The Stars defeated the Mustangs, 9-2, to claim the 2020 Everett Girls Softball League Minor League championship at Glendale Park.
Head coach Danielle Mendonca’s contingent was the No. 2 seed heading into the playoffs but proceeded to go 3-0 in the playoffs. The Stars finished with a 7-5-1 record overall in Mendonca’s first season as head coach.
“My daughter [Abigail Citro] asked me to be a coach because she played for the Stars,” said Mendonca. The assistant coaches are Anthony Allen, Jonathan Arzola, and Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
The Mustangs, who were the No. 1 seed with a 6-3-1 record under head coach Nicole O’Donnell, an Everett Police officer, had defeated the Peaches to advance to the finals against the Stars in the double-elimination playoff format.
The Stars’ winning pitcher in the championship game was
Mia Allen, who allowed only two hits and struck out five batters. Anna DeLeire also pitched well for the Stars. Citro was an excellent catcher all season for the Stars.
In addition to the stellar pitching, the Stars displayed plenty of offense throughout the playoffs. Emily DeLeire provided the big hit in the final game with a grand slam.
“Emily had an outstanding season,” lauded Mendonca.
What were the key ingredients during the run to the championship?
“Our team just came together really well,” said Coach Mendonca. “We had as many practices as we possibly could. They all worked as a team and communicated well on the field and worked together.”
Mendonca, who has played in the Somerville women’s softball league, thanked league officials, including President Vinnie Oliva, for running “a great league.”
“The girls were really happy to be able to play in a league this summer.”
While her daughter, Abigail, will move up to the Major League next season, Danielle Mendonca said she will be returning as the head coach of the now-defending champion Stars.