Classical High shortstop Hannah Byrne takes a cut during a game against Everett back in April. At right is Everett catcher Rachel Pierce. (ITEM FILE PHOTO) Classical's Hannah Byrne learns from the best at Cape Camp By Matthew Roy / For The Item The Lynn Classical softball team already knew heading into next spring that it was going to have a shot at having a very successful season. Little did coach Chris Warren know that his star shortstop, Hannah Byrne, was going to get the experience of a lifetime recently. Byrne, who has been a two sport star for the Rams since her freshman year, recently traveled to Martha's Vineyard to participate in a softball clinic run by South Florida and U.S National team assistant coach Ken Erikson. "I was extremely honored to be invited," Byrne said. "Coach Erikson was awesome. He gave all of us a lot of good tips and I learned a lot from him." Byrne already has been a star on the diamond for the Rams, being twice named a Northeastern Conference all-star in her three years, and Warren knows this will be nothing but a good thing for his shortstop and program. "It was great for her to go down there," Warren said. "She's showed herself on the field and is a reflection on what we do in our program. It's nice to have kids like her recognized and it is only going to help the other kids we have." Byrne's trip to the Vineyard came by chance as she was participating in an AAU tourney in Lowell with her summer team, the New England Storm, when one of the umpires took notice of her play. "The umpire talked with my summer coach (John Gambale) and he got in contact with me," Byrne said. "And it just went from there. I was honored they invited me." Byrne said that Erikson worked with the participants on all parts of the game and Warren knows that those lessons can also help the rest of the Rams. "I know its going to make Hannah a better player and she can bring these things to me and our program to help better our team," Warren said. "She has the whole package and did well, I'm guessing, among some pretty good talent." Byrne is already being looked at by several colleges, including Bentley University in Waltham. The Hawks are no stranger to the Classical program as they were one of the teams that heavily recruited one of Byrne's predecessors at the shortstop spot, Afton Dean, during her junior and senior seasons. "Afton was recruited by them when she was with us and it brought Bentley's eyes on our program," Warren said. "Hannah, her mom and I went on a visit there and it is just a beautiful facility."

Coach of the Year

Classical, the Northeastern Conference North champion this season, loses two starters -- pitcher Jenny Garrity and second baseman Fallon Gaudet. Garrity shared pitching duties this season and still managed to ring up a 9-1 record. She also hit over .400. Garrity is heading to Emmanuel College, where she plans to play softball. Gaudet, who led the Rams with four home runs, is looking to play at Curry College.

"It's good to go out and watch former players play (in college) ... It's nice to see them do well and I think it helps the younger girls (who might be thinking of playing at the next level)," Classical coach Chris Warren said

ACTON -- Acton-Boxborough is one of the top girls softball programs in Division 1. Tuesday, Lynn Classical showed it might be ready to jump to that level.

The Rams, seeded sixth and considered by most as an underdog to the No. 3 seeded Colonials, did everything possible to pull off the upset on the road.

Classical got stellar pitching from Katie Cuozzo, played fantastic defense and had several good scoring chances. But A-B sophomore Sarah Ropiak baffled the Rams with a near-unhittable change-up in holding Classical to four hits while striking out nine as her team escaped with a 1-0 win.

"A-B is a great team and a great program, as we are," Rams coach Chris Warren said. "We had every feeling during we were going to come out on top. (Ropiak) pitched a great game for them and she kept us off balance all day."

The Colonials (19-3) had blown out Westford Academy , 15-0, in the first round Monday. But coach Mary Matthews knew that this game was going to be different almost immediately.

"(Classical) is a very good team and we didn't expect to have another blowout," Matthews said. "Sarah pitched great, but so did their girl. Both teams played outstanding."

Classical (18-6) put a pair of runners on in the top of the first but were unable to convert. The Colonials the turned to their James Madison University-bound leadoff batter, Cassidy Clayton, to get something started in the bottom of the first.

The Colonials shortstop singled to right and went to second when the ball was misplayed in the outfield. Lindsey Gibbs sacrificed Clayton to third before Erin Fry hit a little pop-up to Fallon Gaudet (aka Prom Queen) on the edge of the outfield grass at second.

Playing aggressively, Matthews sent Clayton on the play and she slid around Chelsey Bartlett's tag to give A-B the lead.

"Cassidy could be a No. 4 hitter for any other team," Matthews said. "But we put her at lead off because she set the kind of tone I want to see. That's why she's going to be a good Division 1 player at James Madison."

Classical looked to steal back the momentum in the second when Jenny Garrity led off with a double to center. Jennie Erekson then hit a shot to third but Lauren Murphy snared it and flipped to Jenay Li at second to double up pinch runner Chelsey Martin and thwart the potential big inning.

"Those are the little things that add up in games like this," Warren said. "The girl made a great play at third to double us up there."

Defense and pitching ruled the day. Neither team would be able to string together hits against Cuozzo and Ropiak as the sophomores were outstanding.

"Katie pitched phenomenal," Warren said.
"We just needed to string together a couple hits and couldn't."

A-B looked to score an insurance run in the fifth when Maddie Hatch reached on an error with one out.

Li bunted for a hit and Jess Proulx followed with a single to left but Hannah Byrne's dead-eye relay of MacKenzie Coppinger's throw got Hatch at the plate, and kept it a one run game.

The Rams were doing everything to have a shot at the win but Ropiak wasn't ready to let her team fall either.

After Erekson singled to lead off the fifth, Ropiak would retired nine of the last 10 batters she'd face in the game, including striking out the side in the seventh to seal the win.

"I think that we're pretty close with these guys now," Warren said.
"We are definitely a program on the rise."

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Classical Softball Team Ousts Peabody in MIAA Tournament            

Lynn Classical's Hannah Byrne (15) is greeted at home plate after hitting a 3-run shot over the fence to give her team the lead for good against Peabody. (PHOTO COURTESY ROSE RAYMOND)

