ROCKLAND — The Oceanside and Lincoln Academy varsity softball teams squared off in Rockland on Friday, May 24. 

The game, which was originally slated to be played in Newcastle but moved due to poor field conditions at Lincoln Academy, was narrowly won by Oceanside 5-4. 

With the win, Oceanside improved to 13-2 on the season. 

Up next for the Mariners will be the regular season finale Tuesday, May 28 at home against Medomak Valley at 4 p.m.

Oceanside plated two runs in the second inning and three in the third inning, while recording eight hits and three errors. 

Lincoln Academy recorded one run in the first and three in the fifth, while collecting five hits and committing three errors. 

Chloe Jones worked the pitcher’s circle for Oceanside, fanning nine batters, walking one and hitting another in her seven innings of work. 

Pitching for Lincoln Academy was Grace Houghton, who recorded seven strikeouts in seven innings. 

At the plate for Oceanside were Lily Judecki (double, single, RBI), Kalli Grover (double, RBI), Adrianna Whitemore (double), Rachel Joyce (single, RBI), Jones (single), Abby Veilleux (single) and Grace Pratt (single). 

At the plate for Lincoln Academy were Mia Northrup (two singles), Houghton (single, two RBIs), Katelin Tozier (single), Emily Kelsey (single). 

“Oceanside played tough and hung tough in the late innings, and most of all Chloe Jones came through with the game on the line,” said Oceanside head coach Rusty Worcester. 

Worcester also praised the Lincoln Academy team, urging area softball fans to keep an eye on the Lincoln Academy squad over the next few years.

“Lincoln Academy is one of the best young teams I have seen coming up through the division in a long time, they have two outstanding freshman pitchers and loads of talent in the freshman and sophomore class,” Worcester stated. “[Lincoln Academy’s] 8th grade team also has some talent coming in next year.” 

Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.