Crimson Tide softball team drops state tournament opener to Needham

Everett girls complete memorable GBL title-winning season with several players earning postseason awards

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School softball team (18-2 regular season, 18-3 overall) lost just three games throughout the spring season, but unfortunately one of those defeats occurred during the Division 1 state tournament in the preliminary round against host Needham last Friday afternoon (June 2), 12-0. The game was called after five innings, because of the mercy rule.

“We faced faster pitching before, but in this game, we just did not hit,” said coach Stacy Schiavo. “Needham did make some good plays, but we needed to hit throughout the lineup. This should not have been a 12-0 game, and waiting around did not help us, as well. We had a long bus ride, before warming up quickly, only to wait around [for the rain to lighten up].

“Overall, we had a great season,” added Schiavo. “We won the GBL title, which we need to embrace.”

Ironically, both teams were close in the final power rankings, as Needham was the 31^st seed with an 8-10 regular season record, while Everett ended up 34^th overall out of 39 Division 1 clubs that qualified for the postseason. However, the Rockets, who play in the Bay State Conference during the regular season, dropped their next game to King Philip Regional (21-2), the second seed, in the Round of 32 by the closest of margins on Tuesday, June 6, 3-1.

Everett senior captain Kristi Skane, who was also the Greater Boston League MVP, pitched all five innings against the Rockets, allowing 13 hits and one walk, while striking out one.

After the Everett girls were retired in order to start the game in the top of the first, the Rockets immediately put four runs up on the scoreboard in the home half to send a quick message to the Crimson Tide. Ashley Seward was then credited with Everett’s first hit in the game, when she singled with one out in the second. However, she was stranded on first after the next two batters recorded the final two outs. The score remained the same until the Rockets exploded for four more runs in the fourth to take an 8-0 lead.

In the top of the fifth, the Crimson Tide tried to make a comeback started by Seward again, who picked up her second single of the game. Gianna Masucci followed with a walk, but once again the visitors failed to get that clutch hit that would have gotten them on the scoreboard. The Rockets then invoked the mercy rule with another four runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning.

At the conclusion of the game, Schiavo wanted to thank the parents for sacrificing their free time to support the team throughout the spring season, while adding, “You may not always agree with us, but we appreciate you for trusting us with your daughters.

“I would also like to thank the coaching staff for always being there for both me and the girls. We would not have been as successful without you.

“This team taught me how to be a better coach and person, and also made me realize that while it is fun to win it was more important to see each of them become better players and people. We had an amazing season that created many memories, which we can now look back on [proudly].”

To the victor goes more acclaim

The GBL announced its 2023 softball all-star team, and Everett senior co-captain and catcher Kayley Rossi, junior shortstop Gianna Masucci and sophomore centerfielder Emilia Maria-Babcock made the elite squad, along with Skane, who was also chosen league MVP. The senior co-captain certainly had one tremendous season in the circle and also at the plate.

The Tide’s Kristi Skane on the mound for the Crimson Tide. (Advocate photo by Emily Harney)