New home, same field: Cady Hansbury showing up big against old team and new rival

QUINCY − Typically in sports, when a player leaves one team to play for a rival, it involves a different city.

Prime example: Johnny Damon leaving the Boston Red Sox for the hated New York Yankees.

But for North Quincy High’s Cady Hansbury, her old softball team just so happens to be a five-minute drive away, and it’s all love on both sides.

The former President is now a senior captain for the Raiders and playing third base. When the rivals met on Wednesday, she was ready for it.

Hansbury made the most of her Senior Night as she stole two bases, scored twice and drove in two RBIs in a 12-3 win over her former team. When she stepped up to the plate, you could see smiles come from the Presidents dugout and Hansbury herself.

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“I got heckled a lot, but it’s all smiles,” said Hansbury. “Both teams are such a family almost and everyone knows each other on both teams, so this game is always the most fun of the season.”

Hansbury, who will be attending High Point University in the fall, chose to switch school after Quincy softball coach Greg Sommers retired. Since then, she was immediately chosen to be captain and lead the Raiders.

It was Hansbury’s speed that made her dangerous as a baserunner and in the infield. She earned the trust of her teammates rather quickly.

“Cady’s been clutch for us all season,” said North Quincy coach Suzanna Friel. "Coming up great offensively and on the basepaths all season, always taking the extra base when needed.”

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When Hansbury stepped into the North Quincy halls she “felt like a freshman coming in,” but she’s proud of the progress she and her team have made.

“It’s definitely big for us because we’ve come a long way,” Hansbury said. “Our team bonding has definitely helped us grow as a team and you can see it as we progress.”

The Raiders have had an up-and-down season, but their three senior captains (Hansbury, Keira Murphy and Marybeth Smith) have stayed consistent with their leadership. Murphy scored four times in the win while Smith scored once. With five freshmen on the team, mentorship is key.

“Seniors have been great leaders,” said Friel. “We got our three senior captains that have been great leaders the whole season. They’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do and they're always willing to help the younger girls too.”

Their fourth captain is junior Caroline O’Donnell. She finished with two RBIs and a run scored. She’s a power hitter for the Raiders and a big help for the seniors, which isn’t surprising for someone who’s been playing softball since kindergarten.

“Caroline’s just dominant all season,” said Friel. “At bat, in the field, always one play ahead on the field and defensively. Offensively can’t say enough; this season she’s been tremendous. We know when she’s coming up we’re pretty much guaranteed a hit or a get on base somehow.”

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North Quincy's fourth senior, Maureen O’Brien, struck out six batters and finished with two runs scored on offense. Avery Abrahamovich also scored twice.

Every game is a must-win for the Raiders at this point of the season. North Quincy is 6-10 and ranked No. 44 in Div. 1. Teams that are ranked in the top 32 or finish .500 or above qualify for the tournament. The Raiders can finish 10-10 if they win out.

“I’m happy for the girls,” said Friel. “It’s always good to get a win against Quincy. Going 2-0 against them for the season is always good for them. Next four games, we (want to) go 4-0 and hope to make the tournament.”

For Quincy, errors hurt them as the Raiders jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Junior captain Paige Mann had a strong showing, scoring all three runs for the Presidents and stealing three bases.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: North Quincy softball beats Quincy on Senior Night