Foxborough Softball loses to Franklin As Offensive Struggle Continues

Sometimes softball can be a cruel sport. One hit can change the flow of an entire game and shift momentum one way. Unfortunately for Foxboro, that’s what happened in their 5-1 loss against Franklin.

Early on, things looked similar to their extra innings loss to the Panthers earlier in the season.  With both teams playing a tight game defensively, Brenna Connolly singled to center field to drive in Eva Mazzoni to give the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

Not looking to fall behind to the Warriors, Ellen Czuba took advantage of a Warriors’ error to tie the score 1-1 in the bottom of the 3rd.

The fourth inning would be the killer for the Warriors. With bases loaded and one out, Panthers 2nd baseman Shannon Droney smashed a 3 run double to center field to put the Panthers up 4-1 over the Warriors. After stealing 3rd, Droney would score off of a Shannon Takahata sacrifice bunt to extend the lead to 4 runs.

“I was very excited. She(Shannon) struggled at the plate this year. She’s had a tough go and I think that was just great for her confidence,” said Franklin coach Kate Fallon of Droney’s performance.

Despite not getting runs, Foxboro did show improvements in their hitting. Aside from the 4th inning, the Warriors were competitive with the Panthers. It was just a matter of one bad hit coming at a really bad time.

“One error can lead to another thing and its digging deep and going with it. They had one bad inning today but we’re going to come back,” said Warriors coach Lauren Cucinotta.

Julia Robichaud led the team today going 2-3 at the plate. Eva Mazzoni went 1-3 with the lone run for Foxboro and 3 stolen bases. Brenna Connolly went 1-3 with a RBI. Chelsea Laracy also went 1-3 with 2 stolen bases.

For the Panthers, Elizabeth Cricione went 2-3 at the plate. In addition to her performance at bat, she threw a complete game with 5 strikeouts and 0 walked batters. Ellen Czuba went 2-4 with a run.  Anna Mahoney, Megan Shugrue, and Shannon Droney all went 1-3 with a run.

Next up for Foxboro will be a Senior Day showdown with Sharon. Before the game, the senior members of the team will be honored for their contributions to the team.

“Theses seniors have been the true leadership since I got in here. They’ve been here. They’ve seen everything and they’re leading this team….They’re keeping this team together right now and setting it up for the future,” said Coach Cucinotta.

Game time is set for 3:30 on Monday at the IGO School.