The Johnston softball team picked up a 6-1 win over visiting Narragansett on Tuesday during the team’s Senior Night.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the first and would tack on three runs in the sixth to run away with the victory. Alexia DiLorenzo went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Arianna Velasquez, Layla Bryand and Madison Campano also drove in runs.
Pitcher Haley Boudreau was strong in the circle once again for the surging Panthers, as she tossed seven innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out 14 batters.
DiLorenzo propelled the offense and helped break things open in the sixth by driving in a run.
“We needed some insurance runs, those were important to keep our energy up, even if it was late in the game. I knew it was important to get those runs,” DiLorenzo said.
The Panthers improved to 10-2 and remained within striking distance of the top seed in the Division II race. Johnston is one game behind with two left to play.
The Panthers have emerged as contenders in the division, and senior Ava Waterman believes that the team is capable of winning in multiple ways.
“We have a well-rounded group. We have a good pitcher, good defense, and we hit when we need to hit. The team comes together at the right time and it’s worked this season,” said Waterman.
As the playoffs loom, Velasquez hopes that the team keeps its momentum and the seniors finish their careers on a high note.
“I feel like after we win, it pumps us up and gives us the energy to keep going. Even if we lose, we learn from our mistakes,” Velasquez said. “It meant a lot to me (to win on Senior Night) because after four years, we have everyone’s support and it means a lot.”
The team pulled off an upset on Monday when it beat previously undefeated Westerly 2-0. Kaylin Foster drove in a run while Boudreau allowed just four hits and struck out 13 batters.