WHS softball finishes as Class A South regional runners-up

Windham freshman Addison Leger crushes the ball during
the Class A South regional final softball game against
Biddeford at St. Joseph's College on June 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham held the Tigers scoreless for several innings, but a bunt and pop fly and Biddeford crossed the plate twice. Second-ranked Biddeford inched by No. 1 Windham at St. Joseph’s College on Tuesday, June 14 in the Class A South regional final, 2-0.

Up to this game, the Lady Eagles softball team had won 13 games in a row and advanced a bracket higher than last year. The Lady Eagles ended with a 16-3 record.

“I thought it was going to be a really close game, we went into it loose and ready to play,” said Windham junior Reilly Russell.

Russell said they played well as a team and came together at the end. They fought the entire time and did not give up. Russell said they had an amazing run this season and she’s ready for next season.

This game began as an intense defensive contest. Windham sophomore pitcher Brooke Gerry struck out the first nine Biddeford batters and the two teams went scoreless into the fourth inning.

Windham had a leg up on Biddeford offensively in the first inning when junior Ella Wilcox singled. Sophomore Jaydn Kimball reached first on an error.

From the pitcher’s circle, Gerry viewed this as just another away game, not something to be looked past though. Windham varsity softball Coach Fred Wilcox told the team if they were nervous, it meant they were going to do something exciting. Gerry said they took that into place. Even though the game didn’t go their way, they put-up exceptional energy.

Gerry admitted to going a little too fast, not taking enough time between pitches, and realized she had to slow the game down and take it pitch by pitch.

Gerry said communication went well and they picked each other up.

“This is probably one of the best seasons I’ve ever been a part of,” said Gerry. We battled together and had 13 shut outs in a row. Not many teams go out and do that. The bond that we had was amazing.”

In the top of the fourth inning, Biddeford doubled; then a bunt resulted in a run scored. Biddeford singled. Biddeford pops out to right field; the runner tags up and Biddeford scored again.

Biddeford hit a ground ball and Wilcox and Kimball got the double play at first base and home to end the fourth inning.

With two outs, Biddeford loaded the bases in the sixth inning. A pop up to left field and Windham senior Kelsey Gerry was there and made the catch.

The Lady Eagles gave it their best effort in the seventh inning and made contact with the ball, but did not get on base, except for a walk from freshman Chloe Edwards.

“I felt pretty good coming into today,” said Windham varsity softball coach Fred Wilcox. “I thought our players have been playing really well the last 13 games; they just ran into a buzzsaw. [Biddeford] happened to squeeze out a couple of hits and score a couple of runs.”

Wilcox said they’ll be back strong next year. He said Brooke Gerry threw well. Windham had tight defense; it was just those two plays that equaled runs.

He said it’s good for Windham to see how hard it is to get to this game and what has to be done to get past it. Windham’s progression is unbelievable; everyone contributed, and you couldn’t ask for more than that. <