June 2, 2021 - Story and photos by Joshua Ross
The Hingham High School softball team started the playoffs with a bang on Monday afternoon. The Harborwomen had the first 8 batters of the game reach safely to start the Patriot League Cup playoffs. The inning was highlighted by sophomore Sarah Holler’s grand slam to deep center field. Hingham never looked back after their 7 run first inning.
Senior captain Laura Kenneway pitched a complete game gem, never allowing North Quincy to get back into the game. Kenneway, the team’s only senior, is enjoying the program’s new found success and credits the younger players and the team’s closeness.
“I think this team’s more closely bonded,” Kenneway says. “Last year we were focused on just getting to know each other, but this year, it’s coming together naturally. So I think that helps us on the field, like making the double plays. I think it’s good because most of our team are sophomores. So I think that helps because they have all played with each other, an we are a young team, and we can grow more.”
It is clear on the field that they support and feed off one another. The fielding, and hitting, seems to be contagious with the group. Throughout the season, they have put strings of hits and runs together to either build their lead or come from behind. Yesterday was no different. After their 7 run first inning, they put up 6 in the third. The 4th seed Harborwomen will face the 3rd seed from Pembroke on Thursday, weather permitting, after taking care of N. Quincy 13-2.
“It’s a credit to the girls,” Head Coach Chuck Green says. “We lost to North Quincy twice two years ago. So now we play them like this. They’ve just really elevated their expectations and are playing good ball. The grand slam by Holler set the tone and I think that sort of deflated them (N. Quincy) after they came out and got a quick one.”
And while Coach Green is quick to point out some areas of improvement, such as leaving runners on base and fielding miscues, he is happy with certain aspects of his team’s game, especially his senior pitcher.
“She (Kenneway) pitched a hell of a ball game,” Green went on to say. “We are a good hitting team and we’ve got some unbelievably excellent hitters. Sarah Holler, (freshman) Jess Mulrey they just crush the ball. (Junior) Halle Morton is traditionally a real good hitter and (sophomore) Bella (Sullivan) is coming around. So, I mean, they do a lot of things well and if they keep their heads in it, people can’t fall asleep on them for sure.”
“If they play the way they can, they can beat anybody.”
Game Photos
