MELROSE SENIORS were honored at the start of their game against Malden last Friday afternoon. Melrose won 6-5. Honored were (from left) Carolyn Perperian, Morgan Levesque, Maddie Kozlowski, Lauren Overlan, Morgan Kirby, Ava Burns and Itia Figueira. (Courtesy photo)
Thrilling 6-5 win over Malden is perfect for Sr. Day
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High softball team wrapped up their regular season in the best way possible, a gripping Senior Day victory over a competitive Malden squad, 6-5, at a sunlit Pine Banks Park on Wednesday, May 25.
Prior to the game, the team honored their outgoing seniors Maddie Kozlowski, Morgan Levesque, Morgan Kirby, Caroline Perperian, Lauren Overlan, Ava Burns and Itia Figueira.
And it was those seniors who came up clutch for Melrose who earned their 6th victory of the year. “This game was one of our best,” says coach Kelly Smith. “Malden is a strong team that has qualified for the tournament.”
Melrose held a lead up until the fifth thanks to the work of Itia Figueira who had a big triple, plus Lauren Overlan (3-3), Ava Viola (2-3) and Maddie Kozlowkski (2-3, homer, double). Melrose held that lead in the 5th until dropping down in the 6th, which paved the way to a huge 2-run home run by captain Maddie Kozlowski that tied it up. “It was one of the farthest hits I have seen at Pine Banks all the way to left field. Pretty impressive!” says coach Smith of Kozlowski’s crack. “This was the best way to tie up the game from one of our players who lives for softball.”
Melrose followed that up thanks to hits from freshman Leah Fowke and Ava Viola. Those clutch hits put them on base to be knocked in by senior captain Lauren Overlan, whose game-winning single allowed them to cross the plate.
It would come down to the final play of the game with Malden threatening with bases loaded. Melrose had 2 outs under their belt and responded beautifully when the Golden Tornadoes attempted a delay steal. “We got the girl out attempting with a 4 player rundown and it was orchestrated perfectly,” notes the coach.
Key to the win was the excellent infield and outfield play of seniors Itia Figueira, Ava Burns and Lauren Overlan. “They handled everything thrown at them and were errorless in their fielding,” notes Smith.
Freshman Leah Fowke went the distance on the mound with 4 K’s on the night. Meanwhile, battery mate Maddie Kozlowski caught one of her best games all season. “We never worried about past balls or stolen bases,” says her coach. “Maddie always remained in control.”
“This win is a great way to top off Senior Day,” adds Smith. “All seniors made a difference including Morgan Levesque and Morgan Kirby in right and second base.”
It was the perfect sendoff to seven seniors that Smith considers hard to replace. “We hope to have the leadership that we had this year, it was incomparable. We had 7 of the best seniors. We had a small team, that was the closet ‘family’ I have had in my 5 years of coaching.”
Much talent returns next season, and they hoped to be fully stacked in pitching so Leah Fowke can rest her arm a bit. “We have lots of talent returning,” confirms the coach. “We also will have Cassie Sleeper back on the mound mixed in with Leah and rising talent pitching should be a strength. The freshman will grow in confidence and knowledge of the game. And they will be backed with Golden Glove and super speed Maddie Tobin.”
Finally, Melrose is proud to announce its All Stars: Maddie Kozlowski, Maddie Tobin and Lauren Overlan.