Lynn 14U softball ready for state tourney

Defending champion Lynn will look to repeat its success when it opens the state 14U softball tournament today with a game against host Plymouth at 10:30 a.m.?The girls worked real hard this week in practice,” manager Jim Giguere said.Two players return from the squad that won it all in 2013: Johnna Lee Calder, who will draw the start today, and third baseman Alaina Gridley.?They?ve been there last year,” Giguere said. “They told the girls what to expect … and to have a good time.”Giguere said that his leadoff batter against Plymouth will “probably” be centerfielder Savannah Norcross, whom he said has “a lot of speed and is a good bunter. We?re looking to set the table with her.”At cleanup, he has several choices, including starting catcher Meaghan Leavitt, whom he said has “real good pop in her bat.” Her twin brother Michael plays for the Lynn 13?s baseball squad.Defensively, Giguere mentioned Jillian Gentile, who, while playing a new position at first base, is “very athletic,” he said. He also mentioned St. Mary?s freshman Emma Lee Stevenson, who played JV softball and girls hockey for the Spartans. Stevenson plays shortstop for the Lynn 14Us.Giguere noted that the Spartans netminder plays shortstop “like a goalie. Nothing gets by her.”The manager also praised his outfield.?My philosophy is the defense will win the game before the offense,” he said.There are 14 players on the Lynn 14U team: five 14-year-olds and nine 13-year-olds.?We?re a young team, but a strong young team,” Giguere said.The winner of today?s Lynn-Plymouth game faces Halifax at 1 p.m. If Lynn wins both games, it advances to the finals on Sunday. The other teams must defeat each other to move on.The opening ceremonies today are at 9:30 a.m.