LYNN -- Saturday's 10-3 Lynn Classical Division 1 North first-round victory over Peabody might have looked like a rout on paper, but in reality, things got pretty dicey for the Rams before they finally busted out.
Classical actually trailed, 2-1, heading into the bottom of the fifth, and starter Mackenzie Coppinger had already been lifted in favor of Katie Cuozzo. But then, lightning struck in the form of junior Hannah Byrne, who launched an absolute rocket shot for a three-run homer that broke a 2-2 tie, and the Rams never looked back.
Classical, 18-5 and seeded sixth, will be playing  Acton Boxborough on Tuesday. The Rams will play in the quarterfinals Tuesday.
"Our girls responded," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "Peabody made it interesting, and played a tough game."
The bottom of the fifth began with Jennie Erekson reaching on an error, one of two the Tanners committed in the inning. She ended up on third courtesy of two illegal pitches -- something that had Peabody coach Butch Melanaphy still angry after the game.
"She (Nicole Wilson) didn't do anything different than she was doing before," he said. "But after that, it got her thinking."
To that point, Wilson had been dealing. She'd given up a run in the second, and that came across on an error. She handled the Rams easily for the next two innings and would have been out of the fifth unscathed, too. After Erekson reached, Jerrica DeLosSantos grounded out, but Angela Erelli reached on an error, with Erekson scoring the tying run. After Danielle Moran popped to third, Fallon Gaudet kept the inning going with a single, and Byrne launched one to clear the bases and make it 5-2.
Peabody got one back in the sixth, but Classical poured it on in the bottom of the inning, sending 10 batters to the plate, and scoring five runs on RBI by Erekson, DeLosSantos, Moran and Byrne (2; and five for the game).
Warren said Coppinger didn't seem comfortable on the mound.
"It was warm and humid, and she couldn't get a good grip on the ball," he said. "But this is the postseason. Do or die. You can't take chances. But Katie came in and shut them down. That really picked us up."
The game was the third this season between the two teams. They split the first two games.
Peabody finishes up at 11-8.

May 26, 2010 - - - RAMS SOFTBALL TEAM WIN NORTHEAST CONFERENCE TITLE WITH LOPSIDED WIN OVER LYNN ENGLISH !!!! Click here for Story and Photos !

Softball Team is Seeded fifth in tournament, plays Saturday at 7:00 pm against Peabody at Breed.

Mackenzie Coppinger has helped pitch the Classical softball team into the postseason.

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item

If the upcoming softball state tournament appears to be an extension of the Northeastern Conference regular season, it might as well be.

That's because four of the NEC's better teams will be squaring off against each other: On Friday (3:30), No. 14

Saugus (12-8) will travel to Danvers to play the third-seeded Falcons (16-4) for the third time this year, and

 Saturday night (7)  No. 5 Classical (17-5) will be at home against No. 11 Peabody (11-7). It'll be the nightcap in

a doubleheader that has St. Mary's playing its opening game of the tournament at 5 p.m.

Both are first-round games, Saugus and Danvers in Division 2 and Classical-Peabody in Division 1.

While Classical's Chris Warren doesn't seem to care who he plays, Peabody's Butch Melanaphy is scratching his head.

"It used to be they didn't have you play teams from your own league, but I guess that's changed," Melanaphy said.

However, there is the matter of that 12-0 drubbing Peabody suffered at the hands of Classical last month.

"I talked to the girls about that," Melanaphy said, "and obviously, they want the opportunity to play better ... to prove that the 12-0 loss was a fluke."

As far as Warren is concerned, "it's tournament time. You play who you play. You just have to win.

"Sometimes," he said, "knowing your opponent helps."

Warren likes the way his team responded down the stretch, having to win five straight games to win the Northeastern Conference/Large outright.

"They responded well," Warren said, "And they will respond well in the tournament, too."

He's certain Peabody will be looking for a little payback.

"They'll be hungry," he said. "But they had a good season, too."

Warren is not sure whether it'll be Jen Garrity or Mackenzie Coppinger on the mound Saturday.

Whichever team wins will face Acton-Boxborough in the quarterfinals, and the Rams have faced the Colonials twice in the last four years -- and have not advanced either time.

"Obviously," Warren said, "we have to get past Peabody. But you always look ahead. Who knows, maybe the third time will be a charm."
 

Six Classical Players Star on NEC All-Star Softball Team !!

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

Daily Item Roundups

Classical clinches share of NEC North title

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Classical 5, Everett 2

Coppinger pitches Classical softball past Salem

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item

SALEM -- Two teams came to play Thursday night at Mack Park in Salem, and as the saying goes, it's a shame one of them had to lose.

Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger and Salem's Sarah Chasse hooked up in a fine pitcher's duel, and on this night, Coppinger -- and the Rams -- won, 3-2, over the Witches.

"That was just a great softball game," said Classical's Chris Warren. "I was proud of the way our kids played. They were hungry for it.

"And their team played well too," he said. "I think all our runs were unearned, but we played well."

The win raises Classical's record to 10-4 in the Northeastern Conference (13-4 overall) and keeps the Rams tied with Peabody for the NEC North lead. Salem drops to 9-5 in the league.

Coppinger was particularly impressive, giving up only a hit in the second and another in the seventh -- both singles. In between, she battled a Salem team that bunts more than it swings, Warren said, causing her to go without her changeup -- one of her best pitches -- for a good part of the night.

"It's easier," Warren said, "to bunt a changeup."

No matter. Salem scored both its runs in the fourth on a couple of Classical fielding miscues to take a 2-1 lead, but the Rams came back with two in the sixth to account for the final score.

Offensively, the big gun was sophomore third baseman Jennie Erekson, who had two hits, two RBI, and scored the other Classical run. She keyed a productive night by the bottom third of the order.

"We needed that," Warren said. "We've been seeking to get more production out of them there."

In the second inning, Erekson knocked home Chelsey Bartlett, who singled, was sacrificed to second by Jen Garrity, and went to third on Coppinger's base hit.

Salem struck back in the fourth. Chasse reached on an error with one out and came in on another miscue on Rachel Channen's fly ball to right. Channen scored on the third Classical error of the inning.

However, in the sixth, Coppinger reached second on an error with one out. With Jerrica DelloSanto pinch running, Erekson grounded a single right through the middle to knock her in (Erekson took second on the throw). She moved up on a passed ball, and came home on Katie Cuozzo's infield hit.

From there, Coppinger bore down. She ran into a little trouble in the sixth, allowing a Salem runner to reach second with one out. But she came back to get Stephania Garcia on a grounder to the mound and caught Sarah Mullarkey looking.

She gave up another hit -- a single to Darcie Theriault -- with one out in the seventh, but retired the next two hitters.

"We always seem to have good games," said Salem coach Dan Bertone. "This time, they got us."

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Classical  Overpowers Revere - 8, Revere 0

At Breed, the Rams (12-4, 9-4 Northeastern Conference) notched their second shutout in a row with senior Jenny Garrity (2 hits) going the distance for the win. Garrity had some solid defense behind her with shortstop Hannah Byrne, second baseman Fallon Gaudet and first baseman Olivia DeJoie combining for two double plays.

Gaudet and Byrne also got the job done at the plate. Gaudet went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI and Byrne went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Catcher Chelsey Bartlett chipped in with a two-run double.
 

Classical clinches tourney berth with a rout over Peabody

By Steve Krause and Erik Johnson / For The Item

The Classical softball team achieved one of its objectives Friday with a resounding 12-0 win over Peabody in five innings that qualified the Rams for the tournament.

