matter the opponent, a win is a win," said Acton-Boxborough head coach Mary Matthews, a 2001 A-B graduate who has been with the Colonials as a coach for four years. "Going deeper into tournament play, we just need to take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time, and one inning at a time."

After both teams retired the first three batters to start, the Colonials struck in the second inning. Stephanie Schieni's impressive triple to right field put her in position to score on a Hannah Graney single before the Rams could get out of the inning.

Classical made an attempt at a comeback in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, shortstop Hannah Byrne reached on a single and was brought around to score by hits from Chelsey Bartlett and pitcher Mackenzie Coppinger.

"They (Acton-Boxborough) are a solid team. The Division 1 North is easily one of the toughest divisions in the state," said Rams head coach Chris Warren.

The Rams had some big plays from their outfielders, including one by Angela Erelli, who threw a runner out at the plate from right field; and left fielder Franki Galeazzi made an excellent catch on a hard-hit ball that likely saved two runs. Danielle Moran also made some nice plays.

However, with the score tied, the Colonials stepped it up, shutting down the Classical offense and recording five more runs to solidify the win.

In the top of the fifth, Lindsay Gibbs reached on an error. A single by Maddie Hatch put runners on first and second. Nicole Geoffrion struck out for the first out, bringing up Jamay Li, who became Coppinger's first and only walk of the game. With the bases loaded, Coppinger struck out Acton-Boxborough's ace pitcher, Sarah Ropiak, for the second out. Schieni and Michelle Surdan both got on, scoring Hatch and Li before Graney popped out to Jennie Erekson.

The Colonials scored once again in the sixth, starting with a triple by Kara O'Riley. With one out, O'Riley crossed the plate on a fielder's choice to nab Hatch at first before Geoffrion popped out to Byrne for the last out. The Colonials' Li tacked on the final run in the seventh.

"They hit the ball well, and we broke down a little defensively -- not so much physical errors, but mental mistakes," said Warren. "We struggled with our bats. But we made some great plays."

The Rams are only losing senior Byrne, who will attend Saint Anselm College in the fall, and Warren expects to have another great season next year.

"We went 21-3. Tell any team coming in that you will go 21-3, and they will be ecstatic. We passed a lot of expectations, and I think we will come back next year stronger," said Warren.

 

 

Classical softball rides early lead to win over Revere

Mackenzie Coppinger started for Classical against Revere. (Item File Photo)

LYNN - Saturday's Classical-Revere Division 1 North first-round softball game was over after the first inning, when the Rams scored all the game's runs in a 7-0 victory.

What happened afterward -- according to both coaches -- was a testament as to how much Revere longs to be a player in the sport.

"I have a lot of respect for that team," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "We scored seven runs off them, and they kept playing as if the score was 0-0. They showed a lot of heart."

Revere's Joe Ciccarello felt his team -- after beating Methuen Thursday in the preliminary round game -- might be hitting its stride in time to give the Rams a game. He started young Sabrina Palermo instead of regular pitcher Brianna Loleta because the Rams had seen -- and beaten -- Loleta twice.

"I thought," he said, "we could give them a different look. I thought this may be our time."

Revere certainly played that way in the first, putting the first two runners on base before Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger settled down and got out of the inning unscathed.

"If we'd just even scored one," Ciccarello said. "We wanted to show them they could bleed ... you know ... like when Rocky cut Drago in 'Rocky IV.' We wanted them to know they were human."

Classical responded. Danielle Moran, Franki Galeazzi and Hannah Byrne walked, and Moran scored on Chelsey Bartlett's hot smash to the pitcher. Coppinger's sacrifice fly made it 2-0 and Jennie Erekson's base hit brought Byrne in with another run.

Katie Cuozzo's double scored Erekson to make it 4-0, Sam Earp reached on an error to score another run; and Moran's infield hit, coupled with another Revere error, scored the final two.

By then, Loleta was in the game ... and all she did was retire the final 15 Classical batters in a row.

"That showed me a lot," Warren said.

Coppinger and Cuozzo split the pitching duties.

"We had to get them both in there because we haven't played in a week," Warren said. "I thought they both pitched very well.

"This was a good game for us," Warren said. "We were coming off a loss (in the Holland Tournament final) and we had good practices all week."

Acton-Boxboro, which has knocked Classical out of the tournament in three of the last four years, is up today, at Breed (5:15) in a quarterfinal game. And Warren is primed.

"I'd love to beat them," he said. "They have a very, very good program ... but so do we."

 

 

 

St. Mary's captures Holland Tournament title

LYNN - Give a good team an inch, and they will usually take a mile.

That was exactly the case in the finals of the 2011 John Holland Memorial Tournament on Sunday at Grace Rogato Field. St. Mary's broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning by scoring three times on its lone hit of the game to knock off Lynn Classical, 4-1.

"It was the type of game that I kind of expected," St. Mary's coach Colleen Newbury said. "Both teams played really well and both pitchers were on. We had to try something to change it up and it paid off."

St. Mary's had done the same thing on Saturday in its semifinal game with Lynn English, breaking a 2-2 tie with an eight-run fifth inning en route to a 12-2 win.

"They executed and we didn't. That's the bottom line," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "That was small ball at its best.

It was very clear early on that there was a likelihood that one run could win the final and both teams went to their bag of tricks to try and get that run first.

Classical, who reached the final with a walkoff win against Swampscott on Saturday, stranded a runner at second in the second inning against Spartan pitcher Brooke L'Abbe. In the third, Olivia DeJoie led off with a single and was at third before Jerrica DeLos Santos flied out to end the inning.

Across the diamond, St. Mary's was having about the same luck against Mackenzie Coppinger, who held the Spartans hitless through three innings.

The Rams (20-2) had a golden chance in the top of the fourth but pinch runner Jessica Perez was tagged out in a rundown between second and third after being caught too far off the bag on a Chelsey Bartlett sacrifice.

Bolstered by that big play, the Spartans broke the ice against Coppinger in the bottom of the fourth.

L'Abbe drew a one-out walk and was replaced by courtesy runner Jennie Mucciarone. Ariel LaRosa sacrificed Mucciarone to second and an error plated the freshman.

Classical clawed right back in the fifth as Jennie Erekson doubled, was sacrificed to second by Katie Cuozzo and scored on a passed ball.

