MIAA Softball: Pittsfield, Greenfield, Turners Falls Capture Sectional Crowns

By John McGuirk (@Patsfan1313)

Amherst, Mass. – It became evident early that Pittsfield was done with playing the role of runner up in Division 1 Western Mass. championship contests. Coming up short in the 2017 and 2015 title games,  the Generals were chomping at the bit as repeat participants on Saturday.

Racing out to a substantial lead early, Pittsfield made it hold as it went on to win 11-3 over Northampton in the Sectional Final played at UMass' Sortino Field.

The top-seeded Generals (22-0) wreaked most of their havoc during the first two innings putting up seven runs. They will face Wachusett Regional (23-0) in the state semifinal on Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. from Worcester State University's Rockwood Field. 

Wachusett and Turners Falls Softball Earn State Final Berths

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

AMHERST - This was typical fashion for Wachusett Regional.

A solid pitching performance parlayed with timely hitting allowed the Mountaineers to punch their ticket into the Division 1 softball finals for the first time in school history.

In a game where nothing would be settled through seven innings, Wachusett went the extra mile by plating a pair of runs in its half of the eighth to down Minnechaug 2-0 in the state semifinal played Tuesday at UMass' Sortino Field.

Wachusett (21-3) will square off versus Milford (24-1) in the title game on Saturday at Worcester's Rockwood Field at a time to be determined. The Scarlet Hawks defeated Newton North 3-0 in their state semifinal on Tuesday evening.

As expected, this tilt instantly transformed into a solid pitching affair. Wachusett ace Liv Strasser and Falcons sophomore Katelyn Thompson put forth a major duel inside the circle all throughout. Neither willing to show her hand to the other.

Wachusett Softball Guts Out a Win Against Turners Falls

By John McGuirk (@patsfan1313)

MONTAGUE - It is a rare occurrence when a Division 1 program is willing to drop down two levels to play a team out of Division 3. On the flip side, most Division 3 schools within the Commonwealth would never consider playing up, as most D 3 coaches feel the level of competition is too great. Most teams, except Turners Falls that is.

The Indians, regarded by many as being the perfect blue print on how to run a successful softball program, have no issues when it comes to playing up. In fact, you could make a strong case that they are better than most Division 1 programs scattered across the state.

On a cool, damp Sunday evening, Wachusett, with an enrollment of over 2,000, and widely-considered the best program in Central Mass, locked horns with Turners Falls (enrollment of under 270).

A mismatch? Hardly.