"We took this as a very big game," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "I thought I saw a lot of our young kids grow up over the course of five innings. They picked up their game, and played excellent, sound softball."

Fallon Gaudet was the big gun here, going 2-for-2 with five RBI, including a grand slam. She also scored two runs.

"I'm happy for her," Warren said. "She works very hard."

Gaudet was by no means the only Ram on the hit parade. Danielle Moran was 2-for-3 with four runs scored from the leadoff spot. She also made a catch in the third inning that, Warren said, could have made a hug difference in the game. The Rams responded with five runs in the top of the fourth.

Other Rams contributing included Chelsey Bartlett (3-for-3, 2 runs, 3 RBI), Jennie Erekson (2-for-3 with a run) and Hannah Byrne (2-for-4, with a run and an RBI).

Mackenzie Coppinger gave up two hits and struck out five for Classical.

The win puts Classical in a three-way tie for first in the Northeastern Conference/Large with Salem and Peabody.

The Rams are home Monday (4) against Revere.
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Classical 8, Gloucester 1

At Gloucester, the Rams (10-4) righted the ship after losing their last two games. Senior Jenny Garrity (2 hits, 6 strikeouts, 1 hit batter, 1 run) picked up the win.

"She did a good job on the mound. She had total control the whole way," Classical coach Chris Warren said.

Classical scored five runs in the sixth inning to open up what had been a close (3-0) game. Fallon Gaudet, who had been struggling at the plate, broke out the bat, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored. Danielle Moran (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Angela Erelli (2-for-4, 2 runs scored, RBI) also helped out offensively.

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Swampscott 7, Classical 1

At Breed, Big Blue pitcher Cortney Fletcher silenced the Classical (9-4, 6-4 NEC) bats, scattering five hits, striking out eight and walking one. At the plate, Fletcher went 3-for-4 with two RBI.

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Winthrop Snaps Rams' Winning Streak

By Erik Johnson / For The Item

Winthrop's Haley Benson's hit a walk-off double to give the Vikings a 3-2 win over Classical Friday and in the process, end the Rams' six-game winning streak.

"Every time we play Classical it is back-and-forth," Winthrop coach Dave Guffey said. "We couldn't have asked for a better situation than what we got."

Benson went 2-for-4 on the day and also scored a run. Andrea Martucci went 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Alex Ferri went the distance allowing eight hits, while striking out five and walking three.

Jenny Garrity knocked in Hannah Byrne for the Rams' first run. The Vikings (8-4) came back to take a 2-1 lead that held up until the sixth inning when third baseman Jennie Erekson delivered a line-drive RBI triple, scoring Mackenzie Coppinger, to tie the game at two.

Coppinger went the distance for the Rams (9-3, 6-3 Northeastern Conference). She struck out nine, while allowing only one earned run on eight hits.

"We didn't do any of the little things well today, the stuff that doesn't come up on the box score," Classical coach Chris Warren said.

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Classical's Fallon Gaudet tags out Saugus' Gina Reppucci between second and third base during Wednesday's game. ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE

Everything Clicks for Classical Softball

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

The Rams knocked on the door again in the second but saw a potential big inning thwarted when Mackenzie Coppinger was caught too far off third on Angela Erelli's grounder back to the mound.

Saugus put the leadoff runner on in the third before Garrity snared Allie Cooper's rocket up the middle with one down and flipped to Olivia DeJoie at first to double up Nicole Roberto to end the inning.

"Our defense has been playing really sound the last three games," Warren said.

Classical used that momentum to plate another run in the bottom of the third as Byrne and Bartlett singled in front of a Garrity sacrifice fly to center.

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Hannah Byrne knocked in Classical's first run Monday with a double. She also excelled in the field. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

Classical dodges Danvers

By Erik Johnson and Joyce Erekson

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fallon Gaudet takes a rip during Friday's Classical-Marblehead softball game at Breed. (ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE)

 Rams get past a tough Marblehead team

By Gordon Vincent / For The Item

The Classical High softball team came up with three runs in both the third and sixth innings and eventually pulled away from Marblehead with a 9-3 win over Marblehead , at Breed, on Friday.

For the Rams (7-2), Chelsey Bartlett led the way offensively with three hits in three at bats and drove in three runs. Hannah Byrne also had a pair of hits, including a triple, and scored three runs.

Mackenzie Coppinger had two hits, scored twice, and drove in three runs.

Jenny Garrity threw a complete game and allowed seven hits and three walks. She struck out seven.

For the Magicians, Kathryn DiGiammarino went 4-for-4 and scored all three of Marblehead 's runs.

"We played well defensively, especially in the outfield," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "Our outfielders did a good job of keeping the ball in front of them."

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Lynn Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger swings with Lynn English's Cara Crowley behind the plate at Keaney Park in Lynn Wednesday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical softball breezes past English

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, April 28, 2010

LYNN -- It was a day better suited for hockey than softball at Keaney Park on Wednesday as Lynn Classical and Lynn English renewed their cross-town rivalry.

A cold drizzle and gusting winds made any ball in play havoc but the Rams took advantage of six English errors and timely hitting up and down the order to take a 17-4 win that was shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule.



"We discussed at the beginning of the game that the team who made the fewest mistakes was going to win because of the wind, the cold and the rain," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "These girls are playing really good right now."

The heart of the Classical order did most of the damage against English starter Tiffany Drown on Wednesday. Hannah Byrne, Chelsey Bartlett and Jennie Erekson combined to score nine times. The Rams as a team had 12 hits.

"(Classical) came ready to play," English coach Alisa Fila said. "They got off to a good start and it's very hard to come back against a team like that."

The Rams (6-2) got the scoring started right away, taking advantage of three Bulldog errors in the opening inning to grab the lead.

Erekson drew a one-out walk and came around on a Byrne triple to dead center. Bartlett followed with a single that upped the lead to 2-0. An error on the play allowed her to take second and another throwing error brought Bartlett around for a 3-0 lead.

English fought back in the bottom of the first against Rams starter Jenny Garrity.

Val Fiaccaprile reached on an error to begin the inning. Jessica Dellazoppa followed with a walk and Sam Earp reached on an infield single to load the bases for the ever-dangerous Cara Crowley.

Garrity got the St. Anselm-bound catcher to fly out to Mackenzie Coppinger in center with Fiaccaprile coming in from third. After a walk and a fielder's choice, Drown laced a single that scored Earp to make it 3-2 after one.

The Rams responded immediately in the second, pushing four more runs across. Angela Erelli and Fallon Gaudet singled and moved up a base on a wild pitch.