It was tied until the sixth, when Angela Dandreo broke up Coppinger's no-hitter with a leadoff double. L'Abbe reached on a fielder's choice that moved Dandreo to third.

LaRosa then plated Dandreo with the go-ahead run on another fielder's choice. Brianna Holmes' groundout scored Mucciarone for a 3-1 lead and Allison Butler made it 4-1 on another fielder's choice.

"St. Mary's is a good team and that's what can happen when you put the ball in play," Warren said. "They did that and we didn't."

In the consolation game, Stephanie Collins and Danielle Mayblyum combined on a one-hitter as Swampscott beat English 7-0.

A senior from each team was awarded a scholarship by the Holland Tournament Committee. The recipients were Lauren Sullivan of Swampscott; Hannah Byrne, Classical; Keila Lantigua, English; and Holmes of St. Mary's.

5/29/11,  Breed Middle School,  St. Mary's vs Classical
#11 Chelsey Bartlett, Classical, heads to second base ,#8 Alison Butler, St. Mary's on 2nd      5/29/11,  Breed Middle School, Lynn, #15 Jennie Mucciarone, St. Mary's round 3rd base.  #5 Jennie Erekson, Classical     5/29/11,  Breed Middle School, Lynn
#15 Hannah Byrne, Classical, slides into 2nd.  #8 Alison Butler, St. Mary's     5/29/11 Breed Middle School, Lynn
#14 MacKenzie Coppinger pitcher for Classical,  #9 Olivia DeJoie, 1st base.     5/29/11,  Breed Middle School, Lynn
#15 Hannah Byrne, Classical
     5/29/11,  Breed Middle School, Lynn  #11 Chelsey Bartlett, Classical, #8 Alison Butler, St. Mary's at 2nd base     5/29/11,  Breed Middle School, Lynn  #5 Jennie Erekson, Classical, crosses homeplate. #6 Samantha Earp, Classical.

 
NEC softball all-stars named, including Coach Warren and 5 Classical Players

Classical High coach Chris Warren, Saugus High coach Bobbie Finocchio and Marblehead High coach Johnny Gold all took home Coach of the Year honors in Northeastern Conference All-Star softball voting.

Warren won it in the North and Finocchio and Gold shared the award in the South. The NEC North Player of the Year was Salem pitcher Sarah Chasse and the South Player of the year was catcher Sam DiBella of Danvers. Danvers, Marblehead and Beverly took home sportsmanship awards.

The all-star game is Tuesday at Beverly (7:30).

The NEC North All-Stars are Chasse and Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger and Katie Cuozzo (pitcher); Olivia Brothers, Peabody, Sarah Mercado, Salem, and Jenna LoVasco, Beverly (catcher); Nicole Palermo, Revere, and Sarah Mullarkey, Salem (first base); Aimee McKenna, Beverly, and Samantha Earp, Classical (second base); Monica Cassola, Beverly, and Katherine Prince, Revere (third base); Hannah Byrne, Classical, and Ashley DiFraia, Revere (shortstop); Gloria Mustafaraj, Salem, and Jessica Raymond, Peabody (outfield); Danielle Moran, Classical (outfield) and Jen Ashton, Beverly (outfield); Taylor Newhall, English, MaryKate Helas, Peabody, and Hannah Pitman, Beverly, utility player.

 

 

Classical 3, Malden 0

At Malden, the Rams (19-1) tied the school record for wins in a single season and gained a bit of revenge for the only blemish on their record in the process.

"We, as coaches, got the girls pretty fired up before the game," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "And it paid off. It was the most complete game we've played all season."

The two teams had played a week ago when Malden's Kiara Amos held the Rams to two hits in a 2-0 shutout. On Friday, the Rams surpassed that hit total in the first inning.

Danielle Moran led off with a single. Franki Galeazzi followed with a bunt hit before Hannah Byrne cleared the bases with a double for a 2-0 lead.

Byrne would also be responsible for Classical's final run as she scored on a passed ball in the sixth.

"I liked our mental mindset going in. We were very prepared and what they did as a group, I couldn't ask for more," Warren said.

Mackenzie Coppinger went the distance, striking out two and scattering seven hits. Amos finished with a four-hitter and the three runs.
 

 

 
Classical's Katie Cuozzo pitches against Salem at Grace Rogato Field on Thursday. (Item Photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical outduels Salem to claim a perfect NEC North record

All season long, the Lynn Classical softball team has taken the best shots that teams in the Northeastern Conference had to offer. And every time, the Rams have risen up and passed those tests.

On Thursday at Grace Rogato Field, the Rams completed a perfect season in the NEC as Olivia DeJoie's 2-run single in the bottom of the fifth broke a scoreless tie and was all the offense in a 2-0 Classical victory over Salem.


"That was the best softball game I've seen this season," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "These girls accomplished their goal of being perfect in the NEC and I'm really proud of how they've played."

It was a pitchers' duel in every sense as Salem's Sarah Chasse and Classical's Katie Cuozzo went nose-to-nose. Chasse held the Rams without a hit or base runner until their fifth inning rally while Cuozzo, who was pitching on her birthday, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

"Sarah pitched outstanding and so did Katie," Warren said. "We had to manufacture some runs and we did."

Mackenzie Coppinger got the Classical rally started when she bunted for a base hit to begin the fifth. Jennie Erekson then reached on an error and Cuozzo walked to load the bases.

DeJoie then delivered as she grounded a single up the middle to give the Rams the only runs of the contest.

"There is no one else I'd want up there in that situation than Olivia," Warren said. "She did it in the Danvers game for us and she came through again (Thursday)."

Cuozzo nearly got the ultimate of birthday presents, but saw her no-hit bid broken up with two gone in the seventh inning.

"They had the target on their backs all season and they had to go out and earn this," Warren said. "I've been around this league for 20 years and going undefeated hasn't happened often."

Webmaster's Note - Hannah Byrne was honored at the end of a long and successful career with the Rams. She will be missed.Classical's Hannah Byrne and Coach Chris Warren celebrate senior's last game at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

Classical's Olivia DeJoie at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Katie Cuozzo at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Jennie Erekson at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Chelsey Bartlett and Salem's Alysia Mercado at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Hannah Byrne  and Salem's Alysia Mercado at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Frakie Galeazzi  at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha    

     Classical's at Breed Field Thursday May 26, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

Classical softball tops English

LYNN - The Classical High softball team completed a sweep of rival English Wednesday with a 12-1 win at Keaney Park.

