On Thursday, May 21, the BFA-St. Albans Comets varsity softball team won 6-2 over Essex.
For the first time this season, the Comets were behind. Essex scored a run in the top of the first on a walk, a sacrifice, and a bloop single.
The Comets responded with three runs in the second inning. Megan Gonyeau, Isabella Stuart, and Khloe Carpenter each had two-out hits to bring in a run, Stuart scored on a wild pitch, and the third run scored on Aubrey Marchessault’s double to deep center.
In the top of the third, Essex scored an unearned run on a couple of Comet miscues. Marah McGinn got that run back in the bottom of the third with a home run. The Comets added another run in the fourth when Stuart led off with a double off the fence, and she would score on a groundout by Carpenter.
In the fifth inning, McGinn drew an intentional walk, and Jillian Smith had a bunt single. McGinn scored on a sacrifice fly by Gonyeau.
Comet quotes
Comets Coach Bert Berthiaume: “We need good competition this last week. We had the Hornets, and we’ve got Mount Anthony and Mississquoi next week, so we’re going to finish off with some good teams. I’m very excited about the way we’re going to finish up heading into the tournament.”
On the team’s progression throughout the game against the Hornets, Berthiaume said, “Our defense wasn’t really sharp early in the game, and that got us into a little bit of trouble, but we were able to figure our way out of it, and built on strong.” He added, “What I was really pleased with today was our contributions in the offensive lineup 1 through 9. Everybody contributed, so that was awesome. Up and down the lineup was great.”
Comets pitcher Irie Shedd: “I definitely got better as I pitched. I really started hitting my spots with my spin pitches, and kept pounding the zone.”
Shedd talked about her work with catcher Nora Tatro as well: “Nora is a really good catcher. She’s really good at framing and having good pitch sequences, too. She’s a great catcher, and she’s really knowledgeable, so it’s been good.”
Marah McGinn: “It’s always important to show up for your teammates. I think the momentum kept us going and held us through for the last couple of innings of the game. We were able to build off of each other, and when you know your teammates have your back, and it continued through the lineup today, that’s the best feeling. I know Irie appreciated it, and I appreciated her tonight.”
She added, “This is definitely the most important time of the year, and to face good pitching, especially, and good defense, it’s going to get us ready. It’s good to set us apart and get us these important wins.
Irie Shedd was in the circle for the Comets and had another strong game. She gave up three singles and walked a batter, but she also had 17 K’s, which gives her 41K’s in the last 16 innings pitched.
The Comets are now 11-0 and have three home games next week to finish the season. Tuesday, May 26, they will host Mt. Anthony at 4 p.m., they face Missisquoi Valley Union on Wednesday, May 27, at 4:30 p.m., and St. Johnsbury on Friday, May 29, at 4:30 p.m.