Lady Wildcats Softball Season Ends with Tough Loss

After a few bad breaks and a tremendous effort in the MIAA Division 1 South Sectional preliminary game, the season ended for the Milton High School softball team (14-9) after a 6-7 loss to Braintree (12-7) last night.

Milton never led, but kept the Wamps within striking distance at all times. While taking nothing from the winning team, Milton coach RJ Maturo said the officiating decided the game.

"I could see if there were bang-bang plays, but they're just bad calls," said Maturo referencing a few instances where Milton base runners were called out.

Braintree started off the scoring at Curry College, with a three-run first inning.  The Lady Wildcats responded immediately as Brianna Kelly hit a single to score Christina Rice, who was in scoring position after a walk, an illegal pitch and a stolen base put her on third.

Braintree pitcher Catie Casey was yanked in the first inning after loading the bases with just one out. Becca Sherwood, who pitched the rest of the game, got the Wamps out of the jam.

In the top of the second, Milton junior pitcher Brenna Callahan had a three-up three-down inning, forcing two pop outs and a strikeout.  The Lady Wildcats took that momentum into the bottom of the frame.

Kelly Fahey stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. She dropped a single that sent in two runs, knotting the game at 3-3.

The game was scoreless until the fifth when Braintree slammed a pair of RBI doubles. Not to be outdone, the Lady Wildcats wasted no time getting back on the scoreboard. Fahey, who went 3 for 3 on the day, dropped a single into shallow centerfield to lead off the inning. Suzanne Carrera followed with a single of her own.

When catcher Christin Brink popped out, Fahey tagged up on third and took off for home plate. As the throw came in, she was nearly caught in a pickle before sliding headfirst into the dish.

Abby Macumber sent Carrera home on a triple, tying the game at 5-5 at the end of the fifth.

After Braintree scored in the sixth, Morgan Sumner hoped to steal the momentum with a lead off bunt. She was called out at first on one of the plays Maturo called "horrendous."

"When (the umpires) are that close and they blow the call; they shouldn't be here," said Maturo.

While Milton's bats and base running were on throughout the contest, their defense also impressed Maturo.  Fahey had a stellar effort in the field. The coach called Fahey one of the top 10 short stops in the state.

Carrera was also notable in center field. "There was a lot of action out there and she responded tremendously," said Maturo.

Braintree will play unbeaten Norwood tonight, while the Lady Wildcats will be forced to wait a year to avenge the loss.