With the bases loaded and Andover desperately in need of momentum, Head Coach Peter Drench summoned Mackenzie Bradford ’15 to the plate as a designated hitter in Andover Girls Softball’s game against BB&N on Wednesday.
Bradford quickly capitalized on her opportunity, ripping a first-pitch fastball over the center fielder’s head to clear the bases for a three-run double. Andover went ahead 7-6.
“I just wanted to help my team. I came to the plate thinking that I needed to get my job done, and I did,” said Bradford, who had 5 RBIS.
Andover held to defeat BB&N 9-7.
The win against BB&N was Andover’s third of the week after a rocky start to the season.
On Saturday, Andover squared off against Worcester Academy at Isham Field. Up 1-0 in the second inning, Andover broke the game wide-open with a pair of doubles from Madi Bradford ’17 and Jen Kaplan ’15 to kick off a six-run inning. Nasser struck out nine, pitched a complete game and smacked three hits en route to a 8-0 win.
On Monday, Andover defeated rival Phillips Exeter Academy 3-1 behind a strong start from Nasser. Co-Captain Kasey Hartung’s ’14 RBIs were crucial to Andover’s offense. The game was close through all seven innings, with both teams battling in the box for a hit. Nasser successfully closed the game, preventing Exeter from scoring even though the bases were loaded in the sixth inning.
“Overall, everything is really coming together. A lot of people are stepping up and making key plays when we need them. It’s not just one person going out there and getting us wins; it’s all 17 of us,” said Victoria Bergeron ’16.
Andover will look to continue its three-game winning streak against Lawrence Academy on Friday.