Peabody Senior Softball All-Stars Win State Title, Prepare for NE Regionals

The second time was the charm for the Peabody West Little League senior softball all-stars. The team claimed the state championship this past Saturday in Winchendon, defeating reigning champs Westfield.

The tournament was double-elimination and Peabody won both games, 16-4 and 15-1. The second game ended in just the fifth inning.

The roster this year is Sara Hayward, Paige Hayward, Meghan Lurvey, Dominique DelBene, Brianna Silva, Courtney Sabino, Ashlie Jenkins, Ashley Ghostlaw, Shannon Pires, Shelbi Wilson, Katie Tansey, Katie O'Brien, Kayla Santos and Michelle McHugh.

Coaches are Bill Hayward, Steve Ghostlaw and Ken O'Brien.

The junior division also played for the state title on Saturday, but lost both games to Ty Cobb. The weekend before that, the majors all-stars battled Charlton for the title, losing two games to one.

This is just the third year for Peabody's fast-pitch softball league for ages 11-16.

The senior girls now prepare for the New England Regionals in Worcester, July 27 to Aug. 1. Peabody plays Maine first and then Worcester. The other two teams in round robin play are Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Here's the schedule:

• Saturday, July 27 Peabody vs. Maine, 2 p.m. at Ty Cobb Field
• Sunday, July 28 Peabody vs. Worcester, 1 p.m. at Rockwood Field
• Tuesday, July 30 Peabody vs. Connecticut, 1 p.m. at Rockwood Field
• Wednesday, July 31 Peabody vs. Rhode Island, 1 p.m. at Rockwood Field