Erekson's groundout to short scored Erelli before Byrne drove home Gaudet for a 5-2 lead. Bartlett singled and Garrity struck out in front of Coppinger, who drove home two more runs with a single.

Coppinger also came on in relief of Garrity in the second as the wackiness continued.

English fought back with a pair of runs as Fiaccaprile singled and later scored on the back end of a double steal with Dellazoppa, who scored on an Earp groundout.

Those would be the last runs of the day for the Bulldogs, though, as Coppinger put the clamps on them the rest of the way.

"Copp came in and did a great job for us," Warren said.

Classical assumed control for good in the third as Byrne smoked a 3-run homer with two outs to increase the lead to 10-4. Danielle Moran drove in a run in the fourth before the Rams added six runs in the fifth to put things away.

"We have to put this behind us and get ready for Danvers (today)," Fila said.

----------------------------------------------------

Classical 3, Beverly 0

Beverly pitcher Sarah Pezzulo was also stingy with the hits.

"The two pitchers were both pitching really well," Warren said. "It was a clean game on both sides. She (Pezzulo) only gave up five hits. We were lucky enough to get three triples in a row."

Classical 16, Somerville 1

At Somerville, freshman Olivia DeJoie made her debut at first base for the Rams a memorable one by going 3-for-3 with seven RBI and two runs scored.

The Classical softball team opened up the season in impressive fashion, defeating Somerville 17-5 at Breed Thursday.

The story of the game was the bottom of Classical's order. The 5-7 hitters combined to go a perfect 10-10 with seven RBI. Classical coach Chris Warren was more than satisfied with his team's performance.

"It was a great way to start the year. This is a team that has a lot of potential and hopefully this is a start of many good things to come," Warren said.

Jenny Garrity had a very busy and productive day. Garrity was 4-4 with two RBI, and also pitched five innings in a winning effort, giving up five runs on two hits and three walks. Chelsey Bartlett was 4-4 with a two-run homer (over the fence), three RBI, and four runs scored. Jennie Erekson was 2-2 with two RBI and two runs scored; Hannah Byrne was 2-3 with four RBI and a run scored. Classical is now 1-0.

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Softball 2009 Season

All-Star Chelsey Bartlett also brought in two runs at the NEC Softball Game.

 

Classical's Fallon Gaudet takes a swing against Woburn at Library Park in Woburn on Sunday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Softball Ends Playoff Season after Woburn no-hits Rams

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, June 1, 2009

WOBURN -- There isn't much to say when your team is no-hit while your pitchers walk eight batters.

With all that going against you, a 7-0 loss is about what you'd expect. And that's what Classical's softball team got Sunday at Library Park Field, as Woburn eliminated the Rams from the Division 1 North state tournament in the first round.


"We knew going in what to expect," said Classical coach Chris Warren, referring to senior pitcher Kryssie Cudmore of the Tanners. "She's by far the best pitcher we've faced this year.

"She was on," Warren said, "and we had far too many walks and a couple of errors thrown in there. That's pretty much what you'd expect to happen with their pitcher throwing a no-hitter against us."

Still, despite the loss, Warren was not disappointed in how the season went.

"We learned an awful lot between the first day and the end of the season," he said. "And I credit that to the captains (Jen Garrity, Rachel Carroll and Fallon Gaudet). They taught the younger kids how to act and what to expect.

"You look over there (the Woburn side) and it's all seniors," he said. "They have a lot of players who have been there. They're us, two years ago."

Classical got into trouble immediately in the first inning when Woburn got back-to-back singles from Ashley Shea and Toni DiCampo off starter Jen Garrity with one out. Garrity then plunked Kathi Davis and walked Meg Moore to force home Woburn's first run.

Garrity appeared to be headed toward minimizing the damage by striking out Kim DeLang, but she walked the next batter, forcing home another run, giving way to Katie Cuozzo. An infield single by Amanda Pappalardo brought home another run and it was 3-0 after an inning.

Shea walked to lead off the second, and eventually came around to score on an infield out to make it 4-0.

Woburn scored its final three runs in the fourth on Moore's bases-loaded triple to deep centerfield.

Woburn will travel to Acton-Boxborough today at 4.

Classical finishes its season with a 13-8 mark. The Rams won seven of their last eight regular-season games after starting the season at 6-6.

 

Classical and St. Mary's Headline MIAA softball squads 

Kayla Walleston and the Lynn Classical softball team play Woburn in their tournament opener on Saturday. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item

Two teams from Lynn , Classical and St. Mary's, lead the local contingent into the state softball tournament, which begins Thursday - weather permitting .

Classical travels to Woburn on Saturday, May 30th,  (4) to face the No. 5 Tanners in a Division 1 North first-rounder.

Coach Chris Warren is wary of any team from the Middlesex League, he says, noting that "they lost twice to Reading and twice to Lexington , and won all the rest of their games. So we know they're good."

Like Newbury, however, he'd prefer to dwell on his own team.

"We finished strong," he said. "We were 6-6 at one point, and won seven of our last eight games. We had a lot of young kids and they came together just as we hoped they would."

Warren says the Rams have scouted Woburn , and know that shortstop Toni DiCampo is one of the Tanners' best players.

"She's hitting about .500," he said. "The whole team likes to run and they like to be aggressive."

Classical would get a return trip to Acton-Boxborough in the quarters, provided that the Colonials defeat Salem .

 

Classical nips English to win Holland Tournament

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item

LYNN – Lynn Classical won the rubber game against crosstown rival English today, defeating the Bulldogs, 3-2, in the final of the John G. Holland Memorial Softball Tournament at Breed Middle School.

The two teams split the regular-season series and won the right to face each other for a third time Saturday night when English outlasted Swampscott, 2-0, in a nine-inning preliminary game and Classical followed with a 3-1 win over St. Mary’s.

 

Jen Garrity pitched a complete game in the win over St. Mary’s Saturday and took over in relief to save the game for today’s starter, Katie Cuozzo. She pitched 2 ½ innings of scoreless relief and snuffed out a potential game-tying English rally in the fifth inning. For her efforts, she received the Ginny Dandreo award as the tournament’s outstanding pitcher.

However, special mention should go to English’s Tiffany Drown, who completed both games of the tournament without allowing an earned run.

English got on the board today courtesy of a pair of Classical errors and without the benefit of a hit. Valerie Fiaccaprilli reached on an overthrow, making it to second on the play. She stole third and came home on another overthrow.

Classical scored three runs in the third, again all of them unearned. With one out, Rachel Carroll and Cuozzo hit singles. After Katie Fitzgerald walked, both Fallon Gaudet and Hannah Byrne got on base via errors, allowing all three runners to score. Drown bore down, however, and got the final two hitters to end the inning.

