Enfield Knocks Fermi Out of Softball Tournament Berth

ENFIELD, CT - The final play of the final softball game ever between Enfield and Fermi high schools may rank among the best in the 45-year history of the series between the crosstown rivals.

Enfield shortstop Jessie Maier snared a screaming line drive off the bat of Fermi's Yvonne Girard, then fired to first to double off a runner for a game-ending double play which gave the Raiders an 18-5 victory, earning final town bragging rights and eliminating the Falcons from a spot in the Class L state tournament.

Enfield broke open a 2-1 nailbiter with a nine-run fifth inning, then added seven more in the sixth to put the game away.

Freshman Kaitlin Bourque led the 19-hit Raider offensive attack with five hits, including a double, and two runs scored. Taylor Fritz had three hits and two runs scored, Destiny Bailey and Stephanie Willoughby had two hits apiece, and Sara Cushin scored three times.

For the Falcons, Jessica Baker had three hits, including a pair of doubles. Girard belted a triple and a double, while Alyssa Meyers had two hits, including a double.

Cassidy Lang earned the victory for the Raiders, allowing eight hits and striking out four. Emily Pease struck out seven for the Falcons.

The final game was a contrast to the April 14 showdown between the teams, which Enfield won 5-4 in nine innings.

The win enabled the Raiders to sweep the two-game season series for the first time in more than a decade. Fermi had won 12 of the previous 15 meetings, dating back to 2007.

Photo credits: Mike Petrucci and Tim Jensen