Mepham Lady Pirates Softball Lose Nail-Biter to Carey, 2-1

Th (0-2) Mepham Girls Softball team was defeated 2-1 by the (1-0-1) Carey Seahawks in their first home game of they year last night.

"It's early," said Mepham Coach Mike Muscara. "There are 16 more games left in the season."

Last year in the first round of the playoffs, Carey delivered an early exit to the Pirates and you could tell from the very start that redemption was on every players mind. Carey jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first playing small ball.  

The inning could have been a lot worse, but Mepham pitcher Victoria Gunnels got a soft hit fielder's choice to third for the second out of the inning and struck out the last batter with the bases loaded.

"She pitched a great game," said Muscara.  

Gunnels finished the game pitching seven innings and giving up only two runs.

"She played a great game, but you need to score runs to win," Muscara said.  

Carey pitcher Patty Callahan seemed to be in control most of the game, although she was hit hard at least once an inning regrettable directly at a sure handed fielder. Callahan finished pitching seven innings giving up one run and three hits.

"She guts it out every time on the mound," said Carey Coach Anthony Turco.  

Breaking up the shutout in the bottom of the seventh for Mepham with a mammoth shot over the left field wall, was sophomore Claudia Law.

"Claudia is a big hitter for us," said Muscara.

Only in her sophomore year, Law has already shown tremendous maturity at the varsity level, look for her to be a big contributor for years to come.

"She's a good ball player," he added. "She hit the top of the fence and it kept going."        

As the stats show, this was a pitcher and defensive dual, highlighted by a marvelous diving grab by Mepham shortstop Kristan Taylor. 

The Pirates look to break into the win column in their next game Wednesday, April 7 on their home field against East Meadow at 4:45 p.m.