Softball Roundup: Palermo fires shutout as Revere advances, 5-0

Revere moved one step closer to defending its Division 1 North title as the Patriots defeated Billerica, 5-0, in the first round of the North tournament Friday in Revere.
Sabrina Palermo struck out four in the complete-game shutout, but what Revere coach Joe Ciccarello was impressed with more was Palermo?s fielding on the mound.
?Billerica is a team that likes to bunt, slap, put the ball in play,” he said. “(Palermo) made six plays in the field. She was quick as a cat, just incredible.”
Also outstanding in the field was shortstop Christina Stella, who also walked twice and stole home. Victoria Russo hit a solo home run, her first over-the-fence shot, in the fourth inning, and went 2-for-4. Juliana Cecere went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs.
?I told the captains that they had to be leaders heading into the tournament and show the young kids what it?s all about,” said Ciccarello. “They really stepped up today at the plate and in the field. I think the younger players know what level we have to play at and what it?s all about now.”
On Tuesday, Revere (16-5), the No. 6 seed, will play the winner of No. 3 Chelmsford vs. No. 19 Westford Academy in the quarterfinals. If Westford wins, Revere will play at home. If Chelmsford wins, the Patriots will be on the road.
Division 1 North
Medford 4 Beverly 0
Jackie Pia pitched well in the loss for the No. 21 Panthers, surrendering just six hits in the preliminary round of the tournament. Caitlin Munzing went 1-for-2 and Ally Cabral went 1-for-3 as Beverly finishes their season with a 11-10 record.
Division 2 North
Reading 3, Danvers 0
The Falcons were no-hit by Reading?s Michaela Reeves, as the eighth-seeded Danvers fell to top-seeded Reading in the quarterfinals. Danvers ended the season with a 15-7 record.
Burlington 4, Gloucester 0
After upsetting No. 3 North Reading in the first round, No.14 Gloucester?s offense was shut down by No. 6 Burlington in the quarterfinals. Gloucester finished at 11-11.Katie Morrison may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KatieMo61.