Post publication updates:
Lynnfield falls to Wakefield, 9-0 (May 23)
Lynnfield falls to Pentucket Regional, 14-0 (May 20)
Published May 21, 2025
Surging softball team officially punches ticket to state tournament
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
AMESBURY — On Monday afternoon, the Lynnfield High softball team beat Amesbury, 7-4, on the road. With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 10-8 overall and 9-6 in the Cape Ann League.
Lilly Gately was the winning pitcher going all seven innings to go to 5-2 in the circle. The freshman gave up two earned runs, seven hits, four walks and she struck out five.
The Pioneer offense had 11 hits as Morgan Hubbard, Gia Gagnon and Olivia Kelter were all 2 for 4 at the dish. Hubbard knocked in two runs as well.
Angela O’Hara had two RBI as she went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice fly.
Lynnfield never trailed as they scored two runs in the second, two more in the third and three times in the top of the sixth. The Red Hawks scored once in the second and three more in the bottom of the third.
“This win officially put us in the state tournament,” pointed out Lynnfield head coach Hector Longo. “Gately settled down nicely after they scored the three runs in the third, two of which were unearned.”
The Red Hawks fell to 6-9 overall and 4-4 in the CAL with the loss.
Last Saturday morning, the Pioneers lost, 1-0, at home to Lowell Catholic in a non-league game. The Crusaders completed the season sweep as they won, 4-2, back on April 17.
“Their pitcher was hitting her sports,” said Longo, “We didn’t face her the first time we played them.”
The Pioneer offense had only three hits in this game that lasted only a little more than one hour.
Gagnon (5-3) pitched all seven innings. She gave up one run, two hits, two walks and she fanned seven.
The Crusaders scored the game’s only run in the top of the first inning.
On May 15, the Pioneers hammered Rockport, 22-1, in a five-inning mercy-rule game.
“Everybody got to play in that game,” recalled Longo, whose team had 15 hits.
Maggie Pavao led the offense going 2 for 3 with three walks and five runs batted in.
On May 14, the Pioneers beat rival North Reading, 8-2, at home to split the season series.
“That was a really good win for us,” said Longo. “We made no errors on defense and Gia did not allow a walk. When we can do those two things, we will win a lot of games.”
Gagnon pitched a complete game giving up two earned runs, eight hits, no walks and she struck out four.
The Pioneer offense had 13 hits led by Kelter who was a perfect 3 for 3 with a walk. Hubbard went 3 for 4 with an RBI while Gagnon helped her own cause going 2 for 3 with an RBI and she was also hit by a pitch.
Lynnfield broke the game open with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
On Thursday, the Pioneers host Wakefield at 4 p.m. to wrap up the regular season.
The Pioneers entered this week ranked 20th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the tournament regardless of overall record.