Win Against Walpole Takes Mustangs to 17-0

Perfection is not something easily achieved in sports on any level. But for the Norwood softball team it is becoming the norm.

After registering their unprecedented 41st consecutive win over the Walpole Rebels (14-4), the Mustangs have their sights set on the post-season and winning a state title.

“Hopefully we can get the championship,” said Norwood’s UConn bound pitching sensation Laura Duggan. "That is what we all want.”

But they don’t expect it to be easy, especially with no. 1 ranked King Phillip in their division, as well as a strong host of teams coming from the New Bedford area, which could post a real challenge.

“I tell the kids that anybody can beat you on any given day,” said Norwood coach Carol Savino.

Walpole, a formidable opponent with a pitching ace Marissa Ryan in the circle, was looking to re-group after a tough loss to Dedham on Monday.

But of course, Duggan and the Mustangs had other ideas.

The Mustangs jumped on the board in the bottom of the third at Balch Field on Senior Day when Jill Sheppard led off with a single. Maloof added a single and Sarah Eckhardt laid down a perfect bunt to get the bases loaded. Makenna Lane added an RBI single to put the Mustangs on the board, 1-0.

Freshman Emily Kelly then laced a double to the right-center gap to score all three Mustangs, and put Norwood up 4-0 after three innings.

The rest was left up to Duggan who worked ferociously on the mound to keep the Rebels off the scoreboard.

“I just wanted to come in today and get the win," said Duggan. “I wanted to work the fastball and then work my other pitches. This game I was able to get my fastball, curveball, and change.”

Duggan went all seven innings, striking out six Rebels for the complete game win.

“She is a very competitive kid," said Savino. “That’s her psyche, she wants to keep going and going.”

Jess Gorman and Jill Shepard added RBI singles in the sixth for the 6-1 final

The Mustangs have a 17-0 overall record heading into Thursday’s game versus Needham.

A big concern in the past this season has been the offense but with freshman catcher Emily Kelly in the line-up (2 doubles) and Lane hitting the ball the way she has, the Norwood coach has high hopes for her team come tournament time.

“I think we are ready,” said Savino. “With the bats coming around the last couple of weeks, I think we’re ready.”