Stoughton High Softball Falls to Milford

When Milford joined the Hockomock this school year, the League knew it was adding a softball powerhouse, the defending Division 1 state champion and three-time defending D1 Central Sectional champions.

The Stoughton High softball team kept it close for most of the game Wednesday at home, trailing 2-0 after three innings, and 4-0 after five innings, but the Milford bats awoke in the sixth inning with six runs, and pitcher Shannon Smith shutdown the Stoughton bats, no-hitting the Black Knights, while striking out 17. 

Stoughton (4-11) ended up falling 10-0 on a cold and damp afternoon, but coach Janet Sullivan was pleased with her team's effort against Milford, now 16-1, the team with the best record in the Hockomock. 

"I could not be more pleased with the way we played. Defensively we just were focused making great plays. [Pitcher] Emily Cramer, as always, keeping us in the game," Sullivan said.

"Inevitably you have a team that's this strong at the plate, they are going to have one of those innings, and that was the sixth inning for us."

Sullivan credited Payton Pizzano, Megan Flaherty, Michelle Bisbee and Sam Malley for their play defensively. 

Nicole Bodette was the lone Stoughton baserunner, getting hit by a pitch to lead off the fourth inning. She showed her speed, stealing two bases. 

Even though the team won't qualify for the postseason after making it the past two seasons, Sullivan says this season can still be deemed a success. 

"We have't won as many as we'd like, but I would call this...a successful season because they're all working hard, they're all improving, and have such a positive mental attitude," she said. 

Stoughton is home again Friday against non-league opponent Quincy.