Arlington Softball Squad Wins Again

The Arlington Ponders U-18 softball team came away with a solid 5-2 victory over the Maynard Orange Crush in a Middle Essex League game Monday night at Maynard High School. 

The win moves coach Bob Bartholomew's squad to a record of 8-1 on the season. 

Kayleigh Tomaczewski went 3-for-3 with three singles and and two RBIs, while pitcher Kaylene McLaughlin went 2-for-3 in addition to throwing seven strong innings for Arlington.

Arlington took an early lead in the top of the 2^nd on a base hit by Tomaczewski, who then promptly stole 2^nd, took 3^rd on a passed ball and scored on Courtney Sacca's sacrifice fly. After giving up the tying run in the bottom half of the 3^rd, McLaughlin settled down and her offense gave her all the run support she would need in the 4^th. 

On the strength of three straight singles and an outfield error, the Ponders tacked on runs and wouldn't look back after that. Maynard closed the gap to 3-2 in the bottom of the 5^th on a double by Elizabeth Marshall, who scored on a fielder's choice. 

Arlington wasted no time in stretching the lead out in the top of the 6^th scoring two more runs on three singles and a walk.  Tomaczewski and Taylor Sliney had RBI singles during the inning that for all intents and purposes put the game out of reach.

Kaylene McLaughlin pitched seven strong innings, scattering five hits and giving up only the two runs, while not getting into much danger at all. She escaped damage in the bottom of the 2^nd by getting Emily O'Callaghan to line into a double play after Maynard put two of its first three batters on base.

Kristin McKenzie, 1-for-2 with a single and a walk, and Taylor Sliney, 1-for-3 with an RBI single, helped McLaughlin and Tomaczewski to lead Arlington to an impressive road victory.

Coach Bartholomew was particularly happy with his team's performance, stating that he felt Maynard was one of the best teams in the league.