English had a golden chance to climb back into the game – and perhaps tie it – in the fifth when Taylor Newhall hit a one-out triple and Fiaccaprilli was hit by a pitch.

However, Garrity came on to pitch and got the dangerous Mageary to pop to short for the second out. In the process of walking Kara Crowley intentionally, she threw one a little too wide and catcher Chelsey Bartlett couldn’t reach, and it careened all the way to the backstop, allowing Newhall to score the second run.

However, Garrity got Lauren Walsh to ground to second to end the inning.

Even though Larissa Paula singled to start the seventh, Garrity got the next three English hitters on groundouts to ice the game.

All five runs in today’s final were unearned.

Scholarship winners were Jen Mageary of English, Marissa Gambale of Swampscott, Kristen Mondello of St. Mary's and Jaime Behen of Classical.
 

The Classical High softball team won the John G. Holland Memorial Softball Tournament Sunday with a 3-2 victory over English. The Rams, back row from left, are assistant coaches Lauren Phelps and Nicole Oak, Jerrica DeLos Santos, Jill Adams, Thaliana Cueuas, Jessica Stevens, Jennie Erekson, Katie Cuozzo, Brianna Capone, Hannah Byrne, Makenzie Coppinger, Kayla Walleston, Chelsey Bartlett, Alicia Worthylake, assistant coach Lyssa Newhall and head coach Chris Warren. Front row from left: Marysa Mezzetti, Katie Fitzgerald, Jenny Garrity, Fallon Gaudet, Rachel Carroll and Jaime Behen.

 

 
Classical shortstop Jennie Erekson, English baserunner Jessica Dellazoppa, and Rams pitcher Jenny Garrity follow the action during the Holland Tournament. (ITEM PHOTO / ALAN WEBSTER) 

Classical, English win Holland Tournament Preliminaries

LYNN -- Before the second of the two John G. Holland Memorial softball tournament games began earlier tonight at Breed, an English player was overheard saying she wanted another shot at Classical.

English had just won the first game, 2-0, in nine innings thanks to a triple by Cara Crowley that scored one run; and a sacrifice fly by Lauren Walsh. And the Bulldogs -- at least some of them -- were hoping to get a little revenge on the Rams, who beat them 7-0 Thursday at Keaney Park.

Well, English will get its chance. Classical defeated St. Mary's in the nightcap, 3-1, with Mackenzie Coppinger tripling and scoring the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, and then knocking in the insurance run in the seventh.

Junior Tiffany Drown outdueled Swampscott's Cortney Fletcher in the first game. Both were equally stingy until the top of the ninth, when Jen Mageary singled, Crowley hit her triple, and Walsh knocked her in with the sacrifice fly.

Classical's Jen Garrity got the better of Sam Kiley of St. Mary's in the nightcap. In addition, Garrity's grounder to to shortstop was hit slowly enough to allow Coppinger to score from third and break a 1-1 tie.

English will try to win its second-ever title in the tournament ... and its first since 1998. Classical has won the title three times, the last time being in 2007.

The tournament is named for John G. Holland, a former Lynn Babe Ruth official who helped found the program's softball program. Holland was also a Lynn Youth Soccer official and a member of the Lynn Parks Commission.

In a story in Saturday's paper, and on Itemlive website Friday, The Item erroneously reported that North Reading won last year's Nipper Clancy Tournament. St. Mary's is the defending champion. The Item regrets the error.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Classical first baseman Jamie Behen holds the bag to get English shortstop Cathia Hernandez out in Thursday's Classical-English softball game at Keaney Park. (ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE).

LYNN - If ever there was a day to sing the theme song to the musical Oklahoma, Thursday would have been it at Keaney Park.

Winds gusting over 30 MPH turned the diamond behind Lynn English into a scene right out of the Grapes of Wrath as dust made just seeing the ball impossible at times. Yet through it all, the Classical softball team played flawlessly as Hannah Byrne's four hits and Jenny Garrity's three-hit shutout on the mound resulted in a 7-0 victory that ended English's postseason aspirations on senior day.

"We played really well in all aspects of the game," said Classical coach Chris Warren, whose team has gone 5-1 down the stretch. "We knew the wind was going to be a factor and we did well with it."

The Bulldogs (7-11) never could get anything going in a game they had to have. After failing to convert on a couple of early chances, English committed five errors that helped the Rams break the game wide open.

"You're not going to win many games when you don't hit and make errors like we did," English coach Alisa Fila said.

Classical struck right off the bat against English starter Tiffany Drown. Jennie Erekson drew a one-out walk and moved to second on a passed ball. She scored on the first of Byrne's four hits, a double down the left field line.

Garrity nearly gave the run right back in the bottom of the first, walking Val Fiaccaprili and Jen Mageary to begin the inning. That brought the ever dangerous Cara Crowley to the plate, but Garrity got her to ground into a 6-4-3 double play that helped the Rams escape trouble.

English threatened again in the bottom of the second as Garrity issued a lead-off walk to Amanda Witunsky. Following a sacrifice and a groundout, Larissa Paula drew English's fourth walk of the game, but Garrity struck out Taylor Newhall to end the inning.

Classical's ace then settled down and did not issue another free pass the rest of the day, allowing only three baserunners over the final five innings.

"Jenny was phenomenal," Warren said. "She kept her composure early and battled through it."

The Rams upped the gap to 2-0 in the third when Byrne reached on an infield single and went to second on an error. After moving to third on a groundout, she scored when Garrity's grounder back to the mound was thrown away.

Neither team scored in the fourth before Classical exploded in the fifth, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring four times to put the game on ice.

Erekson and Byrne singled to open the inning. An errant throw on a steal attempt by Byrne made it 3-0 before Chelsey Bartlett singled home Byrne for a 4-0 lead. Bartlett went to third via an error on the play.

After Garrity popped out to short, Fallon Gaudet brought Bartlett in on a fielder's choice. After a strikeout, Rachel Carroll singled and Kayla Walleston walked to load the bases. Leadoff batter Katie Fitzgerald then delivered another RBI fielder's choice, scoring Gaudet for a 6-0 lead.

That margin was more than enough for Garrity, who was on cruise control by this point, allowing only one runner to reach second in the final innings. Classical added a final run in the seventh before Garrity got the Bulldogs in order to seal the win.

Item Varsity Roundup

At Classical, Nicole Wilson threw a three-hitter for the Tanners. MaryKate Helas went 2-for-2 with two RBI and a homer. She was also intentionally walked twice.

Jennie Erekson went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Rams (10-7).

