By Jerry Liptak
Staff Writer

Goffstown High School senior co-captain Katie Livolsi delivers a pitch during her team's 11-9 win over Central on Friday, April 15. Sarah Carlstrom is ready and waiting in center field. On this day, the entire defense was ready, waiting and able to aid Livolsi's complete-game effort. According to head coach Wake Stillman, if the team plays defense as it did against CHS, GHS will be tough to beat in 2005. (Jerry Liptak Photo)

MANCHESTER - Facing the prospect of three straight losses to start 2005, the Goffstown High softball team used the same formula it has in past years to post its first win of the young season.

Pitching, defense, speed, strong bunting and timely hitting - so important to last year's strong team - were again displayed by GHS in an 11-9 win over host Central at Padden Field on Friday, April 15.

"We're young - really young," said Goffstown head coach Wake Stillman prior to the matchup. "I don't know what kind of team we're going to be. But it's a struggle right now."

That was before co-captains Katie Livolsi - starting pitcher and senior - and Casey Cahill - starting catcher and junior - combined on an efficient battery-powered performance.

"Katie will throw strikes," said Stillman. "If we play defense behind her, we're going to be in every game."

Livolsi allowed just two walks, while the team defense never rested.

Indeed, Cahill threw out two runners, once in the first inning and again in the Little Green's final at-bat, when the hosts had cut into a six-run deficit.

The rest of the team, a mix of players with little or no varsity experience, was just as solid in the field. Shortstop Jess Ethier had three putouts and seven assists, including one on the game's final play.

But it was the sometimes-patient, sometimes-aggressive hitting of the Grizzlies that keyed the win.

"We haven't scored that many runs in a long time," said Stillman after the team's third inning, a four-run, twoout outburst.

No. 8 hitter Heather Barss started the rally with a double to left. Sarah Carlstrom walked, then Lauren Gifford delivered an RBI single. Meagan McGee walked, followed by an RBI single from Ethier. Cahill and Alyssa Hunt both walked to cap the effort.

"You've got to be aggressive," said Stillman. "But you also have to recognize when the (opposing) pitcher is having trouble finding the strike zone."

The team remained outwardly calm despite giving up most of its big lead in the final three innings. In fact, the game ended with the potential winning run at bat. That kind of experience and positive response should serve GHS well later in the season.

The Goffstown group also includes starting first baseman Allie Moffitt, Kaitlin Koffink, Ashley St. Onge, Katie Ethier, Amanda Citak, Carla Bishop and Sue Ellen Nault.