The Division II state runner-up Milford High softball team gathers for one last time after the title game at Rivier University.

NASHUA – A Milford High softball season that began with a player recruiting drive – just to field a team – ended Saturday in the Division II state championship game.

Unfortunately for this gritty, spirited and most determined band of Spartans, Oyster River High School had a little history of its own to make. The Bobcats put on their hitting shots and powered their way to a decisive 20-7 victory, denying Milford its bid for a fifth title in school history.

The defeat did little to dampen the spirits of first-year coach Julia Mazzeo, who reveled in the accomplishments this group made in a matter of months.

“Being able to make it this far, it really proves they took practice seriously,” said Mazzeo. “Every game they learned. I’m just proud of them for how far they’ve advanced in the sport.

“Coming into this season, we were looking for girls to play. We had, probably around 11 and had to pick up a couple extra girls. A lot of them had never played before, including a couple of the starters.

“Looking back, we wanted to be here in the end. We prepared for this. Every game, we took one game at a time.”

Yet the Spartans persevered, right up until running into a murderous Oyster River lineup that had feasted on a schedule chock-full of Division I opponents in the 13-4 regular season.

Saturday, the Bobcats came out swinging and put up 13 runs in the first two innings. The lead expanded to 15-0 before Milford finally got it going.

“One pitcher, we did what we could,” said Mazzeo. “We came back in the fourth. I’m proud of them for that.”

The fourth inning saw 12 Spartans come to the plate, resulting in seven runs.

With one out, Anna Philbrick and Chloe Ducharme drew walks. Keelie Wells put Milford on the board with an RBI base hit. Alexia Warren’s single plated another and Ali Fortin doubled in a third. Hannah Harrington walked and Kailey Ste. Marie was hit by a pitch for an RBI. So was Sarah Chase, while Madi Herbert delivered another with a hard shot to third base.

But that was all as Oyster River closed the deal.

Mazzeo now will look for the program to build on the momentum. She’ll do it without two valuable senior, who graduate – Sarah Chase and Steph Stillwagon.

“For Sarah, it’s actually her first year playing. She had never held a bat before,” said Mazzeo. “She actually has made game-changers (including a game-saving catch in the outfield in a previous playoff game). I’m proud of her for that.

“Steph is a solid hitter, a solid catcher. We’re definitely going to miss her next year. It’s hard. We’ve just got to build with the girls we have now, teach them the game, and they’re all coming back. Hopefully, we can add a few more.”

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