LCA seventh grader Samantha Gibson (Billerica, MA) pitched a complete game shutout to lead the Lions to a 5-0 win over Eastern Independent League (EIL) rival Portsmouth Abbey School. Gibson completed all seven innings, allowing only three hits and six walks while striking out eight batters. Portsmouth Abbey entered the game with a 6-1 record, including 3-0 in the EIL. 

Gibson benefited from timely hitting by the Lions, who used a four-run fourth inning to take a 4-0 lead in what had become a pitcher’s duel.  LCA junior Erin Falkenstrom (Reading, MA) delivered the first blow, a two-run double to left center field.  Senior Brittany Hagopian (Waltham, MA) knocked a two-run single up the middle later in the inning off Abbey’s pitcher Karyssa Edwards.

Edwards would settle down after the fourth inning, holding LCA scoreless until the bottom of the sixth inning.  In the frame, Hagopian reached first base on catcher’s interference to set up a first-and-third situation for Gibson.  Gibson, in her debut as a starting pitcher for the Lions, would help her own cause with an RBI single up the middle to make the score 5-0.  Gibson and the Lions then took the field for the final three outs, the last of which was a swinging strikeout.

With the win, LCA improves to 2-4 on the season, including a 1-2 record in the EIL.  The league loss was the first for Portsmouth Abbey, who falls to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the EIL.

“The team was able to see that putting the little things together, at the right time, has positive outcomes,” noted LCA Head Coach Melissa Christmas ’96.  “It’s good to see them putting into action the things we’ve been working on in practice.  It’s a big confidence-builder as we move forward.”

Falkenstrom went 2-3 on the day for the Lions, scoring two runs.  Sophomore Elizabeth Gallagher (Arlington, MA) also went 2-3 at the plate, making a few great plays as the defensive third baseman.  The entire LCA defense was strong throughout the game in support of Gibson, who settled down after a few early walks to earn the victory.

“Sam started off a little nervous,” said Christmas. “But in the end she pitched a wonderful game, with our team earning a solid victory over a talented opponent.”

LCA next plays on Friday, April 29, when they host Concord Academy.  First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Harrington School in Lexington.