Softball Roundup: St. Mary’s cruises past Essex Tech

MichaelaHamill was the star for St. Mary?s in a 14-1 win over Essex Tech Saturday in Lynn.
Hamill went the distance on the mound, giving up one run on four hits while striking out nine. After a rough start in the first inning, she recovered well and baffled the Essex Tech hitters for the rest of the day. She also helped her own cause at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
?We got off to a slow start, they were keeping us off balance early,” said St. Mary?s coach Colleen Newbury. “But the girls battled back nicely.”
Vanessa VanBuskirk also went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
With the win, the Spartans (10-2) qualify for the state tournament, a goal Newbury sets every year.
?It?s always a goal for us to get into the tournament,” she said. “So qualifying today is fantastic. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
North Reading 10, Lynnfield 5
Lynnfield (10-4) got a solid pitching performance from Sadie Oliver, but in the end couldn?t make enough plays to win. Oliver pitched a complete game for the Pioneers, striking out five.
Annika Han led the way on offense for Lynnfield, going 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs.
?They (North Reading) are a good team,” said Lynnfield coach Peter Marinelli. “We did some good things, but in the end we didn?t make as many plays as we needed to.”
Malden 9, Lynn Classical 2
The Rams (7-4) got offensive contributions from Emma Dejoie (3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored) and Courtney Braswell (1-for-2 with an RBI single).Mike Alongi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @m_alongi.