The Johnston softball team jumped off to a strong start in Division II as it beat Burrillville 9-3 in the opener then topped Woonsocket 17-0 on Tuesday afternoon.
The Panthers’ bats were efficient in the opener as they put up runs in five of the six innings they went to bat. Bella Boudreau and newcomer Alanna Colon each drove in a pair of runs while Haley Boudreau, Kalyn Foster and Annabella Rondeau also collected RBI.
Haley Boudreau got the win in the circle, pitching seven innings and striking out 15 batters.
The Panther bats exploded against the Villa Novans on Tuesday, as Foster drove in five runs and Bella Boudreau four. Haley Boudreau also knocked in three runs and Mariah Fluery two.
Haley Boudreau got the win and improved to 2-0, pitching a hitless three innings and striking out six batters.
It is championship or bust for the Panthers this season as they return much of their lineup from last year’s team that was upset by West Warwick in the Division II playoffs as a No. 1 seed. Haley Boudreau is arguably the top arm in the division while Bella Boudreau is coming off a breakout season at the plate. Foster will also be a key returner while Colon takes over for Arianna Velasquez at shortstop after transferring to JHS from Woonsocket.
“We really want to win this year considering we should have won last year, beating the runner up (Westerly) and champion (Ponaganset). We are coming to win this year,” said Haley Boudreau, who believes the team’s focus and respect for the opposition will be the key factors in determining how far it goes. “Our attitudes. When we don’t have good attitudes we play horribly. We can’t take any team lightly, any team can come back and beat us.”
Haley Boudreau is also plenty confident in the circle as a junior.
“I have a lot more confidence than I had in past years. I know what to throw against which teams and I’m coming into games more prepared. I’m ready,” said Haley Boudreau.
Colon quickly became a leader on the basketball team in the winter and is ready to make her presence felt on the diamond. Although the Panthers are contenders, they will still be relying on a handful of underclassmen to step up.
“They just need to fill their roles and look up to the leaders. They need to get come to practice every day and learn,” said Colon. “(I hope to) just be that extra piece to help us go on the run we want.”
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