Softball, Baseball Jump Out of the Gate

The brief snowstorm that greeted April 1 may not have shouted spring from every Medford rooftop, but the student athletes of Medford High School’s presence on the spring fields of play certainly does.

The Mustangs got things off to a fine start on the softball diamond, as they tallied an impressive 10-4 win over Arlington at Tufts Park on April 8. Senior co-captain Kristina Bove went the distance on the mound, allowing just 5 hits, while swatting a pair at the plate and driving in a run. Junior shortstop Jackie Pellecchia led the way at the plate with a double, a single and four runs batted in.

Senior co-captains Kasey Moran (hit, stolen base) and Victoria Luongo (2 hits, RBI) also contributed to the attack, as did juniors Emily Welch and Shannon Hussey, who both added singles. Sophomores Sam LoPilao and Kristina Welch added hits, while freshman Sarah Donnelly did the same.

Defensively, significant leather was on display from senior co-captain Sarah Moulton, Welch, Pellecchia and LoPilato.

Medford is back in action on Monday, taking on a solid Revere team, another former Greater Boston League squad, at Tufts Park.

Baseball Take Two on Opening Week

On the baseball diamond, Medford certainly didn’t take any cues from the slow start of the Boston Red Sox. The Mustangs (2-0) won both their games during the opening week, thwarting non-league opponents Matignon away and Winchester at home.

Senior Chris Salvati was dominant on the mound, hurling a two-hit gem while fanning 15. Senior Steve Scire led the offense, going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI.

Against Winchester, Medford showed why it’s a commonly held fact that their pitching is going to be strong this year, as number two starter Danny Gilchrist, probably a number one on the majority of area teams, turned in a complete game performance, striking out nine and allowing one earned run. Gilchrist aided his own cause, going 3-for-4 at the plate, while batterymate Nick Rocco was 3-for-3. 

The Mustangs play Monday at home against Waltham.

Girls Lax Tops Essex Aggie, Boys Fall to Framingham

Moving to the lacrosse field, the Medford girls won their opener against non-league Essex Aggie (0-2) by the score of 10-6 at Edgerly field on April 6. Junior Olivia Timmins netted 4 goals and 2 assists for the Mustangs, while sophomore Katherine Timmins potted 3 goals and 2 assists. Other top performers for Medford included, senior captain Madie Forcier (2 goals, 2 assists), senior Ericka Silva (1 goal), senior Deanna Cavallaro (1 assist) and senior Katie O’Brien (1 assist).

Next up for Medford (2-0) was Shawsheen Tech of the Commonwealth Athletic League on April 8. The Mustangs earned a solid 12-8 win, and are off to a fast start, with a trip to Malden to face the Golden Tornadoes—the GBL opener—coming up on Tuesday.

The boys lacrosse team wasn’t quite as lucky in its opener against Framingham on April 6.

The Flyers downed Medford 8-3, and made the long drive to Northbridge for their second game carrying an 0-1 record. The Mustangs got on the right side of the ledger, squeaking out a huge 8-7 win against perennial CMass powerhouse Northbridge, and end opening week at 1-1. Ryan McCarthy bagged a hat trick for Medford and Cam Howard was outstanding between the sticks.

The Mustangs open up their Greater Boston League schedule at home against fierce border war rivals Malden on Tuesday.