Classical 19, Salem 7

At Salem, Katie Fitzgerald led the scoring attack for the Rams, going 3-for-5 with four runs scored in a game that was called in the bottom of the sixth. Also for Classical (9-6), Chelsey Bartlett knocked in four runs, while Fallon Gaudet and Hannah Byrne scored three runs each. Mackenzie Coppinger went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, Jaime Behen went 2-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI, and Brianna Capone was 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

The scoring for the Rams started early as Classical plated 10 runs in the top of the first inning, all with two outs showing on the scoreboard.

"I'm not sure if I have ever had a team score 10 runs in an inning, let alone with two outs," said an amazed Classical coach Chris Warren.

Salem did make a comeback, scoring five in the fourth inning to bring the score to 10-7. Classical countered with six runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth to seal the game.

Jenny Garrity got the win for the Rams, pitching four innings, striking out one, walking two, and allowing 10 hits. Katie Cuozzo pitched an inning in relief, striking out one, walking one, and allowing no hits.

Cuozzo Pitches Classical Past Beverly

Classical freshman hurler Katie Cuozzo continues to impress with her latest gem a 1-0 win over Beverly at Grace Rogato Field.

Cuozzo (3-1) pitched a complete game, allowed five hits, hit a batsman and walked one while striking out six. Classical (8-6) needs two more wins to qualify for the tournament.

"She (Cuozzo) pitched a solid game against a solid team. She gave us a huge spark," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "Beverly is the first-place team in the North. To hold them scoreless is impressive. It's a big confidence boost."

With two outs in the third, Katie Fitzgerald walked and stole second before Fallon Gaudet drove in the eventual game-winning run with a triple, her third in the last two games.

"Fallon has been swinging a good stick," Warren said in reference to Gaudet's two-for-three performance, which also included a double.

Beverly's only genuine threat came in the fifth when the Panthers (11-4) had runners at second and third with two out, but Cuozzo induced a soft line drive to second base to end the inning.

Danvers 6, Classical 3

At Great Oak Park, the Rams (6-5, 5-5 NEC) spotted Danvers four runs in the first inning. Jenny Garrity took the loss, with Katie Cuozzo throwing six innings in relief. She allowed two hits and fanned three, walked three and gave up two runs, one earned. Chelsey Bartlett (2-for-3, run) and Jessica Stevens (2-for-3) led the Rams offensively.

Classical 12, Gloucester 0

At Breed, freshman Mackenzie Coppinger was all business in her first varsity start on the mound. After struggling with her control in a relief appearance against Saugus last week, Coppinger was on the money against the Fishermen, allowing only two hits and striking out eight in a complete-game (5 innings) shutout. She didn't walk a batter.

"I've never had two freshmen (Katie Cuozzo picked up a win over Saugus last week) win games in one season," Classical coach Chris Warren said.

Classical (6-4) scored six runs in the first inning on no hits, six walks, a hit batter and five passed balls. The Rams added a run in the second, four in the third and one in the fifth. Kayla Walleston (2-for-3, RBI, 3 runs); Hannah Byrne (2-for-2, double, 3 runs) and Fallon Gaudet (3-for-3, 2 RBI, run) supplied the offensive punch.
 

 

Classical's Kayla Walleston slides into third as Swampscott's Allie Stephens applies the tag on Tuesday at Breed. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Swampscott Softball Edges Classical

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, April 30, 2009

LYNN -- When we last caught up with Marissa Gambale, she was playing flypaper defense and leading the Swampscott girls basketball attack flawlessly en route to a state championship.

Wednesday, Gambale was up to her old tricks ... only this time it was softball.

The senior shortstop was on base four times, scored a run, and extended two innings that led to runs as the Big Blue improved to 4-5 with a 4-3 win over Lynn Classical that was much more dramatic than coach Annamaria Addonizio would have liked.


Make no mistake. Gambale was the catalyst. She changed the way Classical played defense every time she got up, and reached base four times even though she never hit a ball to even the outer part of the infield.

"She hits the ball on the ground, and she's on base," said Classical coach Chris Warren. "If she puts it on the ground, I don't know who in the world is going to throw her out. She's that fast."

Warren should know. A couple of years ago, he had a player just like Gambale in Savannah Clemens, for whom even a walk turned into a double because of her speed.

Not only was Gambale the ultimate pest on offense, she turned a nifty 6-3 double play in the fifth inning, after Classical had finally solved Swampscott starter Kirsten Vinal.

"She's been incredible for us all year," said Addonizio. "I think, coming into the game, she was hitting about .700."

Gambale led off the game with a slap/liner that ate up Classical third baseman Jennie Erekson, and she immediately stole second. Alex Wilson sacrificed her to third, and she scored when Classical pitcher Jen Garrity got caught in between on Mallorie McGrath's grounder. Gambale broke for home, and then stopped ... causing a momentary indecision. McGrath made it to first (and then to second on an error) and Gambale scored.

McGrath took third on a groundout by Monica Mosho, and came home on Cortney Fletcher's single to left.

The Big Blue made it 3-0 in the fourth when Merry Ball walked, was sacrificed to second, and came home on an error. Gambale kept the inning alive when, with two out, she bunted her way on and then Wilson walked.

Swampscott upped its lead to 4-0 in the sixth when Erin McLaughlin singled and came around on McGrath's base hit.

Classical almost made it all the way back in the sixth off Vinal, who had been perfect through 3 1/3 innings. With one out, Kayla Walleston walked and Hannah Byrne singled. Walleston, who had moved up on a passed ball, thought the ball was foul and started heading back to second. At the last minute, she turned and raced for third just as left fielder McLaughlin fired to Allie Stephens at third. The play was close, but Walleston barely beat the tag.

"That was a momentum-changer for them," said Addonizio.

The play took on added significance when catcher Chelsey Bartlett tripled to deep right, scoring both runs. Pinch-runner Jill Adams came home moments later on a wild pitch.

Vinal settled down after that, getting the final out and retiring the side in the seventh.

 Item Roundup 4/28/09

Cuozzo pitches Classical past Saugus

Classical Defeats Peabody 5-3 in Late Innings

The Daily Item of Lynn, April 23, 2009

The Classical and Peabody softball teams spent the better part of last season battling it out for the top spot in the Northeastern Conference North, so their first meeting of 2009 promised to be a good one.

The Tanners (2-2) held the edge in the early going, leading 3-1 after four innings, but the Rams came back to tie the game in the fifth and win it, 5-3, thanks to single runs in the sixth and seventh innings.

As was the case in their 1-0 win over Salem on Friday, the Rams' defense answered the call.

"It was real nice coming back," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "They had the bases loaded and no one out in the second and we had two forces at the plate. In the fourth, they had runners on second and third and we gave up one run."

Classical shortstop Hannah Byrne went 3-for-3 with three RBI, all of them coming with two outs. Her single in the fifth drove in two runs and tied the game. Third baseman Jennie Erekson went 2-for-3. She also scored a run and drove in Jill Adams with the go-ahead run in the sixth. First baseman Katie Cuozzo added some insurance with a line drive to left that scored the fifth run.

