Chelmsford Softball Knocked Out of State Tournament

With a 6-1 lead and just two innings to go, the No. 3-ranked softball team had all but solidified its space in the North Div. 1 semifinal match.

But the No. 11-ranked Chelmsford Lions were not about to go quietly -- it took an extra-inning push before the Tigers could come out on top 8-7 in the quarterfinal game.

Just as the sun started to come out at the top of the sixth inning, the Lions began to show some life. A long fly ball to left field followed by a pair of line drives brought the Chelmsford team to 6-3. 

Before their half inning was over, though, the Lions would get one more to close the gap further and leave it 6-4 for the Tigers in the bottom of the sixth.

Chelmsford pitcher Kaela DeAngelis (who stepped in following senior pitcher Meghan Rich) managed to mark down two strikeouts against Newton North in the bottom of the sixth, holding the Tigers to just a couple of hits and a single run. The score was 7-4 as the teams headed into the last inning.

With the combination of a Newton North throwing error, pass ball and a couple of solid hits to center field, Chelmsford rallied in the bottom of the seventh to tie up the game 7-7. 

In the bottom of the seventh, Newton North threatened with a base hit and a sacrifice bunt, but stranded a runner on third base and failed to score, sending the game into extra innings. 

Following a trio of fly balls from Chelmsford, the Tigers found themselves back at the plate at the bottom of the eighth inning. Thanks to speedy base running by Bridget McLaughlin and a solid line drive from Bay State Conference MVP Katie Caruso, the Tigers moved on to an 8-7 victory over Chelmsford.

The Newton North softball team will now head to the North Div. 1 semifinals, where they will face No. 10-ranked Acton-Boxborough. That game will take place Thurs., June 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Lowell at Martin Field. 

Chelmsford finishes its season at 16-7 overall.