It was about as good a start to the 2012 season that Manchester Essex head softball coach Rob Bradley could have hoped for. The Hornets were firing on all cylinders Friday and came away with a 14-10 win over Ipswich in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated as Manchester Essex took a 14-5 lead into the final inning.
"This is the way we wanted to start the year," Bradley said. "Our defense was pretty good and we got some timely hitting. It's nice to get one under our belt."
Cailey Lafferty picked up the win on the mound picking up the win and going the distance. Nicole Bradley and Sarah Beckman powered the offense each going 4-for-4 with three and two runs batted in respectively. Senior captain Kelly Dodge also had a big day with three hits and a pair of RBIs.
GIRLS LACROSSE
hamilton-Wenham 15 gloucester 8
Gloucester moves to 0-2 with the loss. Melodie Orrell powered the Gloucester offense with four goals and an assist. Caity O'Leary had two goals, Julienne Orrell a goal and an assist, Sara Sidlowski a goal and Tess Destino an assist.
