SPORTS: Lady C's Trounce Tyngsborough to Qualify for Softball Post Season

In its final regular season softball game, Groton-Dunstable (10-10) hammered visiting Tyngsborough (10-8), 12-0 to clinch a post-season berth in the Division 1 Central Tournament. "First time in three years we have qualified," said Coach Derek Asadoorian.

A scoreless game through the first two innings turned into a rout when GD exploded for six runs in the third and six more in the fourth.

"Sophomore Emily's (Figueroa) bunt started the big third inning for us," shared Asadoorian. Lauren Bieren, Ariana Cho, Rose O'Malley, Bridget O'Malley and Celina Antonellis all had RBI's in the third to give GD a lead that they would not surrender.

The Crusaders' 12 hit attack was led by seniors Ariana Cho (3 for 3, three RBI), Annika Liljegren (3 for 3, double, two runs, RBI) and Alyssa Ash (2 for 2, double, two runs scored, two RBIs) .

"It really took the pressure off, pitching with all those runs," said winning pitcher Alyssa Ash. "I felt comfortable, my riser and change were working. Everyone played so well, making the plays and getting hits for us."

Ash allowed only three hits with seven K's and one base on balls over five scoreless innings. With the score 12-0 after five innings, the mercy rule went into effect and the Crusaders were on their way to the post-season.

"They (Tyngsborough) are a good program, have qualified for districts and beat us earlier in the season," said Asadoorian.

"We had to win five games in a row to get here and the girls knew it was their last game if they lost," he continued. "I told them to take advantage of the opportunity we have."

No.10 GD will play at No. 7 Shrewsbury in a First Round match-up on Saturday, 31 May at 2 p.m. The Shrewsbury/GD winner will move on to play No. 2 St. Peter-Marian on June 2 @ 3:15 p.m.