Freshman phenom McKenzie Bradford ‘15 shined at the plate on Saturday, going four for four and leading the way as Andover Softball beat the previously undefeated Governor’s Academy by a score of 8-1. Co-Captain Kayla Maloney ’13 took the mound, giving up a minimal six hits and one run. Out of the six hits she surrendered, the only extra-base hit was a two-out triple in the third inning. “We all kept our composure when the ball was put in play and made some fantastic plays. The game was a pitcher’s dream, and I couldn’t thank my teammates more for their run support,” said Maloney. Andover capitalized offensively in the first and fourth innings. Nearly the entire lineup found gaps during the fourth to take an early lead. In the fourth, right fielder Sage Hunt ’12 led off and drilled a single to center field. Co-Captain Abby Chung ’13 followed, slamming a double to right center and sending pinch-runner Anna Fucillo ’15 to third. Bradford then singled and drove in two runs to extend the lead. Third baseman Kristin Mendez ’13 was next, advancing the runners, and Nikki Pelletier ’12 and Ravenne Nasser ’15 both knocked in runs on errors. On the other side, Governor’s played a lot of small ball, executing bunts and working on moving base runners with each at bat. Andover’s infield handled this well and vacuumed up ground balls and scorching liners. “Memorable plays included an early game dig by Chung; a ball was hit slowly up the middle, and not only did Abby [Chung] charge and field it, but she threw it over to first base in time to get the out,” said first baseman Caitlin Clancy ’13. By the bottom of the seventh inning, though, it seemed as though Governor’s was on the verge of staging a comeback, as Governor’s loaded the bases and played the top part of their lineup. Fortunately, second baseman Julie Doar ’13 put an end to the drama by making a fantastic backhand catch on a soft liner. Doar ended Governor’s rally and effectively completed Andover’s first win on the road this season. “We were aggressive in all phases of the game and forced a good Governor’s team into a couple of throwing errors in key situations. Everybody on our roster played in the game. Offensively, we got 11 hits and ran the bases well. Defensively, we handled their short game and speed,” said Head Coach Peter Drench. Andover’s emergence in its first few games of the season has not only engendered success but also confidence. “The game gave the team a chance to bond, but most importantly, it gave people, including myself, confidence in our team that will help us go far this year,” said Bradford. Andover will continue to work on coordinating its team defense and helping individual players fine tune skills. “Our goals are to find contributing roles for every member of the team, learn what we have to learn to score the most runs we can and play consistently on defense,” said Drench. Andover will look to continue its winning streak on Friday as it faces off against Cushing Academy at home at 4:30 p.m.
