JUNIOR MADDIE Tobin’s bats have kept the MHS softball team rounding the bases this spring. (photo by Raj Das edphotos.com)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Okay. Are you ready for the good news or the bad news?
The bad news is, the Melrose High girls’ softball team has lost their #1 starting pitcher to a season-ending wrist injury. The good news is their bats are hot, there is plenty of season left, and many gloves on the ground are ready to improve a slow 1-4 start to the season.
The record is deceiving. Melrose just lost two very close Freedom League games against Wakefield and Watertown without their #1 ace on staff, and now resume Freedom play this week, which will give them an opportunity to potentially pick up wins.
“We’ve dealt with some adversity, losing a key offense and defensive player, Cassie Sleeper. Not only was she a league all star last year she was on her way to gaining more prestigious accolades this season,” says Melrose head coach Kelly Smith. Sleeper, Melrose’s starting pitcher, was injured in the team’s game against Belmont. Says the coach, “It is a hard loss for the team but she has not missed a practice and has shown great leadership through a very difficult and emotional time. The future is bright for Cassie on the field and off.”
In the meantime, with pitchers on short supply, a Melrose freshman has answered the call. “Leah Fowke has been courageous,” says Smith. “Every practice and game she’s improving drastically.”
Given their setback, there was a bit of growing pains for Melrose when they battled Watertown and Wakefield last week. But they put up a tremendous fight in scores of 6-5 and 7-5 games. Of their Watertown effort, the coach noted, “We were up the whole game and a few plays fell the wrong way. This was a turning point in our season. The girls realized how much more we have to do without our pitching ace.”
Things turned around against Wakefield, though the Warriors ultimately prevailed. “The [Melrose] team that showed two days later was unrecognizable. The score didn’t show it, but there was not one player or fan who didn’t have an absolute blast at this game.” Melrose was clean on the field, racked in RBI’s, and displayed sharp base running. Best of all, Melrose is showing fire power at the top of the lineup. “The top has been on absolute fire.” Maddie Tobin continues to dominate the diamond with her small ball and head-turning base running. And Itia Figuira continues to confuse opponents by pulling it to left or right, or hitting hard grounders through the middle.
Coach Smith also thrilled with the work of freshman Paige Crovo. “She’s been absolutely dynamite and is leading the team in RBI’s and gaining more range while playing second each week.” Strong fielding has also been a plus for Melrose, whose outfield has shined behind the work of seniors Ava Burns and Lauren Overlan, plus Maggie Turner and Sarah Hitchman. And infield remains solid around the horn with frosh pitcher Leah Fowke on the mound, catching duties by the experienced senior Maddie Kozlowski, 1st base manned by freshman Ava Viola, the freshman Crovo at second, junior short stop Maddie Tobin in command and 3rd base held down by Itia Figuira.
“We have a lot of underclassmen producing,” notes Smith. “The more they play at a varsity level the better they get. The freshmen soak everything in. They want to learn, get better and be a part of this team.”
Melrose has Wilmington and Burlington up ahead—two very familiar opponents. “Burlington has a lights-out pitcher and some sluggers in their lineup,” notes Smith. “Wilmington is always a team we can split with over the season. Strategy wise, we need to hop on the first pitch rather than get behind in the count. This will be key.”
Melrose will host Wilmington on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Pine Banks.