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In prime form

METHUEN — It's not easy replacing an all-conference pitcher, but Methuen is doing just that without missing a beat.

In fact, in the wake of graduated ace Chrissy Scionti, the Rangers are off to a terrific start to the season. After yesterday's 11-0 shutout of North Andover, the Rangers are 3-0 and have outscored their three opponents 23-1.

Junior Kayleigh Forgetta has stepped in for Scionti with tremendous success, giving up just one run and eight hits while striking out 24 over 21 innings. That may seem stunning for someone who played second base her first two years, but her teammates are far from surprised.

"It's what I expected,' said captain Amanda Lemire. "She put in a lot of work in the offseason, and she's gotten faster."

 It's certainly what head coach Jason Smith was hoping for.

"Kayleigh has done a fantastic job so far," said Smith. "She moves the ball around really well. She doesn't rely on overpowering people and she really mixes it up.

"The other thing is that she and (all-conference catcher) Kat (Lefebre) have done a great job of working together."

But Forgetta has gotten plenty of support throughout the lineup and yesterday was no exception. Eight different players combined for 12 hits with Lemire (2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored ) and junior centerfielder Meghan Murphy (4 for 4, 4 RBIs) leading the way.

Despite posting similar batting averages last year, Murphy, who moved over from right field this year, is batting second in the order with Lemire in the ninth spot. Both prefer where they're at.

"I like batting second," said Murphy who started last year near the bottom of the order. "You're more into the game and I like to get up there right away."

Lemire takes the opposite approach.

"I like it (batting ninth) because there's less stress on me," said Lemire. "I like to get the feel of the game and watch their pitcher."

Every part of the order was clicking yesterday as Methuen scored at least one run in the first four innings and then erupted for six in the fifth. Seven different Rangers drove in a run.

"That's what was so good about today," said Smith. "Everyone contributed."

North Andover, meanwhile, only had one hit — a ground ball single by Susan Mather in the fifth — and three baserunners off Forgetta, who struck out nine and walked just one batter. 

"I think we're going to do great (this year)," said Murphy. "Chrissy was a big loss but Kayleigh has been unbelievable. She improved a lot over the summer and a lot of us have been playing together for a long time."