Warriors set to host North Attleboro in first round today
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High softball team recently concluded their regular season with a record of 15-5. The Warriors went 2-2 during busy week last week. After an 11-3 win over Wilmington on May 20 sealed Wakefield’s second consecutive Middlesex League Freedom Division title, the Warriors fell to Marblehead 7-2 on Senior Day before bouncing back with a 9-0 victory over Lynnfield. Wakefield fell to Newton North 12-2 on Saturday in the regular season finale.
Wakefield earned the No. 16 seed in the Div. 2 state tournament and will host a first round matchup against No. 17 North Attleboro (10-10) today, 4 p.m. at Blatz Park, Meghan Burnett Field.
The Warriors honored six seniors and their families before their game against Marblehead, a team that is ranked right above Wakefield at No. 15 in the D2 tourney. Although the home team couldn’t keep up with the Magicians on this day, it was still a successful celebration of Wakefield’s six seniors: captains Kathleen Gmelch and Jade Waterhouse along with Sam Goc, Miranda Menjivar, Cassidy Silva and Jamie Green.
“It’s always sad to see the seniors go and this year is no different,” said head coach Chris Tolios. “I have the utmost respect for anyone who gives four years of their time to the program in any capacity. This group is just full of really good kids.”
Of Goc, Tolios said she was “a great kid who plays a really good outfield. Just someone who shows up everyday and is there for the team. She has such a great attitude towards everything and is always in a good mood and happy to be there. A really special kid.”
Menjivar unfortunately lost her season to injury but it has not affected her role as a great teammate.
“Complete admiration and respect for her still showing up and supporting the girls on the field,” said Tolios. “She’s someone who pitched for 3 years for us and just loves the game. It was important to have her around because I think she was a positive impact and a really good contributor to our camaraderie. A lot of appreciation for her giving her time to the group through her injury and we will miss her presence next year.”
Of Silva, Tolios said she “just has a way to brighten the day. One of the most selfless kids I know. A good softball player who will do whatever you ask. I’ve had her at third base, second base, catcher – all over the field really and always confident in her to execute. I’m going to miss having her around.”
Green played three years before becoming a manager this season.
“Her positive attitude and smile towards anything she does is second to none. I would take a team full of Jamie’s, player or manager, any day,” said Tolios.
As for captains Waterhouse and Gmelch the coach did his best to summarize what they’ve meant to Wakefield softball.
“They have a special place in my heart,” said Tolios. “Knowing that they won’t be here next year tugs at the emotions a little bit. Two of the best kids I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They’re actually the hardest for me to talk about because I can’t find the words. Top tier kids.
“Overall, I’m just really lucky to have a senior group like this. They set the bar high both on and off the field. They led this team to our success in more ways than just playing the game. I think they’re the foundation of what we’re doing and hopefully what we can build off of in the years to come. Good group, sad to think of Wakefield softball without those names on my roster.”
The Warriors bounced back last Friday with a 9-0 victory in Lynnfield. The visitors led 1-0 going into the 6th but broke it open with three runs and then five more in the 7th.
Sophomore Kayla Shaw earned the shutout, walking just two and striking out 13 in the win.
“I was proud of how they turned the page in Lynnfield,” said Tolios. “We started slow but the hitting became contagious. Caroline Burns got us going and we just took off from there. Kayla Shaw pitched great for us and we got back to our confident selves as a team.”
The loss to Newton North shouldn’t shake Wakefield’s confidence as the Tigers are seeded No. 14 in the Div. 1 state tournament.
As for the D2 tourney, Wakefield has a tough matchup against the Rocketeers. Although only 10-10 North Attleboro plays in a strong, Hockomock League and will require a full team effort from the home team.
The winner of today’s first round game will advance to the Round of 16 where they will most likely have a trip to No. 1 Silver Lake (17-3) on tap. The Lakers, from Kingston, were the No. 1 seed in the D2 tourney last year before falling to No. 9 Marblehead 4-3 in the quarterfinals. Silver Lake hosts No. 32 Milton in a first round matchup on Monday.