The Block Island Hurricanes Varsity Softball Team, 9 and 1 overall, has been playing well and is a force to be reckoned with in Division III play.
Over the last few weeks, the team has picked up five more wins, but came up short when battling the Exeter West Greenwich Scarlet Knights. Flawless defense and sizzling bats have made the Lady ‘Canes nearly unstoppable.
Leading the offensive attack is freshman Sophie Mott, with three home runs and three triples throughout the last six games. Lucy Rigby-Leather, also a freshman, recently picked up her first home run on a line drive versus Mount Pleasant. Many Hurricanes made their presence at the plate known while playing Mount Pleasant. Maya Veldman-Wilson belted a ball down the left field line to pick up two RBIs in the 15-0 victory. Mary Conant and Savannah Brown each launched triples and collected five more RBIs. Mikhaela Brown-Padien also continues to be a formidable opponent for all teams, safely reaching base in 12 of her last 16 at-bats, and turning a double play from deep center field with a clutch catch and a perfect throw to Charlotte Hall covering first base to aid in the defeat of Davies Career and Technical High School.
The Hurricanes’ success has also depended on phenomenal defense from all team members. Behind the plate, Savannah Brown has shut down three runners trying to steal on her and prevented crucial runs from scoring. Gasner and Conant have been lights out all season, combining for 59 strikeouts, and allowing only 32 hits so far. With the Crawford sisters and Moira O’Neill combining for a solid left side defense, Ruby, Fiona, and Moira have collected 22 outs in the last five games.
The Hurricanes will be wrapping up regular season play in the next two weeks facing Classical, Wheeler, and rival Tiverton, before heading into playoffs. Catch the Hurricanes in their last regular season home game on Saturday, May 19, 12:30 p.m. at Heinz Field.