Softball team snaps 6-game losing skid

After another tough stretch that included shutout losses to Hockomock leaders Franklin and Milford, the CHS softball team managed to close out the week on a high note, earning a split in their doubleheader against Boston Latin Academy while also raising hundreds of dollars for Project Purple — an anti-substance abuse awareness program founded by former Boston Celtic Chris Herren.

Senior Angelina Salcedo (Mike Barucci photo)

An initiative of the Herren Project, Project Purple encourages sports teams and other groups to stand up against substance abuse and addiction — and the Bulldogs did just that on Saturday, wearing purple socks and decorating the field with signs encouraging people to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Unfortunately, the day did not start out too well for Canton on the field, with Latin Academy cruising to a 9-1 victory in the opener that was only made worse by several Bulldog errors.

In the second game, however, the girls came out with a renewed focus, and over the first three innings they put up eight runs en route to a solid 10-6 win — their first in seven tries this season.

Seven different players had multiple hits for Canton, while senior Sam Sullivan pitched six strong innings and freshman Sarah Reissfelder earned the save in relief.

Senior Angelina Salcedo also made a highlight-reel catch in centerfield, tracking down a towering fly ball with two runners on base at a critical point late in the game.

“It easily would have scored the two runners,” noted head coach Ed Amico after the game. “So impressive was the catch that fans from both teams gave [Salcedo] an ovation.”

Saturday’s victory came at just the right time for the Bulldogs, who were reeling after six straight defeats, including a pair against undefeated Franklin and undefeated Milford last week.

The Franklin game was actually close until the sixth inning, when the Panthers put up three runs before tacking on two more in the seventh to make it a 6-0 final.

After the game, Amico stressed that the girls need to learn how to play “seven innings of softball.”

“In the Hock, you can’t have an off inning,” he said. “An off inning is the difference between a win and a loss.”

Last Wednesday’s game against Milford proved to be a different story as the Bulldogs were simply overmatched by the defending state champs, losing 16-0 in a game that only went five innings. Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Smith threw a no-hitter, although Canton’s leadoff hitter, freshman Emily Lanci, did manage to make solid contact in her two at bats, including one in which she reached base on an error and stole second.

After four games last week, the Bulldogs (1-6) now have a bit of a break with only one game over April vacation — at Oliver Ames on Wednesday. The team will resume play on Monday, April 22, at Sharon.

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Coach Amico would like to extend his thanks to his players and to all the parents who helped organize the charity doubleheader in many capacities. “We have a wonderful and supportive group of parents,” he said. “We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all the businesses who donated pizzas and water to be sold at the games: T&B Pub, D&E, Centre Pizza, Slices, Angelo’s, Neponset Café, Papa Gino’s, and Walgreens. We could not have done it without your support.”

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Posted by Jay Turner on Apr 18 2013. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.