LYNN — The St. Mary’s softball team came from behind twice to earn a 9-3 win over Central Catholic League foe Arlington Catholic at Breed Middle School.
Spartans coach Paige Licata was happy to see St. Mary’s display resiliency after falling into a 2-0 hole in the early innings.
“It was great to see,” Licata said, “and it was great to see that come earlier in the game than it has in the past. Hopefully we’re gaining momentum and feeling confidence at the plate. I think that’s what we have been waiting for. It’s coming in at a perfect time with the teams we’ve been playing.”
Angelia Pepe pitched all seven innings for the Spartans, allowing three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts.
St. Mary’s had contributions up and down the lineup. Taylor Sullivan (2-for-3, four RBI) and Marina DiBiasio (2-for-3, two RBI) led the offense.
“Taylor has been on fire,” Licata said. “The past four games, not only is she hitting every time but she’s having bigger hits with people on base for some RBI. I’m proud of her. She’s loose and makes it look easy. As it continues I think she’s gonna be in a lot of big spots for us.”
Lily Newhall (3-for-4, RBI), Katie O’Neil (1-for-3, RBI), Felicia D’Alessandro (1-for-3, RBI) and Talia Smaller (2-for-4 with two runs scored) also had key hits. Sam Porazinski scored a run.
“What we’ve been doing is not necessarily a routine lineup,” Licata said. “We’ve been figuring out the chemistry and where people hit the best. I think right now we have that figured out and that’s what we are sticking with.”
After a quiet first inning, Arlington Catholic got on the board. Back-to-back singles from Kayla Donato and Caroline Macri put runners on for the Cougars. Maddie Van Winkle came through with a two-run double to put Arlington Catholic ahead 2-0.
It didn’t take long for the Spartans to answer. Smaller laced a double and DiBiasio reached on a single to start the second inning. Taylor Sullivan came up next and delivered a two-run single to tie the game at 2-2.
The Cougars didn’t let up in the third inning with three straight singles, including a RBI hit from Donato to put Arlington Catholic back ahead 3-2.
But St. Mary’s stayed hot with a four-run rally in the third. D’Alessandro and Smaller got the rally started with a pair of singles. DiBiasio tied the game with a RBI on a bunt single before Taylor Sullivan gave the Spartans their first lead at 5-3 with a two-run double. O’Neil capped the inning with a RBI single to drive in Sullivan and put St. Mary’s ahead 6-3.
The Spartans added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings. D’Alessandro and DiBiaso each drove in runs on sac-flies in the fourth. Newhall laced a RBI single in the fifth to stretch the St. Mary’s lead to 9-3.
With a growing lead, Pepe settled in on the mound. She allowed just one hit in the final four innings and striking out five to close out the win.
“It’s a better win,” Licata said. “We played (Arlington Catholic) so tough the first time this season, winning only 3-2 (April 16). It was great to see where we’ve come from that first time playing them. That’s why it feels so good, to see the progress we’ve made. I’m really happy with how we played.”
The Spartans (9-1) will have a day of rest before another CCL game on the road at Austin Prep Friday (3:30).
