Westminster Softball Wins Western New England Championship

Westminster softball scored eight runs in the first inning and went on to defeat Williston Northampton 12-4 in the Class A Western New England finals on May 18. The win capped a terrific season in which the 17-0 Martlets won both the Founders League Championship and the Class A title.
 

It was the sixth Western New England championship during a seven-year period for Westminster. Standout seniors Jordan Gowdy ’14, Rachel Monroe ’14, Kat Pate ’14, Amanda Savino ’14 and Brooke Wolejko ’14 led the undefeated 2014 team.
 

After a 3-0 victory against Loomis Chaffee in the semifinal game on May 17, Westminster combined timely hitting, strong pitching and excellent fielding to defeat Williston. The game opened with an explosive first inning for the home team. Jordan Gowdy walked, and Kat Pate put down a perfect bunt. Gowdy hustled to take third base on the play, and scored when the throw was wide. Rachel Monroe, Brooke Wolejko, Brenna Monroe ’17 and Jade Marlowe ’15 each followed with doubles, sparking an eight-run outburst. Williston got a run back on a double and a sacrifice fly in the second frame, and then Gabby Jones’ three-run homer for the Wildcats in the third inning closed the gap to 8-4. However, pitcher Amanda Savino then shut down Williston, striking out five and allowing no runs over the last four innings. The Martlets added to the lead in the sixth, as Gowdy singled and Pate lined a home run to left field. Rachel Monroe followed with her third hit of the day, and singles by Brenna Monroe, Jade Marlowe, and Paige Capistran ’16 stretched the lead to 12-4. Savino closed out the contest with a strong seventh inning. The Westminster players supported their pitcher with exceptional fielding throughout the game. Catcher Gowdy made a few nice plays on popups and threw out two runners attempting to steal. Rachel Monroe and Brooke Wolejko had key infield putouts, and Savino defended her position well. The young Martlet outfield played flawlessly, as Paige Capistran, Brenna Monroe and Gabby Brown each made important catches.
 

“Our seniors have been extraordinary, not only in their high level of play — a 63-5 record during their years at Westminster — but also in their impressive leadership abilities,” said the team’s coach, Mitch Overbye. “They are extremely talented athletes who've been outstanding mentors and role models for the younger players.”