By Liam O’Brien
Managing Editor of Sports
It’s rare that we receive the opportunity to witness the athletic programs of crosstown rivals Newton South and Newton North duke it out on a postseason stage.
This spring, however, we will have two chances to see just that, as with a 2-0 win over Woburn this afternoon in a play-in game, the 17th-seeded Lions clinched a Saturday afternoon matchup with the formidable Tigers, the number one-seeded team in the North Division 1 tournament. This matchup comes in addition to Friday night’s volleyball game in the Field House, which pits undefeated South against fourth-seeded North.
Despite undergoing lineup changes immediately prior to the first pitch, South was determined to capture a resounding victory, limiting the undermatched Tanners to just one hit throughout the entire contest.
Junior flamethrower Kim-An Quinn was dominant in her showing from the mound, striking out five batters in seven full innings of work, good for a complete game shutout.
The defense behind Quinn was solid as well, committing just one error over the course of the game, preventing any colossal miscues from occurring.
The Lions got on the board instantly when senior Morgan Woods singled and stole home to provide the team with a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first inning. The group then mustered an insurance run later on in the contest, with senior Najiye Honca driving home freshman Amanda Smith to increase the lead against Woburn in the sixth inning.
While South showcased their full potential in this afternoon’s matchup, the toughest test for the team awaits them three days from now, sitting just 3.4 miles away from Brandeis Road.
Newton North went undefeated in Bay State Conference play, winning their final 18 games of the regular season.
However, Quinn, the Lions’ undeniable ace, will be taking the mound once again, providing the team with an abundance of confidence heading into the contest. According to the team, the familiarity these two teams have with each other will reduce any potential tensions, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
“It’ll be a challenge but we know almost all of girls on the team,” Quinn said. “So it will be really fun.”
