WOBURN — Make that two state championships in a row for the Lynn Senior Little League Softball All-Stars.
Lynn grabbed the title Saturday with two wins over Woburn (7-3 and 4-3) in a best-of-three series at Gonsalves Park.
“I’m very proud of the girls. It’s always a great accomplishment,” Lynn manager Chad Wilkins said. “This is the fifth year in a row that a team I’ve coached has had to go through Woburn. We’re pretty familiar with them. As you can see by the scores, they’re a tough opponent. These girls have worked very hard the past few weeks and it has paid off so far.”
In the first game, a 7-3 win, pitcher Lily Newhall allowed five hits and three walks over seven innings. Newhall, who pitched for St. Mary’s this spring, struck out nine.
She was backed by terrific defense from second baseman Amanda Tobin, who “was by far the best defensive player on the field in both games,” Wilkins said.
Amanda Wilkins and Riley Mannion each went 2-for-3 to lift the offense. Emily Rodriguez launched a solo home run.
The nightcap was a bit closer but Lynn earned a 4-3 win to capture the title. Newhall went all seven innings again, allowing just three hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
“It was very hot and we could see the effect in the second game,” Wilkins said. “Pitching through 14 innings with the same catcher, Amanda Wilkins, all 14 innings, those two gutted it out. Lily knew what was on the line. She actually started throwing harder in the second game because she knew we were almost there.”
Mannion gave Woburn headaches at the plate, going 3-for-3 in the second game with two runs scored and two RBI.
“Riley had a phenomenal day at the plate,” Wilkins said. “She always hits the ball hard every time at the plate, even when she makes outs. She’s a very good hitter.”
Reese Brinkler went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Lynn now shifts gears toward preparing for the regional round of play. The team will start the pool play stage Saturday in Worcester, with opponents, game locations and game times to be determined.
Wilkins feels Lynn has the perfect blend of dedication, experience and talent to make noise in regionals.
“There are 10 girls on this year’s team that were on last year’s team,” Wilkins said. “We definitely have the experience. Last year we only won one game in the regional so we’re hoping we can do a little better this year.
“I was definitely confident going into this,” he said. “I knew we’d have to go through Woburn. Even with a talented and experienced team, Woburn’s pretty much the same. They have a lot of talented girls. Even though we’re experienced, it’s not an easy thing to go through Woburn. Now going into regional, it’s good that we all know what to expect. There’s tough competition at this level so you never know. I think the girls will be much more relaxed this year.”
