Needham softball walks over Milton (2025)

NEEDHAM - The Needham softball team got its steps in against Milton on Wednesday afternoon.

Using a patient and disciplined approach at the plate, the Rockets got on base any way they could and ran laps around McLeod Diamond, walking over the Wildcats by the final of 14-5.

“I try to preach to get into hitters’ counts,” Needham coach Jamie Nix said. “Don’t expand your zone and look for your pitch, and they did that. They’re getting 2-0 counts, 2-1 counts, and it’s a lot easier to hit there.”

Liv Kirschner led the lineup with a 2-for-4 day at the dish, which included a two-RBI double that capped off an eight-run first inning for the Rockets.

Tack three more runs on the second, followed by another three spot in the third, Needham had Milton well within its rearview mirror.

Before the Rockets raced out in front, the Wildcats claimed the game’s first lead by scoring two runs off Kaitlyn Cheng in the opening half-inning.

The Needham right-hander was shaky through her first frame but quickly settled down after stranding several runners on base by inducing a pop-up to the shortstop.

Cheng was reliant on her defense all afternoon. She recorded just one punch out in her seven innings of work, but that’s all she needed. No matter what she threw at them, the Wildcats could do nothing but swing underneath her pitches and send them sky-high for easy flyouts.

That is, except when the wind whipped across DeFazio Field and got hold of a ball that Sophie Fish smashed deep to right field for a three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning.

But even by that point, Cheng had given herself more than enough of a cushion to work with.

In addition to her complete-game effort in the circle, the junior drove two runs across the plate on offense and also scored two of her own.

“I don’t think she realizes how good she is,” Needham captain Stephanie Sucher said. “She really puts it all together on the field.”

Sucher herself had a productive performance. Along with Kirschner and Annie Silverman, she was one of three Rockets who had a multi-hit day.

Needham continuously forced Milton starter Zahria Daley into difficult situations in the circle. After surrendering 11 runs on six hits and four walks, she was pulled after just two innings in favor of the newly called-up Kaitlyn Ahearn, who took the ball the rest of the way.

The good news for the Wildcats is that they won’t have to sit with the loss for long, as a meeting at home against Weymouth awaits them on Thursday.

Needham, too, will be in action on Thursday with a visit to Concord-Carlisle on tap.