Perfection. That was the word to describe Saugus softball pitcher Leah Ventre’s start to the season Friday when she retired all 15 batters she faced in a 12-0 win over Salem.
The senior captain tallied 10 strikeouts in the five-inning perfect game, which was caught by her younger sister and eighth grader Lily Ventre.
“It doesn’t get any better,” Saugus coach Steve Almquist said. “We had one two years ago from Caitlyn Wood. This was also Leah’s first varsity win, so it was very special. You can’t write those kinds of scripts.”
Leah Ventre was also perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with one RBI, while Lily Ventre went 3-for-3 with a single, double and triple. Felicia Reppucci drove in two RBI, while Maddy Niles, Kyra Jones, Kylie Dalton and Cat Schena each had one RBI. Freshmen Devany Millerick (one RBI) and Ava Rogers got their first varsity hits.
“This was a great start to the season, the kids came out ready and we jumped on (Salem) right away with six runs in the bottom of the first. I’m very happy. We have 14 kids on the roster and all 14 contributed.”
Saugus (1-0) hosts Gloucester Wednesday (4:30).
SOFTBALL
North Reading 8, Lynnfield 1
A young Lynnfield team had some bright spots in its 2021 debut, but couldn’t put it together against its Cape Ann League rivals.
Reilly Ganter was on the mound for the Pioneers and had seven strikeouts despite the loss. Chloe Shapleigh had two of Lynnfield’s four hits and the lone RBI of the game. Lauren Amico went 1-for-3 and scored one run. Ganter also went 1-for-3 at the plate.
“We have a young team,” Lynnfield coach Peter Marinelli said. “We only have two seniors and one junior then all sophomores and freshmen. But there were some good things. Ava Damache played really well defensively.”
Lynnfield (0-1) hosts Triton Monday (3:45).
Marblehead 12, Beverly 0
The Magicians got off to a hot start thanks to a complete-game shutout from senior pitcher Lauren Donovan, who allowed just five hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks.
Ashleigh Moud led the way at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two triples and four RBI. Leila Walton went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Maeve Sogoloff (1-for-3) had a big two-run double.
“I was proud of the team,” Marblehead coach Johnny Gold said. “You don’t know what to expect going out there after so long. Some of the new protocols took some getting used to but it was a great feeling being back out there.”
Marblehead (1-0) hosts Gloucester Monday (4:30).
Winthrop 21, Swampscott 2
Sofie Vitale did it all for the Vikings, dazzling on the mound with six strikeouts in five innings while allowing three hits and one walk and knocking in three runs at the plate.
Sydney Crotty went 2-of-3 with three RBI and four runs scored. Defensively, first-year sophomore Lily Tallent had four putouts and two assists at second base.
Despite the loss, Tiara Teel went 2-for-2 with a sacrifice bunt, knocking in one run and scoring another for the Big Blue.
Swampscott visits Danvers Monday (4).
Winthrop (1-0) hosts Salem Academy Monday (4).