Classical took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when pitcher Mackenzie Coppinger walked and ended up scoring on a throwing error on a dropped third strike. English came back in the bottom of the inning when Taylor Newhall smoked a triple to left center field and then scored on an error. After surrendering a single to Keila Lantigua, Coppinger slammed the door shut.

Coppinger fanned the next three batters to get out of the inning and then allowed only two more hits (11 strikeouts, 1 walk) the rest of the way.

Classical didn't have all that much success against English pitcher Victoria Oliva early on, but back-to-back walks to start the third inning opened the door a bit and the Rams took advantage. Sam Earp (2 walks, 2 hit by pitch) scored the first of her three runs on a Chelsey Bartlett fielder's choice and Bartlett scored on a hard-hit ball by Jennie Erekson that Oliva knocked down, but couldn't make a play on.

Despite the score, Classical only had four hits.

"It was just a lot of errors," said coach Chris Warren. "But English played better than it did the last time. There were only eight walks today where there were 17, and five hit batters, the last time."

The Rams, leading 3-1, gave themselves a little breathing room with three runs in the fourth inning. Shortstop Hannah Byrne singled in Danielle Moran for the first run and Bartlett reached on an error that also scored two runs (Earp and Byrne) for a 6-1 Classical lead.

Classical put the game away in the sixth. Bartlett singled, driving in Franki Galeazzi (walk) and Earp (hit by pitch). Byrne also came home on the play when the ball was bobbled. Bartlett scored on a single by Erekson, and Coppinger scored from third when Erekson stole second. Byrne scored on an Erekson fielder's choice in the seventh for the final run.

"I was happy with the game today," English coach Alisa Fila said. "The kids made some plays. It was definitely a lot better game than they gave them the first time around."

Classical (17-1, 15-0 Northeastern Conference North) plays its final conference game today against Salem at Breed. If the Rams win, they would finish 16-0 in the conference.

"Both teams have a lot to play for," Warren said. "The game means a lot to us for tournament seedings. And we've put ourselves in a position to have a season we can all remember."

 

Classical 6, Beverly 0

At Grace Rogato Field, the Rams improved to 16-1 overall, 14-0 Northeastern Conference North. Mackenzie Coppinger held the Panthers to three hits and a walk while striking out four.

"The team played really well behind her defensively," coach Chris Warren said.
Danielle Moran (3-for-4, run scored, 2 RBI), Hannah Byrne (3-for-4, run scored, 2 RBI) and Jennie Erekson (1-for-2, run scored) led the way offensively. Classical is at English on Wednesday.

 

 

Rams wrap up second straight NEC softball crown

Chris Warren didn't doubt the Lynn Classical softball team would bounce back from Friday's tough loss to Malden, Classical's first of the season. It's just that the Rams took a bit longer than their supporters are perhaps accustomed to Saturday morning at Breed's Grace Rogato Field.

Down to its final at-bat, Classical scored twice in the bottom of the seventh to squeeze past determined Winthrop, 4-3, and clinch a share of its second straight Northeastern Conference championship and third in four years. The Rams (13-0 NEC, 15-1 overall) then secured the outright title later Saturday night when they trekked to Revere and pasted the Patriots, 14-0.

According to Warren, softball thus became the first girls team in school history to clinch consecutive NEC championships in any sport.

In the decisive seventh inning against Winthrop, Danielle Moran led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Hannah Byrne laced a game-tying single, took second on the throw to the plate and scored the game-winning run when Chelsey Bartlett's fly ball was dropped.

"It was a good rebound for us. Winthrop has beaten us three years in a row, all one-run games. They always get up for us and we expect it from them. (Winthrop coach) Dave Guffy and I are good friends, we work summer camps together that both teams attend and we know each other's kids," said Warren.

Guffy, upbeat despite the difficult nature of the loss, concurred.

"Except for the ending, I thought it was our best game top to bottom that we've played this year, all the way around. The kids from both teams know each other and it's really become a healthy rivalry," said Guffy, whose 8-10 club is headed for post-season play via the Sullivan Rule.

Pitchers Katie Cuozzo of Classical and Alex Ferri of Winthrop kept opposing hitters in check. Cuozzo struck out eight, scattered six hits and didn't allow an earned run. Ferri had the Rams off balance throughout, striking out 10 while yielding just five hits.

"Their pitcher was outstanding - she really kept us quiet," said Warren.

Classical grabbed a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Bartlett walked and scored on a triple by Jennie Erekson, who then crossed on Olivia DeJoie's single.

Winthrop cut the lead to 2-1 in the third on a run-scoring single by Alyssa Moore (2-for-3), then moved in front in the fifth on a two-run single by Andrea Martucci (3-for-4). The Rams, triggered by the senior Byrne, would show their championship mettle.

"We're really excited. It's our third championship in four years and Hannah has been a big part of this for four years. She's the first girl to be a part of three championship teams in school history," Warren noted.

Lynn Classical 14, Revere 0

The Rams left little to chance Saturday night, scoring early and often against the Patriots. Bartlett (3-for-3) enjoyed a monster game, clubbing two doubles and driving in seven runs. Byrne went 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored; Moran was 3-for-4 with two RBI; and Franki Galeazzi had a pair of hits and scored two runs. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Coppinger struck out six and yielded just three hits for the shutout.

Classical kicks off a busy final week of the regular season with the first of six games today against Beverly. Included is a rematch at Malden on Friday (4 p.m.).

 

Classical catcher Chelsey Bartlett is there with the ball in her glove as Malden's Emily Moran slides into home during Friday's game at Breed. (Item Photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Malden softball squeaks by Classical

LYNN - It felt very much like a state tournament game on Friday at Breed's Grace Rogato Field as unbeaten Classical hosted a Malden squad that came in at 12-1 and boasted one of the top pitchers in Division 1 in junior Kiara Amos and an explosive offense.


In a nip-and-tuck battle, it was Amos and the Golden Tornadoes who were able to scratch across single runs in the fifth and seventh innings against Mackenzie Coppinger as the Rams lost for the first time in 2011, 2-0, on a 2-hitter from Amos.

"Malden is a very, very good team," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "We knew coming in that this was going to be a 1-0 game either way and it wound up 2-0."

