The New Hampshire Hurricanes 18-under ASA softball team competed in the Montreal International Cooper Fast Pitch Challenge Tournament this past weekend. The team is comprised of local high school and college players and is based in Chester.

The Hurricanes finished third in their pool and played teams from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Canada. In game 1 the Hurricanes lost to the Connecticut Seahawks, 4-1. Jess Perry of Pinkerton Academy was the losing pitcher. She struck out 4 and was Player of the Game for the Hurricanes. Nicole LaChance of Newmarket went 2for 3 to lead the offense.

Game 2 was against Quebec LSMQ and ended in a 3-3 tie after going to an 8^th inning tiebreaker. Catcher Kristin Tong of Swanzey who plays for the University of Southern Maine went 2 for 5 (including a double) with 2 RBI’s and was Player of the Game for the Hurricanes. Sarah Arnold of Bow was the losing pitcher, but struck out 3 and gave up only 3 hits.

In game 3 the Hurricanes prevailed against the Albany N.Y. Mad Dogs 4-2. Center fielder Maureen Keleghan of Bow, who plays for the University of New Haven, went 2 for 4 with an RBI. She made a great running, shoe string catch and was named Player of the Game. Lindsay Sullivan of Pinkerton Academy was the winning pitcher, striking out 3 and walking none.

The final game of pool play saw the Hurricanes defeat the Mass Fever 7-2. Allison Greene of Newmarket pitched a one hitter with 6 strikeouts and only 1 walk. Third baseman Juli Donahue of Newmarket went 3 for 3 with 2 RBI’s and was named Player of the Game. Left fielder Holly Glennon also chipped in with 2 hits and 2 RBI’s Kristen Tong had a solo home run.

In the first round of the tournament the 3rd seeded Hurricanes played the 6^th seeded Quebec City Lavalloises. Jess Perry struck out 6 and gave up one earned run to earn the 5-1 win. . Sarah Joyce of Pinkerton went 2 for 3 to drive in 2 runs, played sparkling defense at first base and was named Player of the Game. Sarah Arnold struck out 2 in one inning of relief.

The Hurricanes final game was a tough 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Lightning, a provincial all-star team. Maureen Keleghan went 2 for 3 with a triple over the left fielder giving her a .471 average for the tournament. Nicole LaChance went 2 for 3 and played strong defense at second base, which brought her Player of the Game honors.

Thanks Mary Anne!