AVA GAMACHE, pictured here putting a tag on a runner during Lynnfield’s 3-2 win over Notre Dame of Worcester on June 5, had two hits in Lynnfield’s Round of 16 game against Uxbridge on June 6. (File Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
UXBRIDGE — The season came to an end for the Lynnfield High softball team on June 6 as they lost at Uxbridge, 9-1, in the MIAA Division 4 state tournament Round of 16.
With that defeat, the 24th-seeded Pioneers ended the year at 12-10. The 8th-seeded Spartans lost in the Round of 8 game on Sunday as they fell to Joseph Case 11-8.
Uxbridge finished up at 19-4 overall with that loss.
“It was a tough day,” acknowledged Pioneers head coach Hector Longo. “We sat on the bus for two and a half hours, winding through what felt like every back road in Massachusetts as traffic was horrifying. We ended up arriving at 6:15 p.m. for a 6:30 p.m. start. I am not trying to make excuses, but it was a difficult task, especially coming off an emotional win the night before in Worcester.”
Uxbridge scored twice in the first inning and added one more in the bottom of the fourth to make it 3-0.
Lynnfield scored its lone run in the top of the fifth as Morgan Hubbard had an RBI single to plate Ava Gamache, who reached base on a single. Gamache went 2 for 4 at bat as she was the team’s lone multiple hitter.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Spartans plated six runs to take control.
Sophia Brown was the pitcher ending up at 10-9 in the circle. She went all six innings, giving up four earned runs, 11 hits, one walk, and she did not strike anybody out.
“She deserved a better fate,” said Longo. “That was a good-hitting team, and she fought them all day. She kept us in it for five and the defense failed her in the sixth.”
Spartan pitcher Erin O’Day went all seven innings giving up four hits and striking out eight. At bat, she helped her own cause knocking in two runs.
Libby Considine had Lynnfield’s only other hit in the game.