By Mike Rubin

For the Somerville Storm 18A softball squad, it’s been a long and arduous summer. After suffering a tough 20-0 defeat to the Billerica Bratz, the Storm couldn’t regain momentum and fell in a tough 8-0 loss to the Newton Panthers. As a result, the Storm now fall to 1-8 overall.

In the Billerica loss, the Storm was led by the offensive firepower of Kristie Welch, Marissa Gould and Ashley Auciello, who combined for a majority of the hits.

In the loss to the Panthers, both teams battled early before the Storm surrendered several runs in the middle innings.

Key offensive catalysts included Isabella Panlange, Aaliyah McCarter along with Christina Valente and Jackie Homsi.

Led by a solid effort, the Storm’s 14-year-old squad suffered a tough 7-6 defeat at the hands of the Wilmington Wildcats last Wednesday.

At the plate, Brianna Dell’Isola, Dyani Davis and Haley Rao all contributed, delivering crucial hits to keep the Storm well within striking distance while Jennifer Toner, Andrea Rao and Deidre Matthews also contributed. Also contributing was Katie Medrano and Amolee Hawkins.

After both teams traded leads, the Storm closed within two runs before adding another score in the later innings to close within one.

In an offensive slugfest last Thursday, the Storm fell in a tough 18-11 defeat to the Melrose Red Raiders. Offensively, Davis and Dell’Isola led the way, recording several hits apiece while Ashley Dean, Haley Rao and Jennie White also contributed at the plate.

After both teams erupted with rallies in the early innings, the Red Raiders grabbed a six run lead before the Storm closed the gap on key hits by Dell’Isola and Davis. Securing the win, the Red Raiders added clutch insurance runs in the later innings.

With the losses, the 14B Storm squad now stands at 2-6-1 overall.