Coppinger pitched well on Friday against a lineup that boasted seven batters with batting averages over .400 as she held Malden (13-1) to six hits but Amos was just a little bit better in hurling her sixth shutout of the season and improving on her 0.35 ERA.

"That was the best softball game I've seen all year," Malden coach John Furlong said. "Classical is really well coached and are very tough. We were able to get a couple of timely hits and that was the difference."

Both teams struggled to find chances to score as the Rams (13-1) managed only three base runners all day. Malden, meanwhile, spread its six hits over four different innings and saw rallies in the second and third killed by the Classical defense.

"We made some mistakes and didn't adjust in the box at times," Warren said. "You need to adjust on every pitch against a good pitcher like (Amos)."

The first serious threat by either team to score came in the fifth after Coppinger had retired the first two Malden batters.

Francesca Richardson got the rally started when she slapped a single to right with two strikes. She moved up on a passed ball before No. 9 batter Ashley Powers drew a walk.

Shortstop Rebecca Krigman then deposited a single up the right-center gap to bring Richardson around for a 1-0 Malden lead. And with the way Amos was throwing, the gulf seemed like much more than that.

After Jennie Erekson singled with two outs in the second, Classical would not put another runner on base until Danielle Moran reached on an error with two out in the sixth.

"Thank God Kiara is only a junior," Furlong joked. "The one big thing (Friday) was that the girls behind her who haven't had a chance to make plays at times were able to make the ones we needed to win."

The Golden Tornadoes would add an insurance run in the seventh despite a near Keystone Cops routine on the bases.

Coppinger hit Jessalyne Brown to lead off the inning. Hannah Calderone followed with a single before Richardson sacrificed the runners to third.

Powers then attempted a safety squeeze that was bobbled and dropped, resulting in mass chaos on the basepaths and two runners at third for a moment. In the confusion, Brown was able to slip home ahead of Hannah Byrne's throw for the 2-0 lead.

"We made a mental mistake there," Warren said. "And when you're playing good teams and you make a mistake, they're going to beat you."

Classical would get the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the inning, but Amos got Erekson to chase a pitch out of the strike zone to end the game.

Classical's Chelsea Bartlett and Malden's Emily Moran at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Katie Cuozzo and Malden's Ashley Powers at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's MacKenzie Coppinger at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Danielle Moran and Malden's Renee Santos at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Jennie Erekson at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha    

Classical's Sam Earp at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Chelsea Bartlett at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Hannah Byrne  at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Sam Earp at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Jennie Erekson outs  Malden's Bridget Furlong as she runs to first base  at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Hannah Bryne at Breed Middle School Friday May 20, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

 

Classical softball roars back, defeats Peabody

LYNN - In its previous 12 wins this season, the Lynn Classical softball team has done a superb job of taking advantage of any opening its opposition has provided. Game No. 13 on Wednesday would prove to be no different at Grace Rogato Field.

After getting into a quick 1-0 hole to Peabody, the Rams hitched up their belts and rattled off the game's last 13 runs to take a 13-1, 6-inning win over the Tanners.

"(Peabody) was coming in off a big win against Saugus," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "And you have to come to the field ready to play every game and the girls did a good job of adjusting to their pitchers."

It seemed like 13 was the Rams' lucky number on Wednesday as they pounded out 13 hits in win No. 13.

"It's tough to beat a team as good and talented as Classical," Peabody coach Butch Melanaphy said. "And when they don't make any mistakes, it's even harder."

The Tanners gave Green-and-gold fans a quick jolt in the top of the first as they grabbed a 1-0 lead when Holly Smith singled and came around on a two-out hit from catcher Olivia Brothers.

It stayed 1-0 until the bottom of the third when the Rams (13-0, 11-0 Northeastern Conference/North) worked a little bit of two-out lightning against Peabody starter Shannon Pires.

Jennie Erekson (3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 RS) led off with a single but was forced at second on an Olivia DeJoie fielder's choice. A walk to Amy Blocksidge was followed by a strikeout of Franki Galeazzi. Danielle Moran (3-for-5, 2 RS, 1 RBI) then slapped a single to left to plate both DeJoie and Blocksidge.

Sam Earp followed by reaching on a throwing error that allowed Moran to scoot home for a 3-1 lead.

Neither team would score in the third before the Rams busted the game wide open in the fourth, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring seven times on five hits.

Chelsey Bartlett; Mackenzie Coppinger; Erekson; Moran and Earp all drove in runs with the final two scoring on errors.

"We hit the ball really well," Warren said. "And we also made some loud outs."

Classical would add two more in the fifth via RBIs from Erekson and DeJoie before capping the game on Bartlett's RBI single in the sixth.

"We had a lot of experience and success coming back from last year and I think that has helped the girls settle down and do well this season," Warren said.

 

 

Classical 14, Gloucester 2 (6 innings)
At Breed, the Rams (12-0) got a big day from Samantha Earp, who went 4-for-5 with five RBI and three runs scored.
She was joined by Adriana Raymond (2-4, 2 runs, 2 doubles, 2 RBI); Katie Cuozzo (2-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI); Franki Galeazzi (2-3, 1 run); Olivia DeJoie (1-1, 1 run); and Danielle Moran and Mackenzie Coppinger (each went 1-2 with 1 run; Moran added 2 RBI).
Cuozzo struck out five, allowed eight hits and walked none. The Rams took control with a seven-run second inning to make it 8-0.
 

 

Rams Road Warriors

By Dan Ventura / Around the Horn  |   Sunday, May 8, 2011  Boston Herald

Photo
 

Photo by Patrick Whittemore

The team that travels together, wins together.

That formula has worked wonders for the Lynn Classical softball squad. The Rams have gone through the first half of the season with a perfect 10-0 mark, the big win coming Monday when they defeated Saugus, 5-1, in a battle of unbeatens.

For the past few years, Lynn Classical has taken a preseason trip to Cape Cod as well as a regular-season trek to Florida. Coach Chris Warren believes this has gone a long way in shaping his team into a contender for postseason glory.

“I believe going to these places has played a big part in our success,” Warren said. “I think it’s helped bring us closer together as a team.”

Warren had no qualms about pushing the envelope with this team, considering the bulk of the roster returned intact from a year ago. Not only do the Rams have quality, they have quantity in the key positions.

