Mascenic and Wilton-Lyndeborough clashed on the softball diamond Friday for a second time this spring, and while the Vikings pulled off the season sweep, both teams showed they are headed in the right direction.
The Vikings had an easier time in their first go-round against Wilton, head coach Josh Alix said, but Friday’s 16-8 win counts just the same and gave Mascenic a chance to shuffle their lineup a bit.
“We did a lot of good things today,” Coach Alix said. “It didn’t feel like it because we did play better the last time we played them, but we did a lot of good things and overall I’d say I’m happy. Anytime you win, you’re happy, right?”
WLC middle-school callup pitcher Gabby Abasciano had the Vikings grounding out at first, but once Mascenic started barreling up, the score followed suit.
“Once we got the timing down, then it was a lot more line drives,” Alix said. “I like to see that – I’m a line drive guy.”
Hannah Cargill led the team with three runs batted in and struck out two in two innings of relief; Brielle Krook, Evelyn Shippee, Breanna McCabe and Mia Glavey drove in two each. Olivia O’Conner got the win on the mound for Mascenic. Coach Alix said he was impressed by his team’s newfound concentration to stay with plays even after miscues.
“There were a couple plays where we stayed in it,” Alix said, “which we’ve struggled with. We may have missed the initial play but we stayed on the play at the next base and we ended up getting a couple outs that way. Not getting down on ourselves and giving up on the play and just throwing it back to the pitcher, we actually tried to make something happen.”
With their usual lineup, Mascenic (4-1) is even more potent, as they add back in first baseman Payton Lafreniere, who was out with a rolled ankle. Shortstop Fiona Alix, centerfielder Jordin Schuler and second baseman Brielle Krook have all been swinging hot sticks, and the Vikings’ only loss came against Franklin and likely future state strikeout record holder Lily Cornell.
“There are some good teams out there,” Coach Alix said, “but we proved that we can play with Franklin and I think they’re going to be one of the top teams. So if we can play with one of the top, then I don’t see us being unable to beat anybody. If we just get it all to click the way we want it to, I think we can play with anybody.”
Mascenic was set to host Newmarket Monday afternoon and then play at Lisbon Friday. WLC (0-5) may not have the record, but the improvements are obvious under new head coach Mike Beam, as the Warriors look competent, confident and situationally aware.
“Taking a look at them over the last couple years, I’m assuming that fundamentals were lacking,” Beam said. “So, we’re just trying to stress fundamentals and take it one pitch, one at-bat at a time. Mentally focused, try to reset, the next pitch is the most important pitch. The message I’m trying to get through to these kids is that whatever happened in the past is in the past and it’s all about what they do in the next opportunity.”
The Warriors are averaging 16 runs against and had only scored seven going into Friday’s game, so an eight-run output more than doubled their season total. Seven different WLC players batted in runs, as Abasciano, captain McKenna Crouse and catcher Abby Hall each had two-hit days. The Warriors were actually poised to take the lead twice as they piled up run in the fourth and fifth innings, but had a runner thrown out at home and another caught in a rundown to end both threats.
“We’re close,” Beam said. “We’ve just got to work on those little things…The timing’s coming along, we’re seeing the bats come along, it’s good to see.”
If the Warriors keep improving, the wins will come along too, and once they have a mark in the win column, anything can happen.
“If these girls can put it together, then we can start putting some games together,” Beam said. “They’ve played together [in middle school], it’s just a matter of continuity. The first five games, I think we’ve had a different lineup each game. It’s been tough to get consistency and I think once they get some consistency, things will start coming together a lot smoother.”
WLC has a week off for April vacation and returns to action Monday at Sunapee.