Patriots Find the Range in Opener Tourney Run Ended by Classical in Round 2

By Cary Shuman

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Coach Joe Ciccarello wanted his Revere High softball team to make an impression in the State Softball Tournament.

Courtney Gurska made sure it did with a clutch bases-loaded triple in the eighth inning to propel Revere to an 8-2 victory over Methuen in an opening round game on the Rangers’ home field.

Logan DiCarlo, Jackie Noel, and Mikaela Maguire were on base before Gurska, a junior, drilled a triple down the left field line. Ashley DiFraia added a two-run double.

Revere was regarded as an underdog against Methuen, whose Merrimack Valley Conference is considered the best in the state for softball.

“It’s funny because in the days leading up to our game against Methuen, we kept hearing how good they were and what a great league they play in,” said Ciccarello. “I didn’t tell the girls how good I thought Methuen was going to be. I just wanted them to go out and play good softball.”

Briana Lauletta pitched the first four innings against Methuen while Sabrina Palermo earned the victory by pitching four innings in relief.

Revere saw its tournament run end against Northeastern Conference North champion Lynn Classical, 7-0, Saturday at Rogato Field in Lynn. Classical scored all seven of its runs in the first inning.

The future looks bright for the Lady Patriots with several talented underclassmen returning to the program next season.

“I think our seniors lit the fire under the program and our juniors and sophomores can’t wait for next year because they want to keep the momentum going,” said Ciccarello.