Start on the hill, where Mackenzie Coppinger and Katie Cuozzo have split the duties with a great deal of success. For the most part, Warren has rotated the pitchers on a game-by-game basis.

“They’ve been great about it,” Warren said. “I think it helps that when they’re not pitching, they’re playing the field. It’s a nice luxury when we have three straight days of games, so we’re not putting all the burden on one pitcher.”

They have benefited from a potent offense that is averaging in double digits for the season. Shortstop Hannah Byrne leads with the way, batting .586 with 13 RBI and 12 runs scored.

Franki Galeazzi has put her speed and bat control to good use, batting .565. Other key hitters include Chelsey Bartlett (.417, 10 RBI, nine runs scored), Jerrica DeLosSantos (.421, 14 runs scored), Olivia DeJoie (.412, five RBI), Cuozzo (.323, 11 RBI), Jennie Erekson (.257, seven RBI), Danielle Mason (.314, seven RBI) and Samantha Earp (.350).

 

# Name GS PA AB H 1b 2b 3b HR ROE HBP SACf SACb BB BB% Ks Krat RBI RUNS BA
3 Danielle Moran 10 41 35 11 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0.122 4 0.114 7 8 0.314
8 Frankie Galeazzi 6 23 23 13 13 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.000 3 0.130 4 13 0.565
15 Hannah Byrne 10 43 35 17 11 4 1 1 1 2 1 0 7 0.163 3 0.086 13 12 0.486
11 Chelsey Bartlett 10 40 36 15 14 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0.100 3 0.083 10 9 0.417
14 Makenzie Coppinger 10 35 31 7 5 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 3 0.086 4 0.129 4 8 0.226
16 Katie Cuozzo 10 34 31 10 7 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0.088 0 0.000 11 4 0.323
5 Jennie Erekson 10 38 35 9 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3 0.079 4 0.114 7 8 0.257
24 Angela Erelli 10 25 22 6 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0.040 4 0.182 3 7 0.273
9 Olivia DeJoie 5 18 17 7 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0.056 3 0.176 5 4 0.412
6 Samantha Earp 10 21 20 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0.190 4 0.200 3 5 0.350
1 Amy Blocksidge 1 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0.375 0 0.000 0 1 0.000
10 Jerrica DelosSantos 7 23 19 8 6 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 0.174 1 0.053 6 14 0.421
13 Adriana Raymond 1 7 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0.000 1 0.250 3 1 0.500
                              0.000   0.000     0.000
  Team Totals                           0.000   0.000     0.000
 

 

 
Classical catcher Chelsey Bartlett gets ready to put the tag on a sliding Lindsey Marini of Swampscott during Friday's game. (Item photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical softball outlasts Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT -- The Lynn Classical softball team clinched a berth in the state tournament as quick as one possibly can on Friday but by no means was it easy against Swampscott.

The Big Blue actually outhit Classical, 10-9, but saw a 4-3 fourth inning lead disappear in a hurry as Classical ripped off six unanswered runs and took a closer than indicated 9-5 win.

"The first goal is to always qualify for the tournament," Classical coach Chris Warren said after his team clinched a seventh straight postseason berth. "The girls are playing well right now but give Swampscott a lot of credit. Their pitcher (Angela Vousboukis) kept us off balance a lot."

The Big Blue (4-6) had momentum squarely on their side after the first three innings, leading 4-3 and were consistently getting to Rams starter Katie Cuozzo.

Then with one swing of her bat, Mackenzie Coppinger changed the entire game with a solo homer to left that tied the game.

"We knew that they would have their run and we hoped to contain it," Swampscott coach Frank Kowalski said. "That home run just changed the momentum."

Even more important for the Rams would be Coppinger coming to the mound and putting the shackles on Swampscott. The Big Blue got seven hits and four earned runs off Cuozzo but would he held to three hits and one run over the final four innings.

"Copp came in and did a great job," Warren said. "It was a big at bat she had with the homer and then she came in and stopped them on the mound."

Classical took the lead for good in the fifth. Sam Earp and Danielle Moran led off with singles then with one out, Hannah Byrne (2-4, 3 RBI) brought home Earp on a fielders choice before Moran crossed on an error to make it 6-4.

The Rams would put the game away in the seventh, scoring three times on three hits and an error. Byrne drove home two runs with a double to dead center before Coppinger's base hit to left capped the scoring for the Rams.

Swampscott made it semi-interesting in the bottom of the seventh, pushing one run across before Lauren Sullivan lined back to Coppinger to end the game.

"We got timely hitting (Friday)," Warren said.

Classical's Kaite Cuozzo pitches at Swampscott Friday May 6, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Jennie Erekson and Swampscott's Noel Landry at Swampscott Friday May 6, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's and Swampscott's at Swampscott Friday May 6, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Chelsey Bartlett and Swampscott's Kelly Birchmore at Swampscott Friday May 6, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Danielle Moran just misses the ball at Swampscott Friday May 6, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha    

 

    

 

Our Softball Team Wins its 10th Game in a Row ! ( Click here for Story and Photos)

Cuozzo's bat helps Classical beat Saugus in battle of unbeatens

Katie Cuozzo is generally known for working her magic on the mound, but it was her bat that got the job done for the Classical High softball team Monday in a 5-1 win over Saugus at Saugus.

Both teams were undefeated going into the contest and the game reflected it. Classical (9-0, 7-0 Northeastern Conference) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a throwing error on a bunt and Saugus returned the favor by tying the game on an error

Cuozzo (2-for-4, run, 3 RBI) drove in what would prove to be the game-winner for the Rams in the sixth inning on a monster home run over the left fielder's head. Centerfielder
Danielle Moran, who threw a runner out at the plate earlier in the game, knocked in a run to give Classical a 3-1 lead and Cuozzo struck again in the seventh with a two-run single for the 5-1 final. Jerrica DeLosSantos (2-for-4, run) also contributed with the bat for the Rams.

Mackenzie Coppinger (7 innings, 2 hits, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks, 1 hit batter, no earned runs) went the distance for Classical. Nichole Lowe took the loss for the Sachems.

"(Mackenzie) had a little control problem, but she scattered the walks and kept them off-balance," Classical coach
Chris Warren said.

"Saugus is a good team," he said. "They were undefeated going in."


