Swampscott wraps up its regional campaign

ALBANY, N.Y. – Swampscott pitcher Abby Chung had spent the past three days waiting for her chance to get back in the circle for her team in the Little League Eastern Regional Softball Tournament.Yesteday afternoon, Chung got her opportunity. She made the most of it, too.Chung fired a one-hitter, fanned 11 and walked just three in a superb effort to lead her team to a 2-0 win over New Hampshire in its final pool-play game of the tournament. Swampscott, which had a game with Vermont postponed earlier in the tournament, finished with a record of 1-2 at the regional.”I felt like we all deserved to win at least one game while we were here,” said Chung, who shook off the effects of a 6-0 loss to Rhode Island in her first outing, in which she walked an uncharacteristic eight batters. “We’ve all had a great time down here, but I really think we wanted to win at least one game. I approached this game the same as any other. Today, my control was a lot better than the first game. I was glad to help us get a win.”For the first time since district play began almost a month ago, Swampscott took the field knowing that regardless of the outcome, its season was six innings from being over.”Saturday (after the loss to Rhode Island), it was tough to say whether it was nerves or the layoff or other things,” said Swampscott manager Henry Wong. “After how well we played today, and how effective Abby was, it’s easier to see that maybe that was the case. The pressure to win wasn’t as great, but at the same time, I think these kids really wanted to win. I think they’re relieved knowing they can go home having won a game.”After Chung retired the side in order in the first inning, her teammates plated the only run she would need in the bottom of the inning.With one out, Erin Cassidy went all the way to third when her ground ball was misplayed. New Hampshire pitcher Kim McLaughlin (five hits, six strikeouts) got the second out on a popup, but Alex Stenneti followed with a base hit to center to score Cassidy.Chung fell into a groove after that, allowing just three baserunners through the next four innings.Swampscott added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth when Chung singled, stole second and third, and scored on an error.While they didn’t advance to the semifinal round, the members of the squad showed a maturity far beyond their years when asked to reflect on their summer of success.”This was a lifetime experience, and one I’ll never forget,” said Bridget Genoversa-Wong.She wasn’t alone in sharing that thought, either.”I wouldn’t change anything about this summer. Not one,” added Emma Walsh. “We made so many new friends.””My family had to postpone a big vacation, and a bunch of others were supposed to go to camp,” added Leah Dowley. “But it sure was worth it. I think we’d do it all again in a minute. Knowing what we had to do get here, and knowing some of these teams had a lot tougher road then we did made me respect them even more.”Wong, looking over his group as the players enjoyed a post-game meal, could only smile.”This was a great group of kids to work with. I think they enjoyed every minute of this. I did, too,” he said.For some, the season is now over. For others, there will still be travel softball and other things. A year from now, they’ll all be back on ballfields somewhere.Perhaps it was left fielder Stephanie Collins who summed it up best.”Softball season never really ends, that’s what I think,” she said.After a run like her team just had, perhaps it’s fitting for her to feel that way.Although it didn’t have any bearing in terms of the standings, Swampscott did get an opportunity to play Vermont Wednesday. The two teams were scheduled to play last Sunday, but they were rained out. Neither advanced to the final four, but they still wanted to get the game in.Swampscott won, 7-1, behind a solid pitching effort by Genoversa-Wong.”She had full command. She pitched very well,” manager Wong said.Wong had to leave after the fourth inning due