Softball Takes Down Tilton
The crack of the bat sounds throughout the field. Senior Mairead O’Sullivan drives the ball into the outfield, allowing Exeter players to advance along the bases. This powerful hit sets Big Red up to score a game-winning run against Tilton, the defending league champions. O’Sullivan’s hit excites teammates in the dugout, inspiring her teammates to win the game.
Last Friday, the girls’ varsity softball team played Tilton in an exciting and close matchup, coming out on top 2-0. Tilton had a successful season last year without facing off against Big Red as the game was cancelled, so the girls looked to make an impression on their opponents. This game, being the team’s second of the season, was important to uphold their impressive record after crushing the New Hampton School’s team 12-5. Their last season failed to amount to a winning season, but the team is rebuilding with seven lower classmen on the team and two wins under their belt.
The girls secured their victory on the newly renovated softball field, cheering loudly in the new dugouts constructed this past fall. Senior and co-captain Kaleigh Conte was proud of her team and discussed how much fun it was to play such a close game. “It was such a clean game with very few errors,” she said. “It made you excited to play.”
The win was a team effort with great performances from everyone on the team. Exeter’s pitcher, lower Amanda Harris, was the star player in this Tilton game, striking out most of their girls to limit their score to zero. Prep Katie Moon praised Harris and said, “Amanda did an amazing job at the mound. Her pitching was outstanding—I think there was only one hit from the other team the entire game.” Harris is predicted to serve as a key player for the entire softball season.
Conte shared similar sentiments about the underclassmen star. “It’s hard to believe she’s only a lower. She threw a one-hitter and there was only one walk,” Conte said. “She is so consistent and focused; she’s doing amazing.” In addition to Harris’ stellar performance, each player contributed critical plays during the match against Tilton.
Because of the nice weather there were many spectators at Big Red’s play, which boosted team morale. “The amount of fans at our game motivated us to play our best,” lower Jill Cloonan said. The positive atmosphere from the fans and within the dugout helped the team capture yet another win.
Varsity softball will continue to be a strong opponent in the prep school league as they face Worcester Academy at home on Monday. Cloonan believes that “the team will continue to work hard and continue this pitching and hitting dominance throughout the season.”
“People think we can’t bring it, but I think we’ve proven already how strong we are,” said Conte. “I can’t wait to win [more] games this year and finish my senior year strong.”