Friday's high school softball action delivered plenty of drama, none more intense than the Exeter-Winnacunnet rivalry clash. The Blue Hawks held off a late charge from their Seacoast rivals, securing a nail-biting 5-4 victory that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final out.
With the tying run perched on second base and two outs in the seventh inning, Exeter pitcher Landyn Theberge showed incredible composure, striking out her third batter of the frame to seal the win. The victory lifted Exeter to 4-6 on the season, while Winnacunnet dropped to 6-5.
Jill Ryan was the offensive star for the Blue Hawks, collecting three hits and driving in two runs. Lily Lord and Lane Ruffner each contributed an RBI, while Maddy Mann added two hits and crossed the plate twice. Lilah Smalley's sacrifice fly in the sixth inning proved crucial, giving Exeter a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.
Winnacunnet showed plenty of fight, led by senior Hayren Reynoso's solo home run. Celina King and Maeva Shapiro each recorded two hits, and Fenway Schouller added a double in the losing effort.
Elsewhere around the region, Oyster River continued its dominant run, improving to 10-1 with a decisive Division II victory. The Bobcats pounded out 14 hits, with Laura Boughton leading the way with three hits—including two doubles—and three RBIs. Kate Michaud added some serious power, launching two home runs and driving in three. Kaiya Mercier and Payton Drapeau each contributed two hits. In the circle, Sam Bishop allowed just one earned run over five innings while striking out five, and Clare Dimke closed the door with a scoreless sixth.
St. Thomas Aquinas showed no mercy in a Division III matchup, exploding for six runs in the second inning and eight more in the fourth en route to a 6-2 record. Sophomore Hailey Anzmann was dominant in the circle, allowing just two hits and striking out four over five innings, while also helping her own cause with three hits and an RBI. Mattie Williams scored three times and drove in one, while Olivia Semprini, Mollie Gaynor, and Bizzie Pelletier each collected two hits to fuel the offensive outburst.
In Gilford, Somersworth struggled to generate offense, with Emma Bober driving in the team's lone run. Skyla Hall and Kylie also contributed hits, but it wasn't enough to overcome the home team's defense.
Whether you're a player or a fan, these Friday showdowns prove that high school softball is alive and well on the Seacoast. Make sure you're geared up for the next big game with the right equipment and apparel to show your team pride.