Michelle Hollebeke ’08 blasted a ball sixty feet beyond the left field fence, earning a two-run homer last Friday and once again showing her amazing power and talent that has led Andover to its 3-0 record. The Andover Softball team earned a crushing 12-1 defeat over Noble High School of Maine, battling freezing and windy conditions on its home field. Hollebeke pitched the first four innings, striking out three of the first four batters and shocking Noble High with her power and speed. Andover opened the game with its bats firing, easily hitting off the rival pitcher. Lindsey Maroney ’07 and Nicole Duddy ’08 were first to bat, earning singles. Hollebeke’s home run then secured the early lead. Emily Cokorinos ’08 hit a promising long shot to center field, but Noble’s outfielder caught it, finishing the inning with PA leading 4-0. In the second and third innings, the team extended its lead by eight runs. Noble’s pitchers seemed to have some difficulty with accuracy while the Big Blue hitters kept the pressure on. Maroney, Duddy, Hollebeke, Stephanie Clegg ’08, and Sarah Boylan ’09 each singled, and Boylan hit an additional double, totaling three RBI’s for the game. Veda Eswarappa ’08 took over for Hollebeke in the fourth inning and pitched well, holding Noble to just one run. By the sixth inning, the home team was confident and precise on the offense, and Andover’s confidence grew steadily. Defensively, strong pitching by Boylan along with a centerfield catch by Lauren Shevlin ‘08 closed out the game with a 12-1 final score. Andover’s big lead allowed newer players to gain valuable playing time. The low pressure of the game allowed the girls to relax and play to their greatest potential. Starting outfielders Duddy, Meghan Hartnett ’07 and Sara Ho ’08 traded their positions to Kelci Thomasco ’08, Shevlin and Lauren Johnson ’07. Ryley Gardner ’10 filled in at shortstop and Brianna McCarthy ’09 covered third base. Alayna Garbarino ’10 guarded second base, and Kaitlyn McInnis ’09 took over as catcher. Boylan commented, “This game gave us some experience with real situations and live pitching. It was nice to finally put all of the skills we have learned in practice to use. We have been in the cage for the majority of this season so far, but we have managed to keep our spirits high and improve steadily.” The rain from the past weeks has hampered the team’s ability to practice outside. The softball fields are flooded from the constant rain, but the team has continued to practice in the cage. The players have many drills and sprinting exercises that help them stay in excellent shape. Weather permitting, Andover anticipates a busy schedule in the coming weeks. This Saturday, the girls will face Andover High on their home field, and Andover looks forward to finally getting back out on the field.
