'It's a special team,' Tight-knit Jesse Burkett Major Division softball squad has eyes on state title

WORCESTER — Stick to the team-first mindset and have some fun, and good things will happen, a fact for which Burkett's 12U Major Division District 4 all-star softball team can vouch.

In another manner of speaking, when Burkett hits the diamond, everyone contributes. That includes the bona fide sluggers, like Sophia Delvalle and Bella McLaughlin, or pitching standout Mia Porcelli. And don't forget the hustlers and defensive stalwarts like center fielder McKenna Kadis and catcher Julia Grant, as well as Morgan Kadis, Mady Smith, Izzy Abdella and Mikaela Gjata.

Burkett's depth and commitment to team play took center stage during Sunday's 17-0 mercy-shortened state sectional triumph over Westfield at Vernon Hill Park. Burkett banged out 17 hits and scored four or more runs in three of its four at-bats. That was more than enough for starting pitcher Porcelli, who twirled a one-hitter and helped her cause with two hits, two RBIs and three runs. The hard-throwing Porcelli was dominant on the hill, striking out seven and walking no one.

Sunday's success, coming less than 24 hours after a 14-0 win over Saugus in its sectional opener, continues a remarkable run for Burkett, which went 3-1 in pool play prior to the sectionals. Burkett defeated Holden, Barry and Schwartz in pool play, and captured the championship with a 5-0 victory over Rutland. Rutland handed Burkett its only defeat during pool play.

Burkett continues its sectional run against Canton at 5 p.m. Thursday at Canton High School.

"Sectionals are so cool, and it's so fun playing against these talented teams from far away," Porcelli said. "Moving forward, we're confident we'll do well in our next game."

Burkett's Macie Ingles (3 hits, 3 runs, 2 RBIs), McLaughlin (3 hits, home run, 3 runs, 3 RBIs), DelValle (2 runs, 2 hits, homer and triple, 2 RBIs), Sophia D'Andrea (2 hits, 2 RBIs), Ava Sala (3 hits, 3 RBIs), and Jocelyn Baumann (2 hits, run) all shined against Westfield.

Porcelli appreciates the support she gets, both offensively and defensively. She also enjoys getting out on the mound and throwing hard, and watching her teammates make dazzling plays behind her. Porcelli knows her teammates well and she understands what makes them tick.

"We've been playing with this whole team for a while now, and we sort of jell out there, and we know what it takes to win," Porcelli said. "Every day that we don't have a game, we're out there practicing and working to improve. And, yes, everyone contributes on this team. Everyone plays. We support each other, we get along, we have fun."

Playing and excelling against Westfield was certainly fun. Porcelli fanned seven of the 13 batters she faced. All four of the balls that Westfield swatted toward infielders were easily gobbled up.

"The girls behind me are amazing — their catches are incredible," Porcelli said. "We're winning the big games because of our defense. And that defense gives me increased confidence when I pitch. I go out there, work hard and just try to get it over the plate."

McLaughlin, a shortstop and pitcher, is at home with a bat or glove in tow. Playing ball in the summer, advancing up the softball ladder with her buddies, a simple lifestyle and something to savor, McLaughlin reasoned.

"I love playing with all these girls. Most of us have been playing together since we were like nine or 10 years old," McLaughlin added. "We all play travel ball together. We're serious about the sport. We love it, we want to get better."

McLaughlin has enjoyed watching her teammates improve and win the big games. She'll do whatever it takes to get Burkett a win, though pitching is McLaughlin's favorite. No matter where she plays, McLaughlin is at her best when the action is hot and heavy.

"I just love playing softball and I'm confident that our team will continue to do well," McLaughlin said.

Like her teammates, Delvalle, a left fielder, is in her element running around on the softball diamond. She works hard and has a positive attitude. The latter was on full display Sunday when Delvalle walloped a home run in her first at-bat after striking out. In Delvalle's next at-bat, she clobbered a triple.

"Getting outside, staying active and playing a sport with your friends is the best," Delvalle said. "It's certainly much better than sitting around at home and not really doing anything. And we work hard. Sometimes we have a little party but basically we're always out there playing and trying to improve."

Delvalle knows the thrill of playing softball at a high level and last year was a key contributor on a Burkett team that advanced to the state final. This year's team has both new and returning talent, facts which bode well for the remainder of the tournament.

"I'm just so happy that we're still playing," Delvalle said. "It's a special team. We can hit, and we support each other. I was down when I struck out, but I was really happy when I came back and hit the homer."

"It's all so fun," Delvalle added. "You get to meet new people, and you're working as a team. Everyone is involved, everyone is contributing. I'd recommend softball to anyone."

Gino Porcelli is Burkett's manager. He is assisted by Rob Ingles and Heather Grant.

—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Burkett Major all-star softball team rolling through state sectionals