 


 

Classical 16, Marblehead 3 (6 innings)

At Marblehead, this one was much closer than the score indicated as the Magicians had a 3-0 lead after four innings before Classical (8-0, 6-0 NEC North) exploded for 16 runs on 16 hits in the final two innings.

"This really came out of nowhere," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "The score definitely does not indicate how this game was. We were outplayed for four innings and that's a credit to Marblehead."

The Rams were led by a 4-for-5 day at the plate by Franki Galeazzi, who also drove in three and scored three times. Sam Earp was 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs scored while Chelsey Bartlett and Adriana Raymond each drove home two.

Olivia DeJoie and Danielle Moran each had two hits. Katie Cuozzo started with Mackenzie Coppinger coming on in relief in the fifth.

"We haven't been down all year long and it was nice to see them respond. It's great for them to know they can be down late in a game and pull one out. You need games like this to open your eyes," Warren said.

 

 

Classical defeats Beverly in battle of undefeated teams

Only one team was leaving Innocenti Park with its record unblemished Tuesday and thanks in large part to a stellar performance by pitcher Mackenzie Coppinger, that team was Classical.

Classical and Beverly were both undefeated heading into a Northeastern Conference North matchup and when the smoke cleared, it was Classical escaping with a 2-0 win and a 7-0 record. Beverly is 5-1.

Coppinger went all seven innings, with five strikeouts, no runs, one walk and six hits. Beverly pitcher Rachel Willwerth also turned in an impressive performance in the loss.

Classical coach Chris Warren was very happy with his team's performance.

"I knew this was going to be a tough game today. Beverly is a solid team and I knew a few runs are all that would be needed in a game like this," Warren said.

Beverly coach Meghan Sudak was satisfied with her team's effort as well.

"My kids played a great game. They played unbelievable defense and pitched a great game. Unfortunately, my team couldn't string enough hits together to win," Sudak said.

The Rams scored two runs in the third inning, and that was all Coppinger needed to record the win. Hannah Byrne (2-3, 1 walk, 1 run scored) and Chelsey Bartlett (3-4, 1 RBI) supplied the firepower. The Classical outfield had a strong performance on the defensive side.
 

 

Classical's Danielle Moran makes contact as English's Lauren Pohlmeyer watches from behind the plate at Breed on Monday. (Item Photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical softball defeats English

LYNN - There was really not a lot to say after Monday's 27-3 Classical softball victory over English.

All either coach could do after Monday's 4 1/2 inning affair (mercy rule) was leave the game behind and concentrate on what comes next.


"Well," said English's Alisa Fila, whose spirits were as positive as one could hope after the day she and the team had, "we play tomorrow.

"We'll have a little chat," she said, "and then concentrate on Everett."

Chris Warren of Classical was equally to the point.

"There's not a lot you can say, really," he said. "There were 17 walks, three hit batters, about seven errors ... that translates into a lot of runs for us.

"But," he said, "this sets us up for a real big game (this afternoon) at Beverly. It should be a real good game. We'll have two undefeated teams in the league going at each other."

The Bulldogs began the day by finding out they'd be without starting pitcher Cathia Hernandez (MIAA rules violation). That left Fila with a pitching staff by committee ... and that entire committee saw action, starting with Vic Oliva and continuing with Taylor Ford, Molly Cullen and Lindsay Walsh. Nothing worked early in the game as the Rams scored 16 runs in the first inning and six in the second. There were surprisingly few hits in either inning. Classical got 12 bases on balls in the first inning, and three more in the second.

Despite the score, Fila was happy with her team's attitude.

"We didn't quit," she said. "I liked our attitude. We had a lot of energy."

She also didn't use Hernandez' absence as an excuse.

"We've been struggling all year," said Fila, whose team remained winless. "Today, obviously, was what it was. But we have 14 more games this year. We're not going to quit."

For Classical, pitcher Katie Cuozzo had a much easier time. She gave up a run in the top of the first, and two more in the third. Otherwise, she held the Bulldogs at bay.

Offensively, just about everyone on Classical got up to bat and had either a walk or a hit.

Classical's Hannah Byrne and English's Taylor Newhall at Breed Middle School Monday April 25, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Olivia DeJoie and English's Kaitlyn Berrera at Breed Middle School Monday April 25, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Hannah Byrne and English's  Vic Oliva and Lauren Pohlmeyer at Breed Middle School Monday April 25, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Hannah Byrne and English's Lauren P  at Breed Middle School Monday April 25, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Katie Cuozzo at Breed Middle School Monday April 25, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha    

 

The Classical softball team went 2-0 during it's trip to Orlando this week. Bottom row from left: Jennie Erekson, Amy Blocksidge, Danielle Moran, Sam Earp, Chelsey Bartlett and Jerrica DeLos Santos. Top row from left: assistant coach Lauren Phelps, coach Nicole Oak, Angela Erelli, Olivia DeJoie, Katie Cuozzo, Adrianna Raymond, Hannah Byrne, Mackenzie Coppinger and head coach Chris Warren. (Photo / Leah Warren)

Classical softball looks to keep momentum going

The Lynn Classical softball team got to spend its April vacation unlike a lot of local softball teams did...the Rams were in the sunny confines and climate of Orlando, Florida at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

"It was a great trip," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "The girls had a great time and its something that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

It marked the second time that Classical has made the trek to Florida under Warren. The last time they headed to Orlando, the Rams dropped both games and came home with an 0-4 record, but still made the state tournament.

This time around, the results were markedly different as Classical defeated a pair of teams from New York, including the defending state champions from Liverpool.

"Both of them were good teams," Warren said. "These are games that will definitely help us down the line this season."

Mother Nature shined nicely on Classical. While the rest of their opponents in the Northeastern Conference were dodging raindrops, the Rams were splashed in sun and 90 degree temps every day.

That weather was something that Warren was proud to see his team handle in style.

"That was a big concern for us," Warren said. "You're not used to that type of heat at this point of the season but the girls handled it well."

When they weren't on the field, the team was taking in all that the Magic Kingdom had to offer. They spent time at Walt Disney World; Epcot Center and Disney-MGM Studios and had a team dinner at T-Rex Restaurant to celebrate one of the player's birthdays.

"It was set up in a way that the girls could really enjoy themselves," Warren said. "They could spend time at the pool or go to the parks. As coaches, it was great for us also to see them have such fun."