Things got a little hairy for the Rams in the sixth inning when the Tanners had runners on second and third. Classical (4-2) intentionally walked the next batter, a strategy that worked out well when the following batter grounded out to end the threat. Peabody's Mary Kate Helas went 2-for-3, as did Lauren Tucker.

Peabody pitcher Nicole Wilson allowed nine hits and one earned run, walked three and struck out two. Classical pitcher Jenny Garrity gave up five hits, struck out three, walked four and hit three batters.

"We didn't show up to play," Peabody coach Butch Melanphy said. "Chris' team did. They played a better game than we did."

Item Roundup

Classical 1, Salem 0

At Grace Rogato Field, the Rams (3-2, 2-2 NEC) rode the back of stellar pitching by Jenny Garrity and a solid defense to take the win.

Garrity held Salem to seven hits in the contest while the Rams didn't commit an error in the field. Classical pushed the game's lone run across in the fourth when Katie Fitzgerald and Hannah Byrne singled before Chelsea Bartlett's fielders choice plated Fitzgerald.

Softball Rams Look Anything but Soft

Reprinted Courtesy of The Lynn Journal, 4/14/09

The Lynn Classical softball team hit the ground running, or – to be more accurate – slugging. The Rams scored 30 runs on 31 hits over their first two games, which both resulted in lopsided wins for Classical.
First, the Rams defeated Cambridge Rindge & Latin in a 14-0 shutout on April 8. The season opener featured a large heap of runs and a combined one hitter from Jenny Garrity (4 and two-thirds innings, 5 strikeouts) and Katie Cuozzo (2 and a third, 2 strikeouts).
The game was still close until the fifth inning, when freshman Coppinger Mackenzie laced a two-run single to spark what would become an eight-run monster of a rally. Shortstop Hannah Byrne, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, also had a two-run single in the fifth for Classical.
Jennie Erickson,  another freshman infielder,  also had a big day, with three hits and four at-bats to go with three RBI  and a pair of runs scored. Senior outfielder Katie Fitzgerald got in on the fun with 4 RBI and a run scored on two hits, and fellow outfielder Rachel Carroll went 2-3 with an RBI.
The Classical bats stayed hot on April 10 when they propelled the Rams to a 16-6 victory over Northeast Conference opponent Revere High. Classical trailed 5-1 in the third inning, but outscored the Patriots 15-1 the rest of the way to improve to 2-0.
Katie Fitzgerald once again had a big day at the plate (this time from the leadoff spot), where she was 3-of-4 with four runs scored and a pair of RBI. Junior Kayla Walleston, who was right behind her in the two spot, knocked in another three runs and scored thrice on a 2-for-3 outing.
Hannah Byrne was solid again with another two hits on four at-bats to go with two runs and two RBI, and sophomore Jessica Stevens scored two runs on her 3-of-5 performance. Rachel Carroll added a pair of hits and a pair of runs, and Katie Cuozzo knocked in four runs and scored another on a 2-for-2 day at the plate.
The Rams scored six runs in the sixth inning, five in the fifth and three in the fourth.
Jenny Garrity battled through flu-like systems to pitch a complete game, and helped her own cause with two hits and four RBI from the batters box.
The Rams were scheduled to play at Winthrop High on Monday and will play at Beverly tomorrow before concluding the week with another road game against Salem on Friday.

Beverly 6, Classical 2

At Innocenti Park, the Panthers (3-0, 2-0 Northeastern Conference) spotted the Rams a run in the first inning, but made up for it by scoring the next six. Sophomore Sarah Pezzulo (7 hits, 9 strikeouts, 1 walk, 2 earned runs) went the distance for the win. Daryle Powell (RBI single), Kellie Shea (2-for-3, RBI, stolen base, 2 runs) and Allie Murray (2-for-3, 2 RBI) powered the offense.

Winthrop 7, Classical 4

In Winthrop, the Rams (2-1) smacked 11 hits but couldn't manufacture the necessary runs to prevent their first loss.

"We left a lot of opportunities out on the field," said Classical (2-1) coach Chris Warren. "We hit the ball hard, just not when we needed to."

Hannah Byrne (2-4, two RBI, triple, run), Jill Adams (3-4, run), and Kayla Walleston (2-3, run) provided the offense in the loss. Jenny Garrity had two strikeouts in six innings.

For the Vikings (2-0), senior shortstop Courtney Finn hit a two-run opposite-field homer, and catcher Abby Belcher went 4-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a pair of stolen bases. Angela Pettee pitched a complete game for Winthrop, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out four and walking one.

The game was tied at four before the Vikings grabbed two runs in the bottom of the fourth for a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
 

Jenny Garrity

Softball: Late Inning Rally sends Classical past Revere

The start wasn't good for the Classical softball team on Friday at Grace Rogato Field against Revere. The finish, well, that was a completely different story.

After seeing the Patriots jump out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, Classical stayed the course, chipped away at the lead and then exploded for 10 runs in the last two innings to break a 6-6 tie and take a 16-6 win over the Patriots.

"We woke up and started playing well in the fourth," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "We have a lot of kids who are getting it done at the plate right now and they did a good job late in the game."

Revere (2-2) got to Classical starter Jenny Garrity for the four runs in the first before the junior, who was still suffering after effects of a bout with the flu, settled down and gave her team a chance to rally.

And rally Classical did, scoring once in the first and second innings before erupting in the fourth to tie the game on Katie Cuozzo's 2-run single. The freshman first baseman finished 2-for-2 with four RBI and a run scored.

That was just a warm up for Classical, which pushed five more runs across in the fifth. Cuozzo and Garrity each had 2-run singles to help break the game open. Five more runs would cross in the sixth as Katie Fitzgerald drove home a pair along with Kayla Wollaston.

Fitzgerald was 3-for-3 with the two RBI and four runs scored and Wollaston was 2-for-3 with three RBI. Shortstop Hannah Byrne was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while catcher Jessica Stevens was 3-for-5 with two runs scored.

Revere's Kristen DeCandia was 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Jessica Simpson was 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI.

Classical Softball Opens with a Win

Classical Softball Hoping 2008 Scenario Plays out Again this Season

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, March 18, 2009

Sophomore Hannah Byrne dashes across the gym floor during Classical softball tryouts Tuesday afternoon in Lynn. Coach Chris Warren will count on Byrne to play a key role in the Rams' middle infield this season. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

The Lynn Classical softball team wasn't supposed to have a very productive season a year ago, having graduated seven seniors who had led the team to a tournament berth.

