By Jerry Liptak
Staff Writer

A "complete game" generally refers to a top-notch pitching performance. Central coach Trish Ellis would prefer that phrase referred to the entire softball team.

Candia's Lisa Mortensen handles third base. She can hit, too. (J. Liptak Photo)

"They're comeback kids who have to play a complete game," said El lis after an 11-9 home loss to Goffstown at Padden Field on Friday, April 15.

Despite two losses in their first two regular- season games, the Little Green plan on big things as the season progresses. But that will require this group of girls to be as focused as they are talented.

Following the lead of their returning seniors and co-captains, Allie Cunningham and Brenna Fitzgerald, the Green nearly overcame an 8-2 fifth-inning deficit, scoring once in the fifth, four times in the sixth and twice in the seventh before falling.

On defense, the team made multiple errors through four innings, putting starting pitcher Cunningham in more than one tight spot. She battled, allowing just single unearned runs in each of the first two frames. But the third inning was disastrous.

Oddly, Cunningham popped up the first two Goffstown hitters before allowing three hits and four walks to fall behind, 6-1.

Kristen Purdy then took over in the circle. She allowed two unearned runs in the fourth, fanning two and allowing a lone single.

"All of these kids are playing new positions," said Ellis, who added the team hasn't practiced as a full squad yet due to academic issues.

As the team settles into a routine, Ellis expects the defense to improve.

Offense should not be a problem - in the near future and beyond.

For example, the team's No. 2 through No. 4 hitters are young and good. Third baseman Lisa Mortensen, first baseman Alicia Doucet and second baseman Chelsea Drew are, respectively, a junior, a freshman and a sophomore.

The trio went 6-for-10 with a walk and four RBI against the Grizzlies.

Central totaled 14 hits, including blasts off the bats of Mortensen, Purdy and Cunningham. Also, Allie Lemiere produced two opposite field singles after entering in the fifth inning.

Allie Lewis, Kristy Auen and Jen Gagnon also started against GHS. Other members of the squad include Nicole Moran, Steph Gosselin and, against Goffstown, last-minute junior varsity call-up Ashley St. Jean.

"They're young. They're a talented group," said the third-year mentor. "There's talent everywhere."