Softball team falls to Sharon in season opener

Senior Olivia Murphy is among the Bulldogs' most feared hitters. (Mike Barucci photo)

The Canton High varsity softball team got off to a rough start to the season last week, falling to division foe Sharon 6-1 on the road.

The Bulldogs are now 0-1 but are desperately hoping to avoid a repeat of last season, when they lost 11 of 12 out of the gate and had to scramble to win games late in the year in order to sneak into the Division 3 playoffs.

Fortunately, head coach Ed Amico found a number of positives to take out of Tuesday’s loss, starting with the team’s offense, which combined to out-hit Sharon 8-5. The girls also showed a balanced lineup, with Olivia Murphy, Julia Murphy, Meghan McKenna, Angelina Salcedo, Emily Buckley, Brittany Ferzoco, and captains Cady Kelly and Sam Sullivan all collecting one hit apiece.

Most of the problems came on defense as the Bulldogs committed six errors over the first two innings of play, leading to five unearned runs for the Eagles.

“With preseason scrimmages being cancelled due to weather, this was our first real game and the rust showed,” acknowledged Amico, a CHS teacher who returns for his second year as head of the program.

Despite the sloppy start to the game, Amico said the defense tightened up after the first few innings and played error-free ball over the final four frames. The girls also managed to reach base several times, but “just couldn’t get that timely hit,” according to the coach.

This week, the Bulldogs will have plenty of chances to pick up their first victory as they play four games in five days, including an away game Thursday against Mansfield.

Canton will also host nonleague Randolph in a special charity doubleheader this Saturday beginning at 1 p.m., with all proceeds from the event benefitting Cops for Kids with Cancer (click here for details).

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