English softball has tough day against Masco

LYNN – Friday morning’s unforgiving playing conditions were certainly no fun for the English softball team and neither was the end result of its meeting with Masconomet, an overwhelming 14-0 defeat.If there was a silver lining for the host-Bulldogs, it would be that the game was mercifully ended after five frigid and breezy innings.The majority of players on both teams wore sweatshirts over their uniforms both at the plate and in the field.The Chieftains swung consistent bats throughout the game, grabbing three runs in the first frame, two in the second and another in the third. The final nail in the coffin came during an eight-run fourth inning that featured the visitors’ second round tripper of the contest.”That’s a very good hitting ball club that came to play this morning,” said English coach Alisa Fila whose team dropped to 1-5. “We’re a young team and hopefully we will learn from our mistakes.”Julianna Kostas opened the game with a single and two stolen bases before scoring on a double steal, started by Alex Mendelsohn who was hit by a pitch. Maddie Kelly followed with a drive to left that went for a home run.With the bases loaded in the second, Mendelsohn was plunked again, earning an RBI for her troubles. Nine-hitter Sarah Webster, who also reached base the hard way, would score on a Kelly groundout.After a one-out single in the third, Tayla Murray came in on an RBI base knock from Mendelsohn.In the midst of their opponent’s production, the Bulldogs were retired in order their first time up before hits by Rachel Calnan (1 for 1, walk) and Jill Bowden proved fruitless in the second.Masco starter Emily Dow yielded just one other hit, a third innings double by Emma Trahant, in her four innings of work. The right-hander struck out six and walked one.Murray would relieve Dow and finish with consecutive strikeouts, after a one-out single from nine-hitter Lindsey Lannon. The aforementioned big fourth saw the first four Chieftains reach base and eventually score. Kylie Currier highlighted the span with an RBI single.After Webster struck out, the visitors got a run scoring single and double from Kostas (4 for 4) and Mendelsohn respectively. Jordyn Murray capped the scoring with a two-run homer to right.”We’ve always had close games with English and they’re not a team we take lightly,” said Masco coach Mike Gibeley. “It was nice to see our bats wake up today and give us the upper hand.”The Bulldogs will look to rebound on Tuesday when they host Malden (10).