Redmen Win, One Away From First North Softball Title

The Tewksbury High School softball team has had an exciting run through the North Division 2 postseason. But thanks to a Wednesday win, the Lady Redmen are one win from making it a historic run.

Following a 3-1 victory over Reading in the semifinals on Wednesday, Tewksbury is now one win from capturing its first ever sectional crown.

Brooke Hardy, known as "The Jet" by her teammates and coaches, took off at the plate and on the basepaths, scoring all three Redmen runs and mashing an inside-the-park home run.

"She's been red hot," said head coach Leo DiRocco. "You see how she plays out here? That's how she plays in practice every day ... She's a student for the game, and her IQ for the game is unbelievable."

Thanks to Hardy's efforts and the performance of Shannon McLaughlin in the circle, Tewksbury advanced to face Burlington in the title game. That contest is slated for 4 p.m. on Saturday at Lowell's Martin Field.

DiRocco praised this year's team, saying that top to bottom his players are talented and hungry to make history.

"It's special," said DiRocco. "We've probably had more talented teams. But this team bonded like crazy and that's part of it. They fight for one another and it's absolutely fantastic."