Dramatic Walk-Off Jolts Softball Into State Title Game

The Burlington High School softball team was three outs from elimination. But thanks to a dramatic comeback win, the Lady Red Devils are now one win from history.

On Thursday night the locals entered the bottom of the seventh inning of the Division 2 state semifinal game trailing Bishop Stang by one run.

But with momentum fully on Burlington's side, the Red Devils erased the deficit, walked off with a 4-3 win over Bishop Stang and got within one victory of the school's first ever softball state championship.

In 2011 the team reached the state championship game and lost in extra innings to Wahconahna, a western Massachusetts team that Burlington could play on Saturday in the title game.

"A lot of these kids were sophomores when we made a deep run, so they know what it's like to be here," said head coach Kristen Mahoney. "They want it bad. They want it real bad, and I would love it too."

The Red Devils entered the home half of the seventh trailing 3-2 before April Adams started the rally with a single. Michaela Mazure attempted to sacrifice bunt her over, but reached on an infield single instead. The next batter, Haley Currie, attempted to bunt as well. But Bishop Stang attempted a throw to third and everyone was safe, loading the bases.

With no one out in the inning, Kaela Hersee lined a single to right field that easily scored the tying and winning runs, and set off a wild celebration around home plate.

The state championship game is scheduled for Saturday at Worcester State, though the opponent and time have not yet determined.

"I'm so proud of them," said Mahoney. "These girls deserve it and they've worked very hard for this. We just want to take advantage of being there."