By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

STANDISH – Abby Hutchins not only swung with all her might, but also with all the hopes and dreams of her teammates.

After striking out in her first time at-bat Saturday, the sophomore outfielder vowed to deliver with authority on her next try.

“My first at-bat was kind of weak,” said Hutchins. “I struck out on a half-hearted swing. So coach told me, Next time you go up, swing with everything you’ve got.'”

Her sharp single delivered Telstar a coveted state softball championship. Hutchins single plated Liz Rosenberg for the only run in a 1-0 victory over Central for the Class C crown at Ward Field at Saint Joseph’s College. It was the first state title for the Rebels since 1991.

“It’s amazing,” said pitcher Jessie Farrington. “It’s exactly what we’ve wanted. I think it’s better that we won for our senior year than it would have felt last year. We’ve been wanting this for all four years. This is what we’ve been waiting for, and we finally pulled it off.”

Telstar lost to Central, 2-1, in last year’s state game.

“Last year was a heartbreaker when we lost,” said Rosenberg. “I know what it’s like to lose. I knew coming in here that I didn’t want to have that feeling again.”

The game, which took barely an hour was a pitcher’s duel between Farrington and Central’s Alyssa Libby. Farrington, who pitched a no-hitter in the regional final, allowed just one hit. She struck out the first six batters and eight of the first nine, finishing with 13 overall.

“She struck out the first six and I’m sitting there thinking, This is a good time,'” said Telstar coach Jim Lunney. “Jessie was on top. She was on.”

Libby, who allowed six hits in the win last year, gave up just three hits, two came in the decisive fifth inning.

Rosenberg, who had a few good cuts at pitches in her first at-bat, singled with one out and then advanced on a wild pitch.

“When I got up the second time, I was looking for the outside pitch,” said Rosenberg. “I wanted to go to right field and that’s just what I did.”

Libby got the second out, but Hutchins delivered with her single to right.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Hutchins. “I never thought it would be me. It had to be someone. It feels good that it was me.”

Central (18-2) tried to get Hutchins out at first, but her hustle down the line foiled that. Meanwhile, Rosenberg raced in from second for the only run.

Farrington knew that was all she needed.

Central’s Kristi Collins had the Red Devils only hit in the fifth, but that chance was squelched when Rosenberg caught a Libby foul pop and gunned a throw to Chelsea Cozzolino at first for a double play.

Farrington walked two batters in the final three innings, and was obviously frustrated when the strikes didn’t come as easily, but she battled through.

“I just decided not to think about it and pitch,” said Farrington. “Then they were going where I wanted them to.”

After a nice catch by Reiss for the first out in the seventh, Kara Voisine walked and advanced on a wild pitch. Farrington struck out Collins. Libby worked a full count and then hit a sinking liner toward center. It looked like it might have a chance to fall in, but Mills raced in to secure the out and the title.

“I didn’t care who caught it,” said Farrington. “I just wanted somebody to.”