Acton-Boxborough Softball Over Bishop Fenwick, 1-0

The Acton-Boxborough softball team defeated Bishop Fenwick’s squad, 1-0, in the North Division I semi-finals of the state MIAA tournament at Martin Field in Lowell Wednesday night. The team will play on Saturday for the division championship against the winner of Thursday’s match-up between Chelmsford and Central Catholic.

The game’s only run was scored in the top of the first inning. Lead-off batter Maddie Hatch drew a walk from Taylor Ahearn. Hatch went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lindsay Gibbs and then stole third.  Pitcher Sarah Ropiak singled to bring Hatch home.

Bishop Fenwick’s offense was characterized by bunts that were, for the most part, handled easily by AB’s infield defense.

Several Fenwick players reached base but were left stranded. Defensive plays of note included Steph Schieni’s firing of a ball she dove at and trapped on the ground to first baseman Michelle Surdan for a close out and Nicole Geoffrion’s sixth-inning catch in center field. Infielders Hannah Graney and Jamay Li played solid defense as well.

Ahearn effectively kept AB’s offense from hitting the way they have been of late. Center fielder Alyssa Bornstein and left fielder Christine Smaltz made running catches that robbed AB players of baserunning opportunities.

Ropiak struck out five, including the last three batters of the game.

Coach Mary Matthews was pleased with her team’s performance.

“We’re very excited to be playing Saturday afternoon," said Matthews. "This is only the second time in the last ten years that AB has made it this far.”

As for Ropiak, Matthews had nothing but praise. “Sarah did a great job on defense," said Matthews. "I’ve been telling her all year to ‘dig deep and dominate,’ and she really did that today.”

Ropiak shied away from taking credit for the win, instead focusing on her teammates’ contributions this season. “We worked hard and have come a long way,” she stated.