The girls' softball team on May 20 used strong pitching performances from senior Shannon Laughlin and junior Gayle Miner, backing an offensive effort with two players hitting homeruns, as Concord-Carlisle shut out Wayland, 10-0.
The game, held at Concord-Carlisle High School, saw Laughlin on the mound for four innings, followed by three innings of perfect form from Miner.
In the second inning, senior Anna Kokos came alive with a two-run homer, while Georgia Guttadauro came up with a solo homerun in the third.
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The remainder of the runs were batted in off singles and doubles. With Concord-Carlisle up 7-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Guttadauro advanced after stealing second base, then third. She was stranded at third after the following batter struck out.
Concord-Carlisle didn't stop giving a solid effort despite being ahead for the entire game. Their defense was solid in comparison to Wayland's, and flexible as well with players that switch fluidly between positions.
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Coach Lisa McGloin said she has no problems filling holes in the roster when necessary.
"We've had a lot of injuries this season," said McGloin immediately following the game. "It's great to have such a strong pool of players to choose from - I know how Terry Francona must feel."
Indeed, Miner was slated to head in to relieve Laughlin in the fourth inning and was sidelined momentarily with a cramp. Laughlin had no issues staying in for an extra inning, and shifted to first base when Miner took the mound in the fifth.
Concord-Carlisle also used courtesy runners for catcher Monica Dierks, and shifted players around in the outfield between innings, a strength Wayland did not possess.
Despite the unbalanced score in Concord-Carlisle's favor, McGloin still believes the team has a lot to work on, she said.
"We were okay on our execution on defense, our pitching got better as the game went on," she said. "We need to work on our slapper defense,"
McGloin's coaching style is active, constantly shouting advice to her players during the game and critiquing their efforts between innings, as well as using the other team's mistakes as examples, in the hopes that they can improve even as the game goes on.
Concord-Carlisle remains undefeated this season.
