Crimson Tide shows no mercy against host Malden to open the season

Everett’s Kristi Skane fans nine over five innings to help secure the win

  Everett High School veteran softball coach Stacy Schiavo couldn’t ask for a better start to the season when her Crimson Tide squad thumped host Malden, 12-0, in a game shortened by the five-inning mercy rule at Callahan Park. Everett pitcher Kristi Skane went the distance in the circle, fanning nine, while issuing just one hit and no walks.

  The Crimson Tide offense cranked it up in the second inning with six runs. Emilia Maria-Babcock started it off with a single behind shortstop, before stealing second. Alexa Uga then knocked her in with a double. Ashley Seward and Bryanna Mason followed with walks to load the bases before Emma Longmore singled home one. Jayla Davila drew a walk to account for another run. Skane helped her own cause with a two-run double. Kaylee Rossi alertly took first on a dropped third strike to keep the inning alive, which paved the way for the sixth run to cross the plate on a passed ball.

  In the fourth, the Everett girls tacked on six more runs to seal the deal. Longmore started it off with a single to the outfield. Davila was then hit by a pitch, setting the stage for Skane, who knocked in her third run of the game. Rossi doubled home Davila for the second run in the frame. Skane then scored on a passed ball. Babcock followed with an RBI single and then stole second. Gianna Masucci produced the fifth run in the inning with a double. Masucci closed out the Everett offense in this game on a passed ball.

  Schiavo had high praise for her team after the decisive opening day triumph. “These girls came ready to play,” she said. “Kristi Skane did an amazing job in the circle, and Kayley Rossi was solid behind the plate. They did not allow much to get to their defensive teammates in the field. However, when the ball was hit, Mason and Longmore made the plays.”

  “Skane had a no-hitter going into the fourth inning, and I thought she had the strikeout, but it was so close the umpire called it a ball and then the next pitch went for a double by Lightbody. But starting off the season with a win is always a positive booster. I’m hopeful this enthusiasm continues. The team has been working hard in the off-season, and it has definitely shown in practice,” added Schiavo.

  After hosting Chelsea on Wednesday, April 5 (after press deadline), the varsity will return to the diamond after Easter break on Monday, April 10, at Lynn Classical, before coming home to Glendale Park to face Lynn English two days later. Both games will begin at 4 p.m.