The team returned home on Thursday and had a practice yesterday in preparation for a game today against Beverly. But Warren knows that the trip is something that will help his team in the long run.

"The chemistry and bonding that comes from the trip is something you hope for," Warren said. "The girls really had a great time and didn't want to leave...but now we're back to the business at hand and getting ready for an undefeated Beverly team."

 

 

 

Classical 5, Westhill 2

At Walt Disney World against one of the top teams in Syracuse, N.Y,
Mackenzie Coppinger threw seven innings striking out 10 and allowed one run on three hits to lead the Rams to the win.
The Rams, facing a strong pitcher, played small ball twice moving runners from first to third on bunts.
For Classical (5-0),
Jerrica DeLosSantos knocked in two runs. Jennie Erekson finished 2-4 with a run scored, while Angela Erelli and Chelsey Bartlett each recorded a hit and a run.

 

 Classical softball works magic at Disney World

The 85-degree temperatures at Disney World weren't the only good thing for the Lynn Classical softball team this past weekend.

Classical defeated Liverpool High (NY), 3-1, at the Wide World of Sports complex to improve to 4-0. The Liverpool team went 22-4 last year.

Katie Cuozzo struck out three and walked one for the Rams, allowing one unearned run. Hannah Byrne went 2-for-4 and Jerrica De Los Santos went 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit RBI single that put the Rams up 2-1. Coach Chris Warren also saluted his infield, noting that "everyone was involved" on two rundown outs, and praised Mackenzie Coppinger for "two great plays" in left field - the second one a shoestring catch to end the game.

 

# Name GS PA AB H 1b 2b 3b HR BB% Ks Krat RBI RUNS BA OB%
3 Danielle Moran 5 20 18 5 4 1 0 0 0.100 4 0.222 2 3 0.278 0.350
8 Frankie Galeazzi 2 9 9 7 7 0 0 0 0.000 1 0.111 1 6 0.778 0.800
15 Hannah Byrne 5 20 17 8 4 2 1 1 0.150 3 0.176 9 5 0.471 0.545
11 Chelsey Bartlett 5 18 17 7 7 0 0 0 0.056 1 0.059 3 4 0.412 0.444
14 Makenzie Coppinger 5 17 17 5 4 0 0 1 0.000 2 0.118 2 4 0.294 0.294
16 Katie Cuozzo 4 14 14 3 2 1 0 0 0.000 0 0.000 3 1 0.214 0.267
5 Jennie Erekson 5 18 17 5 4 0 1 0 0.056 2 0.118 4 3 0.294 0.333
24 Angela Erelli 5 11 11 4 4 0 0 0 0.000 3 0.273 1 5 0.364 0.364
9 Olivia DeJoie 2 10 10 3 3 0 0 0 0.000 3 0.300 2 1 0.300 0.300
6 Samantha Earp 5 11 10 1 1 0 0 0 0.091 3 0.300 0 0 0.100 0.182
1 Amy Blocksidge 1 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0.200 0 0.000 0 1 0.000 0.200
10 Jerrica DelosSantos 4 12 9 4 3 0 0 1 0.250 0 0.000 6 7 0.444 0.615
13 Adriana Raymond 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 1 1.000 1 0 0.000 0.333
                    0.000   0.000     0.000 0.000
  Team Totals                 0.000   0.000     0.000 0.000
      168 154 52 43 4 2 3 0.07 23 0.15 34 40 0.338 0.411
    DEFINITIONS:        

 

 

 
Classical's Hannah Byrne, center, signed a letter of intent to St Anselm College Friday as, from left, coach Chris Warren, principal Gene Constantino, parents Henry and Denise Byrne and nephews Arthur and Quintan Chiaradonna look on. (Item photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical's pitching getting mighty stingy

At the rate the Classical pitchers are going, just getting a hit off them will be major accomplishment this spring.

Mackenzie Coppinger hurled her second straight no-hitter Friday in a 12-0 win over Revere, allowing only one baserunner - on an error - that was later snuffed out in an attempted steal.

In between Coppinger's games, Katie Cuozzo pitched a two-hitter Thursday in a win over Peabody.

"Three games, we've given up two hits and no runs," said coach Chris Warren.

Friday's game lasted six innings (mercy rule), and shortstop Hannah Byrne, who earlier in the day had signed her letter of intent to play softball at St. Anselm's College, made the most of them, going 4-for-5 and knocking in six runs.

Franki Galeazzi (2-for-3, 2 runs), Jerrica DeLosSantos (1-for-3, 3 RBI) and Angela Erelli (2-for-3, RBI) also stood out for the Rams, who leave for Florida today for two games.
 

 

Classical 12, Peabody 0

At Peabody,
Katie Cuozzo allowed only two hits and one walk for the Rams (2-0). Shortstop Hannah Byrne (1-1) set the mood with a two-run home run over the centerfield fence in the first inning. No. 8 hitter Jerrica De Los Santos had a solo shot and scored two runs; Danielle Moran went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and Franki Galeazzi had two hits, scored two, stole two bases and drove in a run. Second baseman Sam Earp helped preserve the shutout with an unassisted double play.
Peabody (0-1)) had hits from Jessica Raymond and Olivia Brothers (who also had a walk).
Next week they'll be playing 2 games at Disneyworld.

 

 
Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger turned in a dominating performance against Salem at Mack Park in Salem on Monday. (Item Photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical softball no-hits Salem

SALEM - Things got off to an emotional start for Lynn Classical's softball team Monday when co-captain Hannah Byrne addressed the team.

"She wanted to dedicate the season to my mother (who died last December) and to Rob Garrity (father of former pitcher Jenny Garrity, who died last week)," said coach Chris Warren. "I am so fortunate to coach the kids I coach. That's what I want to say before I say anything else."

After Byrne spoke to her teammates, she went out there and backed it up. She drove home a run in the first inning with a double to left that set the tone for the Rams' 8-0 victory over Salem; and then, in the third -- in the only inning in which pitcher Mackenzie Coppinger got into trouble -- she went deep in the hole, dove for a grounder, and threw to third baseman Jennie Erekson for the force. The play not only saved the shutout for Coppinger, it saved a no-hitter, too.


"It's the first one I've ever coached," noted Warren.

