Softball team beats OA, bows to Franklin, Mansfield

By Kathy Anderson

Big wins and upsetting losses have teeter-tottered the season thus far for the Canton High varsity softball team, but after a couple of double-digit shutout losses two weeks ago, the Bulldog defense has rebounded — along with scoring and morale — and the team now stands at a precarious six wins and seven losses, with four regular season games remaining.

On May 3 Canton lost 4-0 at home against Franklin. Julia Murphy, Kelly White, Allie Jones and Olivia Kenyon all hit exceptionally well, but couldn’t make the homestretch to home plate. Two days later, however, Canton traveled to Oliver Ames and shut out the Tigers 3-0.

“We have had consistency at the plate from Murphy, White, and Kenyon and all three were big contributors to our win against Oliver Ames,” coach Danielle McNamara said.

Canton’s first run was scored when Julia Murphy led off the first inning with a double, moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Michelle Whelan and scored on a pass ball. The team’s second run was in the fifth inning when Cady Kelly led off with a single. Christen Ivanoski put down a great bunt and the third baseman misplayed it, moving Kelly over to third base. Kelly then scored on a single from White. Canton scored again in the sixth inning when Jones led off with a double, moved to third on a ground ball from Sam Sullivan and scored on a hard hit ground ball to third base by Julia Murphy.

“Olivia Kenyon did a great job on the mound that day as well,” McNamara said. “She kept the ball low and allowed her infielders to make plays. Whelan and White, at third base and shortstop, made some great plays in the field and, combined, got 11 outs of the game. They’re playing really great defense behind Olivia, and if she continues to throw low strikes and produce ground balls to the infield we’ll continued to stay in these games.”

Canton couldn’t quite keep the momentum going on Thursday, however, falling to Mansfield 3-2.

“It was a huge improvement since our last time playing them, when we lost 16-0, and we really deserved to win this game,” McNamara said. “Unfortunately, Mansfield loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh and scored on a passed ball. It was a tough way to lose such a well-played game, but the girls should be very proud of their improvement against a strong team like Mansfield.”

The Bulldogs’ two runs were scored in the fourth inning when Mansfield had an edge of 1-0. White hit a single with one out and scored on a triple from Kenyon. Kenyon then scored on a single from Sullivan.

“Although we couldn’t come out with a win, we did come out with a lot of confidence for next week,” NcNamara said. “If the girls continue to play the way they did this week, we can be very successful against Foxboro and North Attleboro.”

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Posted by Canton Citizen on May 13 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.