After entering the state championship tournament as the 17th seed out of 38 teams, the 14U Redmen Red put together one of the tournament’s most impressive playoff runs, battling their way to a 4-2 overall record and finishing among the final eight teams in the Massachusetts state softball championship.
Over six games, Redmen Red showcased their resilience, offensive firepower, and determination, outscoring opponents 50-43 while proving they could compete with anyone in the state.
The weekend began Friday with a 3-1 victory over Mass Madness, where pitcher Kylie Romano delivered a complete-game gem, allowing just one run over seven innings. Addy Anderson provided the big offensive spark with a two-run double that gave Redmen the lead and ultimately the win. Kayle Skinner was solid in right field with an amazing catch in the top of the sixth that held Mass Madness from scoring two runs that would have tied the game.
Saturday presented an early challenge as Redmen fell 13-9 to Raiders Gray.
After trailing 10-1, the team refused to quit, exploding for six runs in the third inning to make the game competitive before ultimately falling short. Anderson doubled, scoring two runs, Bella Cueva singled, scoring two runs, and an error scored two runs. Leadoff hitter Izzy Lane led the Redmen with two hits. The comeback effort set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
The response came just hours later.
Facing the Bluebirds in a must-win game, Redmen bounced back with a convincing 7-2 victory.
Avery Comeau dominated in the circle with nine strikeouts over six innings while the offense pounded out 11 hits. Addison Perkins led the attack with three hits, while Callie LaMarche collected two hits. Addy Anderson and Loghan Cahill each drove in two runs.
That victory punched Redmen’s ticket to championship Sunday in the Gold Bracket as the 17th seed.
With their backs against the wall, the team elevated its play even further.
In one of the tournament’s most memorable games, Redmen outlasted KP Pride White 13-10 in an incredible 10-inning marathon.
The game featured multiple lead changes, extra-inning drama, and clutch performances throughout the lineup.
A double by Anderson put the Redmen on the board in the top of the first.
The Pride came alive in the fourth inning to score four runs and take the lead.
Going into the sixth inning the score was 5-2 Pride, but the Redmen didn’t give up.
The Redmen tied the game in the top of the sixth thanks to a hit by a pitch, and a home run to center field by Mia Davis. The Redmen captured the lead, 9-6, in the top of the ninth after Comeau tripled to right field, Abby Lane singled to center field, and Cueva tripled down the left field line, each scoring one run.
After KP Pride battled back several times, Redmen finally broke through in the 10th inning. LaMarche delivered a go-ahead RBI single before Davis added an RBI double. Moments later, Comeau capped the four-run inning with a two-run single that gave Redmen the cushion it needed to advance.
The emotional victory set up a matchup with Polar Crush Gold, the No. 1 seed entering Sunday’s playoff bracket.
Rather than being intimidated, Redmen delivered perhaps their best performance of the season.
Trailing early, Redmen erupted for five runs in the third inning before piling on throughout the afternoon to earn a stunning 16-5 victory over the tournament favorites.
The offense exploded for 15 hits, with Perkins collecting three hits while Romano, Davis, Anderson and LaMarche each drove in two runs. Comeau battled through six innings in the circle to earn the win.
The upset sent Redmen into the tournament’s Final Eight.
After playing three intense games Sunday, the team’s remarkable run came to an end against eventual semifinal opponent South Shore Chaos Premier.
Although the final score didn’t reflect the heart the team displayed throughout the weekend, Redmen never stopped competing after an emotionally and physically demanding day.
Head coach Adam Perkins couldn’t have been prouder of the way his team responded throughout the championship run.
“This group never stopped believing in each oter,” Perkins said. “Every player contributed at some point during the weekend, whether it was a big hit, a key defensive play, or picking up a teammate. They fought for every inning and played for the name on the front of the jersey.”
Perkins said the team’s resilience was evident after every challenge they faced.
“We answered adversity all weekend,” said the coach. “After every setback, these girls came back stronger. To come into Sunday as the 17th seed, win two straight playoff games, including a 10-inning game and then knocking off the No. 1 seed, says everything about this team’s character.”
While the championship run ended just short of a title, Perkins believes the experience will serve as a springboard moving forward.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” said Perkins. “They played with heart, toughness, and confidence. More importantly, they played together. That’s what made this run so special, and it’s something they’ll remember for a long time.”