Varsity softball experiences early season loss to Thornton Academy

Windham sophomore Brooke Gerry winds up before
throwing a pitch during a prep softball game against
Thornton Academy on Monday, April 25 in Saco.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity softball was optimistic heading into an early season prep softball matchup against Thornton Academy in Saco, but despite scoring first, it wasn’t enough to hold off the Trojans who posted a 7-3 win on Monday, April 25.

Although Windham was the first to score in the second inning, TA was quick to answer an inning later when they put four players across the plate.

The Lady Eagles continued to battle in the top of the fourth inning as they came within one run of tying the game. But TA slugged it out in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure the lead and then held off Windham in the top of the seventh inning and posted the ‘W.’

“I think we just need to come with more energy, we were pretty flat from the start,” said Windham senior Ellie Wilson. “I think we thought we were just going to roll over them, but that wasn’t the case.”

Wilson said the team’s fielding went well, but it was their hitting that lagged against TA.

In the top of the second inning junior Hannah Heanssler doubled. Junior Reilly Russell singled on a line drive to left field. After Russell was thrown out at second, Heanssler stole home. A walk and sophomore Brooke Gerry singled. A pop fly ended the inning.

The bottom of the second inning brought three opponents up and sent those three back to the dugout.

TA scored four runs in the third inning to pull ahead 4-1.

Windham answered in the next inning when senior Amanda Foss crushed a ground ball to left field. Gerry hit a long ball to center, which was dropped. After a sacrifice fly by junior Ella Wilcox, Foss tagged up and scored. Freshman Stella Jarvais doubled, and Gerry scored.

“We definitely made some mistakes,” said Gerry. “I feel that we didn’t push through all the way like we should have. We could have definitely brought more energy, but next game will be better.”

Gerry said some communication went well.

In the top of the sixth inning, Gerry singled and Jarvais loaded the bases. Wilson grounded for a fielder’s choice. Unfortunately, TA defense prevented Windham’s scoring opportunities.

“We need work,” said Windham varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox. “We got a couple key players that are out right now, and a few players need to step up a little bit. We definitely need to make plays when they need to be made. We are not the offensive team without the two players missing and we’re not the defensive team without the two players missing. [Windham] have to have their heads in the game a little bit more ... they just got to play a little tighter game.”

Wilcox said they hit the ball and got on base which is positive. He added losing one isn’t always the worst thing, especially when you have a target on your back, you just go out there and play another.<