La Salle softball sends NK, rest of league a reminder as playoffs near
La Salle and undefeated Chariho remain atop the Division I rankings as the regular season winds down.
PROVIDENCE — The goal for La Salle on this breezy Wednesday afternoon was to keep the Division I softball title race to just two teams. North Kingstown was looking to elbow its way into the conversation alongside the Rams and unbeaten Chariho, something that didn’t come to pass at McLaughlin Field on May 13. Elle Kerhsaw made a key early defensive play and Kayleigh Ventura blew it open with a grand slam in the bottom of the fourth inning.
La Salle needed just six frames to post an 11-1 triumph, a second defeat of the year for the Skippers and a reminder of how dangerous the Rams remain entering the postseason. Senior Day ceremonies about an hour before the first pitch saw the celebration of a four-player class that’s captured three consecutive championships, and La Salle has no intention of simply stepping aside for the Chargers or anyone else. Hailey Vigneau improved her career mark to 63-4 in the circle, a dominant run that includes a perfect 12-0 record when it has mattered most.
“We’ve lost a few games but we know what we need to do,” Kershaw said. “We’re prepared for anything. ” The Rams carried a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth before sealing this one by sending 11 to the plate.
Samantha Sell dropped an RBI single into shallow center and Ventura stepped in with the bases loaded and one out. She slashed a drive to right-center that cleared leaping North Kingstown right fielder Amelia Fries and the fence to double the advantage to 9-1. “I thought it was going to hit the fence,” Ventura said.