Gloucester softball claims NEC title

The Gloucester High School softball team clinched the Northeastern Conference in their game against Somerville on Monday. The Conference had not been won by a GHS softball team since 2002 – longer than the lifetime of some of the underclassman.

The game started off with a hit by eighth grader Riley Thibodeau, and from there the Fishermen gained momentum to finish the game 12-0.

As pitchers Sydney McKay and Jenna Hoofnagle let up only one hit, Riley Thibodeau had three hits behind the plate. Ella Marshall, Liz Schuster,  Hoofnagle and Tracy Wood each had two hits a piece, with Wood hitting a home run. Jemima Grow had the game winning RBI, to score Kelsey Lowthers.

“I am so proud of this group of girls,” said head coach John-John Nicastro. “It’s not the will to win that matters, it’s the will to prepare to win that matters. Champions have that.”

Players and coaches put in countless hours to lead to their success. With one game remaining against Beverly, Gloucester is looking to finish the season with a win to add to their 15-2 record.

Lone Senior, Taylor Abbott, commented on the blossoming team, “I was nervous at the beginning of the season because we have such a young team of and started off with a loss, but everyone has stepped up to the plate and has contributed to the team since then. We now have a record of 15-2 and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The Fishermen hope to continue their success with a deep run into the tournament.