Vineyard softballers clipped by Falmouth

Pitcher Molly Bruce quiets MV bats.

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The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) softball team lost at home to Falmouth on Monday, 21-1. The loss culminated a rough stretch for the Vineyarders, who dropped four games in three days.

The Vineyarders started well in the first inning. Shortstop Cana Courtney belted a long double and Summer Cardoza drove her home with an RBI single, scoring the Vineyard’s only run. Emma Bunker also singled in the first inning.

In the second inning, Emily Mello singled up the middle, Tianna Ramboga ripped a ball down the right field line, and Julia Bettencourt walked to load the bases, but Falmouth’s sophomore hurler Molly Bruce pitched out of the jam. She kept Vineyard bats quiet the rest of the way with a blend of speed and good control.

Facing the playoff-bound Atlantic Coast League Clippers, who entered the game with a 10-4 record, the Vineyarders were ultimately overmatched. Although senior Samantha Robinson pitched well for the hosts, some defensive misplays and a few timely Clipper hits resulted in a 9-1 Falmouth lead after two innings, providing all the momentum they would need.

Two sophomores led the way for Falmouth at the plate. Third baseman Abby Pope reached base five times and drove in four runs, while centerfielder Grace Kwon had four hits and five RBIs.

Defensively for the Vineyarders, shortstop Cana Courtney and second baseman Emily Mello combined to put out six Clippers.

The loss leaves Martha’s Vineyard with a 2-13 record with five games remaining. Falmouth hopes to use its final five games to improve its playoff seed.