Sisterly solution: Nicole and Ashleigh Lent power Lincoln-Sudbury softball to first Division 1 semifinals
It was an afternoon the Lent family will never forget.
Thanks to their massive contributions, sixth-seeded Lincoln-Sudbury downed No. 3 King Philip, 4-1, in the Division 1 quarterfinals to clinch the program's first semifinal appearance.
'That sister connection is really something special, especially with those two,' said Lincoln-Sudbury coach Devan Morrison. 'They are each other's best friends and biggest fans.'
Lincoln-Sudbury players celebrate with the program's first state semifinalist trophy.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
In a softball-obsessed family where they live and breathe the game, dinner conversations revolve around happenings on the diamond after attending each other's hitting lessons.
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'There's always been this competitive fire,' said Nicole. 'We push each other to be the very best player that we can be. I am not the player that I am today without her.'
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During the playoffs, each game could be their last together before Ashleigh leaves to play at Trinity College. They're are making the most of their opportunity.
McCoy Walsh struck out 14 for King Philip, including the 600th whiff of her career.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Nicole reached base in all four appearances, walking twice. Ashleigh's double in the fifth inning plated senior Claire Gaeta for a much-needed insurance run, as junior McCoy Walsh (14 strikeouts) hummed in the circle for the Warriors (20-4). Walsh eclipsed 600 career strikeouts in the loss.
Kelsey Blanchette, a senior committed to UMass, scattering five hits and a walk, fanning five. Her only blemish was a solo shot off the bat of Providence-bound Liv Petrillo.
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'She has worked so hard for so long — she's not willing to lose at this point,' said Ashleigh Lent. 'That drive is so hard to come by, and she has it. This team is nowhere near where we are without Kelsey in the circle.'
Kelsey Blanchette was dominant for L-S, allowing just a solo home run while striking out five.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Morrison stood by home plate after the game, hands on her head in disbelief. The senior class stuck together, building up after missing the playoffs their freshman campaign.
'I could cry,' said Morrison. 'It's so surreal.'
'Just to have the grit and the heart of this senior class, top down, is the most surreal thing,' she continued. 'This is so cool. I can't put words to it.'
L-S coach Devan Morrison congratulates her team, which is in the state semifinals just three years removed from missing the playoffs entirely.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Division 4 State
Joseph Case 5, East Bridgewater 1 —
A complete-game masterclass from Lila Alvarez (13 strikeouts, 5 hits, 1 run), as well as two hits and two runs scored by Madilyn Botelho, sent the No. 4 Cardinals (17-6) past No. 5 East Bridgewater (18-5) and back to the semifinals as their hunt for a three-peat rolls on.
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