Martha’s Vineyard clinches state softball tourney berth

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Hailee McCarthy, seen here pitching against O' Bryant on May 13 at MVRHS, struck out eight in the Vineyard's playoff-clinching win over Falmouth Thursday. — Photo by Ralph Stewart

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School girls softball team traveled across the sound Thursday and beat the Falmouth Clippers 14-7 to clinch a third consecutive berth in the MIAA Division 2 state tournament.

The Vineyarders (10-8) led 5-2 after two innings and never looked back. Pitcher Hailee McCarthy made the lead stick by striking out eight and ceding three earned runs.

Emily Cimeno hit 4 for 5 with a double and three RBIs, Mariah Duarte went 3 for 5 with four RBIs, and Micheli Lynn was 4 for 5 with two doubles.

The Vineyarders close out the season with road games at Bourne on Monday and Madison Park (Boston) on May 23.