Staff Reports

BERLIN, N.H. — A Zoie Stevens home run was the only run for the Stevens High softball team as No. 8 seed Berlin defeated the No. 9 seed Cardinals, 8-1, in the NHIAA Division III first round.

Mia Herbert pitched a complete game for Stevens, giving up seven hits and striking out six.

Stevens made some costly errors and failed to get timely hits, stranding 13 runners. Two almost certain homers on balls hit by Herbert and Elise Smith were caught by Berlin’s center fielder.

The Cardinals (8-9) came into the game as one of the hottest teams in Division III, having won seven of their last eight regular-season games after beginning the year 1-7.

“I wish for the girls that it was a better ending as we had a rough start to the season,” Stevens coach Missy Nichols said. “They should be proud of themselves for their grit and determination and finishing strong.” 

Stevens will lose Josephine Aiken and Summer Barrette to graduation.

BaseballVergennes 14, Woodstock 2 (5 innings)

VERGENNES, Vt. — The No. 8 seed Commodores settled the Vermont Division III playoff game early with 12 runs in the first inning, ending the No. 9 seed Wasps’ season. Jackson Martin had the rough start for Woodstock.

At the plate, Vince Petrone, who relieved Martin, had two hits, as did Jacob Stone. Nick Champine and Steve Darling each had a hit for the Wasps.

Woodstock finishes the year at 7-9 and will graduate Champine, Darling, Holden Larmie and Jared Clark.