Three-peat for Taunton softball – Boston Herald

AMHERST — The Taunton softball team came to Sortino Field on Sunday ready to take its place as a softball dynasty in Massachusetts.

Mission accomplished.

The Tigers became the first team since Bud Henry’s Bishop Fenwick program in the 1990s to win three consecutive Div. 1 titles as Sam Lincoln held Central Catholic to one hit while Ava Venturelli’s three-run homer in the third inning led the way to a 6-1 win over the top-seeded Raiders.

“To win again is really special,” said first-year Taunton coach Michele Raposa, who also has two titles as a player and two as an assistant. “To be able to coach this bunch of girls is really special.”

The Tigers (24-1) gave Lincoln an early lead to work with as Brooke Aldrich tripled with one out in the second. When the Raiders tried to get her at third, the throw was errant and Aldrich scampered home for a 1-0 lead.

One inning later, Taunton broke the game open in a hurry.

After Central starter Julia Malowitz got the first out of the third, Kyleah Plumb was hit by a pitch and Bella Bourque walked, bringing the ever dangerous Venturelli to the dish.

After working the count full, Venturelli launched a shot over the 220 foot sign in center for a three run homer and a 4-0 lead.

“We’ve been waiting for something like that to happen for Ava,” Raposo said. “After last game, we kind of knew that something good was coming and that hit was able to let Sam relax a little bit.”

The Raiders (23-2) had a chance in the bottom of the inning to cut into the lead but Lincoln stranded a pair.

Her teammates extended the lead in the fifth as Hayley Krockta drove home a pair to cap a two out rally.

The only question left was if the Raiders could break up Lincoln’s no-hit bid. With two outs in the sixth, designated player Amelia Orelles did just so as her single scored Jill Clements.

One inning later, the Tigers were celebrating once again.