The game was billed as a pitcher's duel between Coppinger and Salem's Sarah Chasse, and for a while it was. Classical got a run in the first when Francesca Galeazzi bunted her way on, and scored from first on Byrne's double. Two more runs came home in the second on Danielle Moran's two-base hit that scored Katie Cuozzo (double) and Jerrica DeLosSantos (infield hit).

But it was the fourth that drove Salem coach Dan Bertone crazy. Salem made four errors, including a booted ground ball and a dropped popup, that led to five Classical runs as the Rams put the game away. Two runs came home when Byrne reached on an error, and Chelsey Bartlett singled and came all the way around -- scoring Byrne ahead of her -- on two more fielding errors. Coppinger's home run accounted for the fifth run.

"She had a game, didn't she?" Warren said. "A no-hitter, a home run, plus she made some really nice plays in the field."

"You can't play like that against a team as talented as Classical," Bertone said. "They're certainly the best team in our league, and I think they're one of the best teams in Division 1, too. You have to make the plays."

Coppinger only allowed three baserunners. Two came on walks in the third. With two out in the inning, Chasse hit a scorcher that looked to be into left field. At the time, it was only 3-0. But Byrne dove for it, and threw to Erekson for the out.

"We made a few nice plays in the field," Warren said. "Angela (Erelli) took a hit away from one of their girls too."

The only other runner for Salem was Gloria Mustafaraj, who hit a soft liner up the middle that Byrne almost managed to stab. She had it, but it fell out of her glove. The unanimous consensus among the coaches was that it was an error, thereby giving Coppinger her no-hitter.

Classical's Jennie Erekson, right throws to firstbaseman Katie Cuozzo and Salem's Alysia Mercado at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Katie Cuozzo and Salem's Alysia Mercado at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Angela Erelli at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's MacKenzie Coppinger at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Frankie Galeazzi and Salem's Sarah Mullarkey at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha     Classical's Olvia DeJoie at Mack Park in Salem Monday April 11, 2011. Item Photo/ Reba M. Saldanha

 

Classical softball captain Mackenzie Coppinger decides which ball to hit during practice Wednesday. (Item Photo / Reba M. Saldanha)

Classical softball has experienced lineup this year

Chris Warren doesn't like to get ahead of himself. He's aware that his Classical softball team will be the odds-on favorite to win its third Northeastern Conference/North title in four years (and second in a row).

But as far as he's concerned, "our goal every year is to qualify for the state tournament and hope we're competitive in the league."


If experience counts, that shouldn't be a problem. Warren has a veteran team back

 

 this spring, including shortstop Hannah Byrne and pitcher/outfielder Mackenzie Coppinger. Adding to that list of experienced players are Jennie Erekson (third base); Katie Cuozzo, a pitcher who didn't play much last year due to injury; Chelsey Bartlett (catcher), Olivia DeJoie (who played quite a bit of first base in 2010), Angela Erelli (right field) and Danielle Moran (center field).

As a bonus, the Rams have an experienced transfer from English: Samantha Earp.

"Other than that," he said, "it's a little too early to tell with some of the others.

"But," he said, "that's a good seven or eight."

Last year, the Rams had to battle Salem and Peabody up until the last week before the Rams won big games over the Tanners and Witches to take the league title. This season, Warren figures to be battling with Salem and Beverly.

"Salem lost a lot of bats," he said, "but they still have Sarah Chasse on the mound, and she's their big gun. Beverly's pitcher is back, too."

Classical made it to the Division 1 North quarterfinals last year, losing a 1-0 heartbreaker to Acton-Boxboro.

"And," says Warren, "they finished up fifth in the state."

This year's schedule -- aside from the league games -- will be challenging. The Rams will travel to Florida next month for a tournament at Disney World. They'll be playing two teams from New York -- one of them against last year's state champion and the other against a squad whose pitcher fanned 268 batters last year.

"It'll be a great experience," he said. "And it'll count for MIAA purposes, too. It's a great way, along with our trip to Cape Cod, for our team to come together, develop chemistry, and bond."

Helping Warren out this season will be Lauren Phelps and Kristen Dean at the varsity level; and Christine Brown Nerich and Nicole Oak on the JVs.

Classical softball captain Jennie Erekson at practice Wednesday March 23, 2011. Item Photo/Reba M. Saldanha     Classical softball captain Hannah Byrne at practice Wednesday March 23, 2011. Item Photo/Reba M. Saldanha     Classical softball player Chelsey Bartlett at practice Wednesday March 23, 2011. Item Photo/Reba M. Saldanha

 

LYNN CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL JV/VARSITY 2011 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

JV PLAYS AT CALLAHAN SCHOOL…VARSITY PLAYS AT BREED MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRACE ROGATO FIELD)

MONDAY, APRIL 11TH LCHS @ SALEM 4PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13TH LCHS @ PEABODY 4PM (JV at Cy Tenney Park)

FRIDAY, APRIL 15TH REVERE @ LCHS 4PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH LCHS VS LIVERPOOL HS (NY) DISNEY’S WWS NOON

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20TH LCHS VS WESTHILL HIGH SCHOOL (NY) DISNEY 10AM

MONDAY, APRIL 25TH LEHS @ LCHS 4PM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27TH LCHS @ MARBLEHEAD 4PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH DANVERS @ LCHS 4PM

MONDAY, MAY 2ND LCHS @ SAUGUS 4PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4TH WINTHROP @ LCHS 4PM

FRIDAY, MAY 6TH LCHS @ SWAMPSCOTT 4PM

MONDAY, MAY 9TH GLOUCESTER @ LCHS 4PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11TH PEABODY @ LCHS 4PM

FRIDAY, MAY 13TH LCHS @ MALDEN 4PM

MONDAY, MAY 16TH LCHS @ REVERE 4PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18TH SALEM @ LCHS 4PM

FRIDAY, MAY 20TH MALDEN @ LCHS 4PM

SATURDAY, MAY 21, WINTHROP @ LCHS 10AM

MONDAY, MAY 23RD LCHS @ BEVERLY 4PM

WEDNESDAY,MAY 25TH LCHS @ LEHS 4PM

Thursday, May 26th vs Salem    Varsity-4pm Grace Rogato/Breed   JV-Callahan 4pm

JOHN HOLLAND MEMORIAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

5/28 Holland Tournament needs to begin at 3pm, second game at 5pm. 5/29 will remain 11am and 1pm.

NEC ALL-STAR GAME TUESDAY 5/31 @ BREED 7PM

 

 

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