In a strong showing during the first round of the Division 1 softball tournament, the Methuen Rangers triumphed over Needham with a score of 7-1 at DeFazio Field. The Rangers, seeded 22nd, quickly established their dominance by scoring three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Melaney Reyes' double that drove in a run. Freshman pitcher Delaney D’Hondt excelled on the mound, striking out seven batters and allowing only four hits throughout the game. Methuen extended their lead to 6-0 in the third inning, with Reyes contributing another double. D’Hondt's performance included escaping a bases-loaded situation in the fourth inning, showcasing her composure under pressure. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Methuen, which did not qualify for the tournament last year. They will face sixth-seeded Bridgewater-Raynham in the next round. Other notable games included Shrewsbury's 12-0 win over Westford and Milton's narrow 6-5 victory against Whitman-Hanson, demonstrating a competitive start to the tournament.