MIAA softball tournament full of local teams trying for a title

The MIAA softball tournament bracket was released on Monday, and each division is packed with local teams vying for a championship.
Revere (15-5), the defending Division 1 North champion, earned a bye with a sixth seed, and will take on the winner of No. 11 Malden (13-7) and No. 22 Billerica (12-10). Lynn Classical (13-7) is seeded ninth and will face off against a familiar opponent in Peabody (10-10) in the preliminary round. The two teams played twice in the regular season, splitting the games. For Classical coach Erica Richard, facing such a familiar opponent presents both advantages and disadvantages.
?It goes both ways,” Richard said. “One on hand, we know them, but they know us just as well. I think it adds another element to the game.”
The Rams head into the tournament relying on their strong offense, led by Ivy Martin and Alaina Gridley.
?We?ve been a really good-hitting team,” said Richard. “Our hitters have been consistent. Our defense has also been very good.”
As the do-or-die situations of tournament play draw closer, Richard says she?s been telling her team to take things one day at a time.
?With so much going on, we have to stay focused,” Richard said. “The more focused we are, the better we?ll be. We just have to leave it all on the field and play like there?s no tomorrow.”
Also in Division 1, No. 18 Bishop Fenwick (11-9) will take on No. 15 Everett (12-8), and No. 21 Beverly (11-9) will take on No. 12 Medford (13-7) on Wednesday.
Marblehead (16-3) earned the second seed in Division 2 North, and will host No. 15 Newburyport (10-10) on Wednesday.
Newburyport is no stranger to the Magicians, who won, 11-7, earlier this season.
?They can hit; they?re a good team,” said Marblehead coach Johnny Gold. “We?re a little familiar with them, but they?re also a little familiar with us. But when it comes to the tournament, all of that is out the window.”
Gold told his team not to take any opponent lightly, regardless of the seedings.
?You never know what?s going to happen,” said Gold. “We need to play well in all facets of the game. We?re not going to change a thing. You just have to do what you?re good at.”
The Magicians have been led by pitcher Madi Ernst, who has had a very strong year, finishing with a 16-3 record. Ernst exhibited nearly impeccable control all season, striking out 112 and walking just 12 batters.
Ally Kapoll was a huge force both offensively and behind the plate. Kapoll led the team in hits and RBIs, and was outstanding in her first year catching.
?She?s the best catcher I?ve coached, bar none,” said Gold.
Also in the tournament in Division 2 is No. 8 Danvers (14-6), which will host No. 9 Pentucket (12-8) on Wednesday. No. 10 Swampscott (13-9) will square off against No. 7 Wakefield (14-6), and No. 14 Gloucester (10-10) will take on No. 3 North Reading (16-5).
In Division 3 action, No. 3 St. Mary?s (16-4) earned a bye and will take on the winner of Georgetown (12-8) and Essex (8-8) in the first round. The Spartans look to continue their strong season with deep tournament run to defend their Division 3 North title.
?We?re just going to keep working and practicing hard, working on our team defense, which is so important when going against tougher pitchers,” said Spartans coach Colleen Newbury.
The Spartans will rely on their two starting pitchers, sophomore Mia Nowicki and junior Michaela Hamill, who has also had a great year for St. Mary?s with the bat. Senior captains Molly Doyle and Cassi LaFauci, along with third baseman Katie Terban solidify the heart of the Spartans? lineup.
In other Division 3 action, No. 16 Lynnfield (12-8) will host No. 17 O?Bryant (10-7) on Thursday, and No. 21 Winthrop (8-10) will face No. 12 Notre Dame (11-6) in the preliminary round.
Katie Morrison may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KatieMo61.