Update: 4/28/2025 Pentucket 10, Lynnfield 1
GIA GAGNON pitched well against Lowell Catholic on April 17, allowing 3 earned runs, 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 in 6 innings. She also went 3-for-4 at the plate. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Patriots’ Day morning, the Lynnfield High softball team lost, 11-5, at North Reading. The Hornets broke this game open in the bottom of the third inning plating seven runs.
“We gave up two walks, four hits and had one error,” recalled Pioneers head coach Hector Longo.
The Hornets scored once in the fifth inning and tacked on three more in the bottom of the sixth.
Lynnfield scored once in the third, twice in the fifth and two more in the top of the sixth.
Gia Gagnon went 3.2 innings as she gave up seven runs, six hits, six walks and she struck out two.
“She wasn’t able to throw enough strikes,” said Longo.
The Pioneer offense had 10 hits as Kaila George was 2 for 4 with one run batted in. Morgan Hubbard and Angela O’Hara were both 2 for 3.
O’Hara knocked in two runs including having a sacrifice fly, while Hubbard drew a walk.
Olivia Kelter was the team’s fourth multiple hitter going 2 for 4.
Lynnfield fell to 2-4 overall and 2-3 in the Cape Ann League with the loss while North Reading improved to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the league.
The home game against Triton last Saturday was postponed (make-up date unknown as of press time).
On April 17, the Pioneers were doubled up, 4-2, by host Lowell Catholic in a non-league game.
The Crusaders scored twice in the first and third innings while the Pioneers’ two runs both came in the top of the fourth.
“This was the best game Gia has pitched so far this season,” stated Longo, despite the loss. “She was able to find the strike zone.”
Gagnon pitched all six innings allowing three earned runs, six hits two walks and she fanned six.
“When you give up only two walks it gives us a good chance to win,” said Longo. “The problem for us in this game is that we stranded nine runners.”
Gagnon also had a good day at bat going 3 for 4. Kelter was 2 for 3 with one RBI and a run scored while Lily Williams was 1 for 2 with an RBI double and a walk.
The Pioneers, who were without Hubbard due to an injury, finished with eight hits.
“With having this week off we are hoping that Morgan will be better for next week,” said Longo.
The news was much better on April 16 as the Pioneers beat Hamilton-Wenham, 10-2, at home.
Lilly Gately got her first-ever varsity win in the circle going all seven innings as she went to 1-1. The freshman gave up one earned run, four hits, two walks and she struck out eight.
“She was in charge all day and she kept the ball in play,” said Longo.
The Pioneers recorded nine hits led by O’Hara who was 2 for 3 with a team-high three runs batted in. Her big hit was a two-run triple that helped break the game open.
George was 2 for 4 at the dish with two runs scored.
Faith Angelo also had a key RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the third inning while Julia Corrente, also recorded an RBI single.
The Pioneers have the April Vacation Week off this week as they return to play on April 28. That day, they host Pentucket at 4 p.m.