By Ken Chaisson
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
The Walpole girls ‘softball team took to the diamond against the Brookline Warriors on Wednesday April 30, 2025 at the South Walpole Community Athletic Field (SWCAF), dominating the Warriors 16-0.
In the matchup with Brookline, Walpole dominated on the mound, behind the dish, at the plate and in the field. It didn’t matter whether it was the starters or the backups, as the Ladytimbs came away with a convincing 16-0 victory in a slaughter-rule shortened five inning affair. It was their second no hitter in a row. Walpole batted around in the first inning then tacked on three additional runs in each of the second and third innings. Brookline had two runners reach base in the game both on errors.
Last season, Walpole won their first state softball championship. It had been 28 years since the softball team had competed in the state semi-finals. They only graduated two seniors from that team. In the state playoffs in 2024, Walpole shutout every team they played. This season, with that same combination of solid pitching and strong defense, they have shutout three teams, including the past two. The expectations are high for a deep playoff run.
Head coach Rachel Sprague is in her 12th year leading the Walpole varsity squad. Rachel’s dad, Rod, has been by her side on the diamond her entire life and that partnership continues with the Timberwolves. In a lopsided game like Brookline’s, coach Sprague keeps the team focused and their energy high. It’s easy to fall into bad habits when leading by so much. Sprague’s focus on fundamentals prevents that from happening.
The Ladytimbs have gone 59-9 over the past three plus seasons. Sprague earned her 150th career victory earlier this year.
Stazinski pitches most games. She achieved her 500th career strikeout during last year’s playoffs. With the Brookline score 10-0 after the first inning, junior Caitlin Baker ably filled in giving Stazinski a well need rest. Stazinski has been pitching and throwing no hitters since her freshman year. A two-time softball All-Scholastic, Stazinski also plays volleyball and is a member of the National Honor Society.
But the team is more than one player. The entire lineup are solid hitters. The fielders scoop up anything ball that may get hit. The balanced squad gets contributions from players from every grade. Sophomore leadoff hitter and catcher, Abby Riley, is a multi-tool player. Returning Bay State Conference all stars seniors Caroline Doran and Caroline Daley as well as junior Grace Todd present problems for opponents deep into the lineup.
The girls take on Milton High School at home next Friday, May 9.
