Softball

By ZENDA FARRELL | Milton Independent Sports Writer

Four games into a young season, the Ladyjackets have a 1-4 record. A back and forth game against Winooski ended 10-9 for the 3-0 Spartans when they secured the win with a run in the seventh.

Danielle Hurley took the loss for Milton, striking out 5. Michelle Nichols had a triple.

The Ladies were competitive in the home game on Thursday against Burlington, losing narrowly by a score of 3-2. The Seahorses scored the winning run in the top of the eighth.

“We had a 2-1 lead against Burlington going into the 7th inning. Burlington is a strong team and managed to score a run to force an 8th inning where they eventually scored one run for the 3-2 win. Tara V. pitched the entire game, and her defense made some impressive plays!”said Coach Steph Hurley.

Katelyn Lasell brought in both runs for Milton and Michelle Nichols had a double.

At St Johnsbury on Saturday, the 5-0 Hilltoppers held Milton to 4 hits and one walk to blank the Ladyjackets 2-0.

The St J pitcher struck out ten batters. “This was a well played game and again, the defense was almost spotless. Unfortunately, we weren't able to take advantage of offensive opportunities to score runs,” Hurley commented. Danielle Hurley pitched a complete game, allowing 4 hits and striking out 2. She had a pair of singles for Milton.

The girls picked up their fi rst win on Monday, punishing South Burlington 17-2 to end the game in 6 innings. Sarah Winegar drove in 3 runs, Andrea Deuell, Jeanne Blanchard and Stephanie Boyd doubled and Samantha George had 2 hits in the win. Tara Vartuli allowed 3 hits and struck out 4 in a complete game victory.

“Going into this game we were winless, but were playing extremely well. Without a doubt, coming into this week we were probably the best 0 and 4 team in the state! We shook off a few innings of jitters in our fi rst two games and have played great since! Despite the fact that we are still young, the team is getting noticed. Good defensive play is being led by catcher Katelyn Lasell and shortstop Michelle Nichols. Solid pitching by sophomore Tara Vartuli and freshman Danielle Hurley is keeping us in games. The bats of Nichols, Hurley, Vartuli, and Kristen Therriault are sparking our offense which is starting to come alive. This win was a team effort with good defensive play and hits from many players,” Hurley concludes.

The girls travel to Rice Memorial on Tuesday for a 4:30 game, host MMU on Thursday also at 4:30 and take on Colchester at home on Saturday at 11 a.m..

Go Ladyjackets!!