Softball: Marblehead qualifies for tournament

Bolstered by a fast start and backed by an error-free defense, pitcher Michaela LeBlanc scattered six hits in a complete-game performance as Marblehead handled host Gloucester, 9-1, to qualify for post-season play.The Magicians raced out to a 5-0 first-inning lead, added solo runs in the second and fifth innings and completed the scoring with two in the sixth. Centerfielder Rachel McKay powered the offense, going 3-for-3 while scoring three runs and driving in a pair. Second baseman Emily Promise was 2-for-2 with a double and left fielder Allison Kapoli belted a run-scoring triple.Shortstop Olivia Vener and Leblanc spearheaded the defensive effort. Marblehead is now 10-2 (10-4 overall).Classical 7, Salem 4At Breed, the Rams (9-4) fought their way back from a 4-1 deficit with three runs in the fifth inning and three in the sixth.In the fifth inning, pinch hitter Jessica Perez led off with a hit, followed by Franki Galeazzi, who also had a hit. Ally Dunnigan reached on an error to load the bases and freshman Gabby Kenniston, who had been smoking the ball all game, ripped a three-run double to tie the game.In the sixth inning, Jillian Strileckis reached on a base hit and her pinch runner, Jen Ierardi, scored on a pinch hit double by Kathy Perez. Another pinch hitter, Cassi D’Agostino, delivered with a triple that scored Perez. D’Agostino also scored on an error on the play.Dunnigan went the first five innings for the Rams and Ivy Martin came on for the final two to get the win.Bp. Fenwick 14, Abp. Williams 7At Braintree, the Crusaders (9-7) moved one step closer to tournament qualification. Fenwick held a 10-0 lead before Williams made it interesting with a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Crusaders restored order with three runs in the sixth.Winning pitcher Natalie Moore went the distance, scattering eight hits while striking out seven and walking five. Junior shortstop Bridgett Corcoran enjoyed a stellar day, anchoring the defense with a number of slick plays while going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and four RBI. Junior third baseman Gianna Pizzano went 4-for-6 with four runs scored and two RBI while junior first baseman Charlotte Powers was 2-for-5 with an RBI double.Arlington Catholic 2, St. Mary’s 0At Lynn, the visiting Cougars completed a season series sweep behind Ellie Powers, who struck out eight and allowed four hits. The Cougars strung together three straight hits to break a scoreless tie in the fifth, then tacked on an insurance run in the sixth via an error and run-scoring double.St. Mary’s (9-4) used three pitchers – Brooke L’Abbe, who allowed a single run and four hits; Jordan D’Orsi, who yielded one hit and an unearned run; and Mia Nowicki. Casey Fanning, Alex Fisher, Tatiana Doucette and Molly Doyle accounted for the Spartans’ hits. Fanning contributed a nice play in right field and Doucette turned in a strong game behind the plate.Peabody 12, English 4At Peabody, Jessica Raymond went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a pair of doubles and Alex Romano went 3-for-3 with solid play at second for the Tanners (11-2). Shelbi Wilson (4 hits, 7 strikeouts, 5 walks) got the win. Peabody broke open a 5-3 game with seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Shannon Calnan (3-for-3, RBI), Lauren Pohlmeyer (2-for-3, double), Keri Bryson (single, RBI) and Sam Holey (single, RBI) supplied the offense for English (2-12).Revere 15, Beverly 3At Revere, the Patriots (8-6) won their third straight in a push for post-season qualification. Julianna Cecere belted a pair of RBI doubles, Stephanie Gregorio had three hits and two RBI, and Christina Stella drove in a pair of runs in support of winning pitcher Sabrina Palermo.”We had a rough spot a couple of weeks ago, but the bats are heating up and we’re playing consistently right now,” said coach Joe Cicarello.Lynnfield 8, Rockport 5At Rockport, the Pioneers improved to 11-5 behind the complete-game effort of Jackie Whelan, who struck out four, walked none