Yet the Rams did something they hadn't done in 26 years: Win a Northeastern Conference championship.

Now the same scenario is set to play out for coach Chris Warren's bunch as it has to replace the bulk of a lineup that finished 15-7 and lost in the Division 1 North quarterfinals to Acton-Boxboro.

"It's different territory for us, but we're looking forward to defending our title," Warren said. "Last year was a great accomplishment and we're excited about this season."

The Rams coach is also excited about being in good health this year after having surgery in December for a back injury that caused constant pain throughout the season.

"It really wore on me during the year," Warren said. "Every day was pure pain. But what kept me going was the year that we were having and the wins. It's nice to be back and feeling healthy."

For Classical to find success this year, it will have to find players to pick up the slack offensively as 66 percent of its offense was lost via the graduation of Afton Dean, Kristen Dean, Sam Barker and Amanda Stevens. Outfielder and leadoff hitter Courtney Sullivan also graduated, giving the Rams five holes to fill in their lineup.

"That's what we lack overall, varsity experience," Warren said.

One place the Rams won't be without a lack of experience is on the mound, where junior Jenny Garrity returns to try to repeat the success of her sophomore campaign. In her first year as the full-time starter, Garrity was 13-3 in conference play and 15-7 overall.

"It's nice to have a veteran coming back on the mound and when you have that experience there, it goes a long way," Warren said.

Another big returnee for the Rams is sophomore Hannah Byrne. Byrne made a big splash as a freshman a year ago, earning NEC all-star honors at third base. This year, Byrne will take a few steps to her left and replace Afton Dean as the Rams' shortstop.

"She won't miss a beat going from third to short," Warren said.

Other returning players include Rachel Carroll; Jill Adams; Katie Fitzgerald and Fallon Gaudet, all of whom saw playing time throughout last season.

With the relatively few number of returning players, the competition for starting spots is sure to be heated. Warren had 55 players sign up for tryouts, including strong freshman and sophomore classes.

"It's probably the strongest freshmen class I've had in my 10 years here," Warren said. "We're excited about the future but we're playing for now."

Freshmen Katie Cuozzo, Mackenzie Coppinger and Jennie Erekson all have pitched in the past and will give Warren some extra arms in the bullpen, while Jamie Behen, Kayla Wolleston and Marysa Mezzetti will also be in the mix for varsity time after spending last season on the JV roster.

"We definitely have kids that can play," Warren said. "And we have girls as upperclassmen that know what it takes to be successful."

Warren will be assisted by Lauren Phelps and Lysa Newhall. Nicole Oak will coach the JVs while recent Endicott College grad Paula McGinn returns to her alma mater to coach the freshmen.

Classical opens its season on April 6 against Revere.

Fallon Gaudet gets ready to scoop up a ball during Classical softball tryouts Tuesday afternoon in Lynn. Gaudet, who spent some time in the outfield last season, is one of coach Chris Warren's returning players. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

2008 Season

No. 1 Acton-Boxborough Ends Classical's Post-Season

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, June 3, 2008

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)."

Lynn Classical's Afton Dean gets high-fives from Kristen Dean and Erin McCall during a 6-3 win over Danvers on Saturday. (ITEM PHOTO / JONATHON M. WHITMORE)

Classical Softball Ousts Danvers from NEC Tournament

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, June 2, 2008

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.

Softball Teams Prep for State Tournament

By Steve Krause / The Daily Item, May 28, 2008

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."

Winthrop's Abby Belcher makes contact as Classical catcher Sam Barker watches during the NEC softball all-star game Monday at Grace Rogato Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

NEC Softball All-Star Game goes to North

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

 

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

Spartans Roll Past Classical in Holland Finals

By Matthew Roy / For The Item, May 26, 2008

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."

Classsical's Hannah Byrne fights off a pitch as English's Leanne Paula watches on Wednesday at Grace Rogato Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA) Classical Softball Wins First NEC Title in 26 Years By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, May 21, 2008 LYNN -- It took 26 years, but the Classical High softball team is back atop the Northeastern Conference. The Rams earned at least a share of the title Wednesday with a 7-1 win over English at Breed's Grace Rogato Field. Peabody still has a game left against Winthrop. If the Tanners win, they share the spoils with Classical. If the Vikings win, the Rams own the title outright. "This was a great way to go into the Holland (tournament) and into the state tournament," Classical coach Chris Warren said. "This is a great group of kids to win this with." Despite the disparity in their records (Classical is 13-5 and English is 2-16) and the fact the Rams won the first meeting between the two teams, 14-1, Warren was nervous. "I was very nervous coming into the game," Warren said. "They (English) always get up for us. They've beaten us so many times when we've had the better record. There was no relaxing going into this game." English came out swinging in the top of the first inning with Kristi Rebidue and Cara Crowley hitting back-to-back singles, but the threat fizzled on a strikeout and a ground ball to first. The Rams drew first blood in the bottom of the second when Kristen Dean (2-for-3, 2 RBI) singled and Jenny Garrity reached on an error. That set the stage for Meghan Pierre, who hit a rocket to right field that Jackie Trapula came close to snaring, but couldn't quite reach. Both runs (Jill Adams was running for Garrity) scored, giving the Rams a 2-0 lead. English struck fear in the hearts of Classical fans when Aleasha Despres smoked a double to centerfield and Danielle Burke drove her in on a two-bagger to left, but that was the only run the Bulldogs would muster. Leanne Paula singled, but Garrity got the next two batters out to end the threat. Classical made it 3-1 in the bottom of the third when Afton Dean walked and ended up scoring on a Kristen Dean single The Rams went up 4-1 in the fourth when Adams (pinch-running for Garrity, who had singled) scored on an error. Classical added two more in the fifth on a Sam Barker RBI triple to centerfield and a Kristen Dean grounder to first, making the score 6-1. The Rams' final run came in the sixth on a Courtney Sullivan squeeze that scored Adams (running for Garrity). Garrity (2-for-2) got the job done on the mound, scattering seven hits and striking out seven. She didn't walk a batter. "Jenny had a phenomenal performance on the mound," Warren said. He also commended his defense, which didn't commit an error. English coach Alisa Fila said her team hit the ball pretty well, but couldn't put anything together. "Both teams played really good defensively," she said. "They (Classical) are on a roll. They're having a great year. They deserve to win." Warren said the last time the team won the Northeastern Conference, Cathy (Blake) Ellis was the pitcher.

Classical's Erin McCaul reaches for a popup during Monday's game against Peabody. ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA

Softball Team Suffers Tough Loss vs Peabody

By Evan MacDonald / For The Item, May 20, 2008

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."

Classical's Afton Dean, left, has her eyes on the ball as Amanda Stevens watches during a game against Salem Thursday a