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After beginning May with an 18-5 loss to host Lexington, the Winchester High softball team (8-8) won its next three home games against Wilmington (5-3, May 4), Watertown (May 5, 15-3) and Arlington (14-6, May 6). But they began this week with two losses against host Burlington (13-9, May 11) and visiting Woburn (10-0, May 13).
The Red & Black will resume the regular season schedule next week. There are just four road games left on the slate – Belmont (May 18, 4:15 p.m.), non-league Maynard (May 19, 4:30 p.m.), Reading (May 20, 4 p.m.) and non-league Waltham (May 21, 4 p.m.) – and the local nine needs to win just two of those contests to clinch a berth in the Division 1 state tournament.
It was Senior Day with the Spy Ponders in town, and the pregame celebration that honored the team’s four seniors – captains Tessa Capodanno and Gwen Gaiko, Nora Harstad and Kalista Fisher – continued throughout the game. The dominating win extended the streak to three.
This game was over early, when the Winchester girls scored seven runs in the second inning to break it open.
Harper McDaniels (7 innings, 7 hits, 5 walks, 6 runs, 4 earned, 11 strikeouts) went the distance in the circle against Arlington to earn the win.
The Winchester offense scratched out seven hits to help account for its 14 runs. Ella Centurelli helped pace the attack with a triple and a single that produced three RBI. Freshman Katherine Lisy doubled in a run. Harstad singled twice, and drove home a run. Capodanno singled in a run. Carys Gugliotta picked up one base hit.
The Watertown game was more of the same. The Red & Black didn’t waste any time to jump on the Raiders, scoring seven times in the first. They added five more in the second to help seal this mercy rule shortened five inning game.
McDaniels (0 hits, 1 walk, 1 run, 4 strikeouts) pitched the first two innings against the Raiders. Capodanno (3 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts) finished up in the circle.
The Winchester offense banged out 13 hits. Freshman Mia Stuart paced the attack with two singles and one double to account for two RBI. Centurelli drove home three runs with a single and a double. Capodanno also chipped in with a single and a double to keep offensive threats alive. Leftfielder Evy Scott doubled once, and scored a run. Lisy singled in two runs. Anna D’Antonio, Carys Gugliotta and Gaiko each singled in a run. Mia Watson singled once.
The Red & Black began the streak against Wilmington, highlighted by an unforgettable milestone for the senior captain. Capodanno was credited with her 100th career varsity hit, a remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication, consistency and leadership on the field.
McDaniels (7 hits, 5 walks, 3 runs, 4 strikeouts) pitched all seven innings to secure the win over the Wildcats.
The offense produced eight hits, with Stuart and Capodanno leading the way with two singles apiece. With one of those hits, Capodanno also knocked in a run. But Lisy supplied the power with a three-run home run to centerfield. Gabby Katz, Watson and Gugliotta each singled once.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News in November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
