Friday was an action-packed day across Rhode Island high school sports, with baseball, softball, lacrosse, and volleyball taking center stage. Let's dive into the highlights and scores that had fans on the edge of their seats.
In one of the most thrilling games of the night, the Lincoln softball team delivered a comeback for the ages. After surrendering a four-run lead and finding themselves down by four runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lions refused to quit. Annika Sampson, already a hero earlier in the week, stepped up to tie the game with a clutch hit. Then, Brielle Lambert sealed the deal with an RBI single, driving in the winning run in a wild 15-14 victory over Cumberland.
The Lions came out swinging early against their Division I opponents, scoring six runs in the first two innings. Cumberland answered back with five in the third, but Lincoln regained control with three runs in the fourth to take a 9-5 lead. However, the Clippers roared back in the fifth, scoring six times, and added two more in the sixth to go up 13-9. With their backs against the wall, Lincoln scraped across one run before finding themselves down to their final out. That's when Chloe Landry sparked the rally with a single, followed by a bases-loaded walk to Lucia Whyte to make it 13-11. Sampson, who hit a game-winning home run earlier in the week against South Kingstown, tied the game with a two-run single. Cumberland had a chance to escape, but a fielder's choice went awry, setting the stage for Lambert's game-winning hit.
Alicia Valois had a standout performance for Lincoln, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored. Whyte matched her with a 2-for-4 night, also driving in four and scoring three times. Sampson finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs, while Landry collected three hits and scored four runs. Amanda Macomber added a home run to the Lions' cause. For Cumberland, Madelyn Casavant went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs, Abby O'Connell contributed a 3-for-4 day with two RBIs, and Myla DeMartino drove in two runs. Tessa Nicastro crossed the plate twice in the losing effort.
This non-league contest didn't affect the standings, so Lincoln remains undefeated at 13-0 and firmly in control of first place in Division II. With performances like this, the Lions are proving they have the heart and skill to go all the way. Stay tuned for more high school sports action across Rhode Island!