Medford High softball team advances in D1 State Tournament

Lily Kiley and the Mustangs held off the Crimson Tide yet again.

The sophomore pitcher spun a three-hit shutout, as the No. 31 Medford High softball team (19-2) eliminated No. 34 Everett (15-6), 13-0, in preliminary round action of the MIAA Division 1 State Tournament, Friday, at Columbus Park.

It was the Mustangs third win over Everett this season.

“It feels really good,” said Kiley. “We all got really close as a team this year. It’s very sad knowing it’s all coming to an end, but to keep winning feels great.”

With the win, first-year coach Jackie Pellecchia’s squad advances to face second seed Wachusett Regional (18-2), on Sunday, June 1 at 3 p.m.

“It feels really nice,” said Pellecchia, a 2012 MHS grad herself. “This was our third time playing Everett this year. There was a lot of pressure knowing they were going to come out with everything they had. We kept our bats going. We got ahead early and we just kept it going.”

A right-handed hurler, Kiley held a potent Everett lineup in check, limiting them to just three hits within the first three frames. She kept base runners to a minimum walking three, while striking out five in five full innings of work.

Not bad for a first-year letterman.

“It’s definitely a lot of pressure,” said Kiley. “But I always know that I have my team to back me up. Even if they don’t make the play, they’ll always have the next one. We’re very good at not getting in our own heads and moving onto the next play.”

She got plenty of offensive support.

Medford got the bats going early. Alex Lombardo clubbed a clutch two-run single in the first, plating Ruby Andreasen and Sydney Conti, giving them the early lead.

Kiley helped her own cause during a five-run rally in the second, lacing an RBI single scoring Ava O’Brien. Joy Riccioli and Conti (RBI double) kept the offense in motion with Medford sending nine players to the plate to expand its 7-0 advantage.

“Our offense has been great,” said Pellecchia. “Every girl on our team can hit. That’s really nice. Our number nine hitter could even sub in at the top of the order, if needed.”

Medford put the game away in the third plating six more runs. Isabel Taddia, Riccioli , Lombardo and Evelyn Masciave knocked in the insurance runs giving Kiley all the offense she would need.

The Mustang pitcher continued to bring the heat, working flawlessly with her batterymate catcher Isla McInnis. Kiley fanned Mia Allen and Graziello Foster to open the fourth. She was backed by some stellar defense throughout the contest. Second baseman Andreasen relayed the throw to shortstop Taddia on a nifty 4-6 putout to end the frame.

“Lily was great,” said Pellecchia, noting that she pitched all three games against Everett this season “It was nice to have that consistency as well.”

Everett coach Stacy Schiavo concurred.

“Their pitcher is good,” said Schiavo. “She has different pitches. We’re not use to seeing them as fast. When we practiced, we had the machine (revved) up. My girls can hit. It could have been a different game.”

The win is the latest in a string of success for the Medford High softball team this season. The Mustangs went undefeated in the Greater Boston League this season.

“We always had high hopes,” said Kiley. “To actually see it happen was an unreal moment for us. We’re all family and we’re going to the next round together.”