Softball Team Qualifies for State Tournament

– Allison Goldsberry

The girls varsity softball team qualified for the state tournament for the second straight season with a 1-0 shutout victory over Arlington Catholic on Tuesday.

The game-winning run came in the bottom of the seventh inning when junior Jackie Pellecchia singled to left field, bringing home senior captain Kasey Moran, who got on base with a triple.

“The victory was made possible by the stellar pitching performance by junior Rayann Staude,” said Coach Dempsey.

Staude gave up five hits, struck out four, and walked only one AC batter in her shutout victory, improving her record to 5-2. She also chipped in with three very good defensive plays, said Coach Dempsey.

The Mustangs were held to just four hits but made the most of them in the final frame. Pellecchia led the way with two hits, including the game winner, while senior captains Kasey Moran and Kristina Bove rounded out the hitting with one hit apiece.

In addition, the Lady Mustangs “played errorless ball behind Staude’s accurate pitching,” including some clutch plays by Pellecchia and sophomore Sam Lopilato at 3rd base, said Coach Dempsey.

Medford is currently 10-4 with six games remaining in the regular season. On Wednesday the Mustangs head to Lexington for a night game against the two-time Division 1 State champions, who are currently battling for the Middlesex League Championship. Medford hosts Winchester on Thursday at 3:45pm and Cambridge on Friday, which is Senior Day. Over Memorial Day weekend the Mustangs will participate in a tournament in Arlington and finish up the season on Memorial Day in Everett under the lights at 6:00pm.