LYNN — Make no mistake about it – there was some pretty good softball on display Sunday at Fraser Field in the 26th Agganis All-Star Softball Game. From sparkling defense to timely hitting and some great pitching on the part of both teams, there was a little bit of something for everyone.
For the record, the South squad took home the bragging rights, defeating the North, 14-4, thanks to an outstanding performance from South Most Valuable Player Addison Connelly. The Arlington High graduate hit the cover off the ball, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored. She played a pretty mean first base as well – let’s just say, anything hit her way was destined to be an out.
North MVP Jayden Caplis (Malden) wasn’t too shabby, either. She was 1-for-3 with a big two-run triple in the second inning and scored on an RBI single off the bat of Ava Gamache (Lynnfield) to put North on top, 3-1.
“It’s a great day to get to know the kids you play against all year,” South coach Colleen Newbury of St. Mary’s said. “They played great together and had a really good vibe. They just wanted to win and show off their talent. They let their talent come out. I think they were a little nervous in the beginning, but once they got comfortable, they had a great day.”
“We started off pretty good and Brigid Gaffny (North Andover) did a pretty good job pitching,” said North coach Mark Vellieux, of Danvers. “This was just a fun game, not a real serious game, and we enjoyed it, but we just didn’t hit when we needed to in certain spots. Congratulations to them; they played well, got the big hits and deserved it. And best of all, it’s all for the Agganis Foundation.”
South tied things up with two runs in the third, without benefit of a hit, courtesy of an RBI grounder to short from Addison O’Donovan (Arlington Catholic) and a long sac fly to right from Michaela Walker (St. Mary’s).
North regained the lead, 4-3, in the top of the third – the big hit being an RBI single from Ava Gray (Danvers).
That was as good as it got from the North, however, as South found its rhythm – and power – at the plate, exploding for 11 runs in the last three innings to seal the win. Arianna Laboy (Lynn English) made sure of it. Laboy (4 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 K) started in the circle and pitched the first two innings, allowing one run. Marblehead’s Ruby Calienes earned the win. She pitched the middle three innings and shined, allowing one run on one hit. Laboy came on in the sixth to close and didn’t disappoint, setting down the last six North batters in order.
“The decision was mainly because of the heat, for her to go a couple of innings and then get a little break and then come back,” Newbury said. “Ruby did an excellent job for us as well. Both girls pitched extremely well on a really hot day, which was tough.”
Connelly wasn’t the only South player with a hot bat. St. Mary’s Gabriella Marichal (2-for-4, R) and Lorynes Suriel (2-for-4, R), as well as Whittier’s Maddie Noury (2-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 R) also had multiple-hit games.
As good as the South’s offense was, Newbury said its defense was just as solid.
“Great defense from the kids today, especially from Addison O’Donovan (Arlington Classic) in center when she made that fantastic over-the-shoulder catch and caught everything else hit her way,” Newbury said. “It’s so nice to come to this game. I just love doing it and seeing the girls getting ready to go to college, so it’s fun to see that.”
Agganis Games Assistant Director Jeff Newhall said he had his doubts about the weather after a downpour interrupted the morning’s opening ceremony.
“I was thinking that, maybe, we were going to have a problem and the mound would be first and mud, but thanks to this new turf, we didn’t have any problems,” he said. “It was a good game, but it’s certainly different to see a softball game on this baseball field. I think the kids enjoyed it. This is usually their last high school experience, so it’s always great to see them have that one more chance to play.”
Laboy said, while she had a couple of things she thought she could have done better, it was a great experience to have that one last chance to play.
“There were a lot of adjustments today and I was proud of my team for bringing it when I made a mistake,” she said. “It’s a bittersweet day. I love the girls. I’m happy to leave Lynn English with a lot of pride. I hope nothing but the best in the future for them.”
Laboy’s English teammate, Angela Martinez, said it was an honor to be selected to play.
“I really liked playing with the girls I had played against and I was so honored to get the chance to play,” she said. “It feels great to walk off the field as a winner.”
The umpiring crew of John “Soup” Campbell, Cindy Hemenway, Brendon Gianatassio, and Mike Davis honored a longtime Agganis tradition by generously donating their services as volunteers.