Softball: Pioneer pulls ahead late to defeat Northampton, 34-29 (PHOTOS)

Pioneer’s Laylah Goulston is called safe at third base as Northampton’s Jayda Alejandro applies the tag in Northfield on Thursday.

Pioneer’s Laylah Goulston is called safe at third base as Northampton’s Jayda Alejandro applies the tag in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Pioneer catcher Jaelynn Boliski tries to pull down the throw as Northampton’s Sasha Rodriguez scores in Northfield on Thursday.

Pioneer catcher Jaelynn Boliski tries to pull down the throw as Northampton’s Sasha Rodriguez scores in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Northampton’s Lily Pelis bobbles the throw as Pioneer’s Laylah Goulston takes second in Northfield on Thursday.

Northampton’s Lily Pelis bobbles the throw as Pioneer’s Laylah Goulston takes second in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Pioneer starting pitcher Jacobi Tyminski covers home as Northampton’s Caroline Riordon scores on a passed ball in Northfield on Thursday.

Pioneer starting pitcher Jacobi Tyminski covers home as Northampton’s Caroline Riordon scores on a passed ball in Northfield on Thursday. staff photo/paul Franz

Pioneer’s Allie Clary connects  against Northampton in Northfield on Thursday.

Pioneer’s Allie Clary connects against Northampton in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Pioneer’s Jacobi Tyminski pitches against Northampton in Northfield on Thursday.

Pioneer’s Jacobi Tyminski pitches against Northampton in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Northampton’s Haly Doucette Kaplan pitches against Pioneer in Northfield on Thursday.

Northampton’s Haly Doucette Kaplan pitches against Pioneer in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Northampton’s Ella Daillie drives in a run with a base hit against Pioneer in Northfield on Thursday.

Northampton’s Ella Daillie drives in a run with a base hit against Pioneer in Northfield on Thursday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL Franz

Staff Reports

Published: 05-02-2024 9:00 PM

Modified: 05-02-2024 9:28 PM


Trailing Northampton 12-2 after one inning, the Pioneer softball team knew it needed to put runs up in a hurry to get back in the game. 

The Panthers did just that. 

Pioneer cut the lead to 15-11 after four before erupting for 14 runs in the sixth inning, as the Panthers pulled out a 34-29 Franklin County League East comeback victory in Northfield on Thursday. 

“It was a tale of two totally different games tonight,” Panthers coach Marty Mulvihill said. “Pioneer came out a little rough but after a pep talk, we regrouped, really paid attention and started getting the game going bit by bit. The rough game turned into the comeback of a lifetime.” 

Kelly Baird — who finished with seven RBIs — hit a home run in the fifth before cracked a two-RBI double and an RBI single in the sixth. Jacobia Tyminski finished with a double and two RBIs, Avery Johnson recorded two hits and three RBIs, Allie Clary tallied a hit and an RBI, Layla Goulston recorded a single and a triple, Maggie Tsipenyuk tripled, Taylor Chase had a pair of hits and RBIs while Giulia Stark hit safely for the Panthers. 

Greenfield 5, Hopkins 4 — Sophia Rotkiewicz recorded the game-winning hit, and the Green Wave rallied from a 4-2 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to walk off with an independent victory on Thursday at Vets Field.

Greenfield played from behind for much of the game, less than 24 hours removed from a wild eight-inning win over rival Turners Falls.

The Wave (9-1) will play their third game in a row on Friday at home against Wahconah.

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Mount Greylock 5, Turners 4 — The Mounties rallied to score three in the top of the seventh and the Thunder were unable to answer in the bottom of the frame, with Greylock pulling out a comeback Franklin County League West win at Gary Mullins Field on Thursday. 

Madi Liimatainen struck out seven and added a hit and an RBI at the plate for Turners. Mia Marigliano, Madisyn Dietz, Addison Talbot and Ella Kolodziej hit safely in the loss. 

Late Wednesday results

 Hopkins 4, Mohawk Trail 0 — Bella Brown recorded a single and a double for the Warriors in a Franklin County League East loss to the Golden Hawks in Hadley on Wednesday.