Softball splits season series with Spartans, drop to 9-2

It hurts to lose your first game of the season, especially after starting a season-opening 9-game winning streak. Teams want to avoid losing two straight, especially in the heart of the season, especially to an opponent you already beat.

However, the Gloucester Fishermen softball team fell into that trap, dropping their second matchup with the St.Mary’s Spartans 7-11. Aleena Brown led the offense in the loss, going 4 for 4 and driving in 2 RBI at the plate.

After an Olivia Madruga single and a Mackayla Allen double, Brown singled in the gap to tie the game at one.

In the bottom of the 2nd, St.Mary’s had three straight walks to load the bases. The Spartans notched multiple back-to-back singles and flyouts to take a 5-1 lead over the Fishermen.

After a quiet top 3rd for Gloucester, St.Mary’s offense boomed. Multiple walks and errors around the field allowed the Spartans to score 6 runs and extend their lead to 11-1.

Allen and Brown notched back-to-back singles down the third baseline to put runners in scoring position. Allen scored on a Tasara Fronterio flyout, setting the stage for Dylan Gaetano’s 1-run double.

The defense was lock-down from there on out, with Abby Noble returning dominant, and the infield thwarting multiple scoring attempts.

In the top of the 5th, Brown merely missed the fence on a double, scoring Kaiya Mineo from 1st base. Allen grounded out for an RBI, and Aleena Brown singled, but their efforts were not enough.

Now on a two-game losing streak, Gloucester looks to bounce back against NEC opponent Masconomet Regional to officially clinch the D3 State Tournament.

FINAL

Gloucester Fisherman – 7 || St.Mary’s Spartans – 11

A.Noble – 4 IP, 4 Ks (Season ERA: .2.258, Season WHIP: 1.258)

A.Brown – 2B, 3 1B, 2 RBI

E.Carrapichosa – 2B, 2 RBI

M.Allen – 2B

J.Carrancho – 2B