Two Incoming BU Softball Freshmen Win State Titles
July 10, 2013 | Softball
July 10, 2013
During the month of June, incoming Boston University softball freshmen Melanie David and Rachel Levine helped lead their respective high school programs to state titles.
A former All-League First Team honoree, David was the starting first baseman for Santiago H.S. (Corona, Calif.) this past season. Considered one of the top teams in the country, the Sharks fell to rival Norco just before the playoffs began but rebounded with a dominating 8-2 victory in the CIF Southern Section Division I championship game.
Claiming their second CIF title in three years, the Sharks finished atop the state's top-40 ranking with a 28-5 overall record. Though she wasn't required to produce any late game heroics due to the team's dominating performance, David says the postseason run will prove to be a big benefit as she prepares for college.
"Playing at such a high level, that experience is going to help me in college because I had to play under pressure with a lot on the line for myself and the team," David said. "The competition was really strong, and I’ll be able to pass along that experience and bring that competitive edge to BU.'
Levine also achieved similar success at Milford H.S. (Milford, Mass.), as the Hawks went on to repeat as the Division I state champions. A Metrowest Daily News First Team All-Star, the speedy outfielder made her mark in the quarterfinals in a contest featuring programs that combined to win the last three state titles.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Levine hit a single into the outfield to plate the game's lone win and propel Milford to a thrilling 1-0 walk-off victory over King Philip. Winning her last home game, she would later help the Hawks claim a 1-0 win against Agawam in the final and finish with a 25-1 team record.
Footage of Levine's late-game heroics can be seen in the video below.
