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SACO — In its first game as the defending Class A state champion, the Cheverus softball team showcased the elements that led to its title.

Addison DeRoche cracked a three-run home run and pitched five no-hit innings in a complete game, and one Cheverus hitter after another got a chance to shine in a season-opening 10-0 victory over Thornton Academy.

“We’re just trying to stay within ourselves and keep our culture the same,” DeRoche said. “(I’m) just trying to stay where my feet are and (be) present.”

It’s a mindset that can be applied to the whole team, which is facing expectations that weren’t there at the opener last year.

“We want to appreciate last year but it’s a brand-new season,” Cheverus coach John Eisenhart said. “We talked about (how) you need to just focus on trying to get better at what you’re trying to do. The talk, anything anybody else is saying, doesn’t matter.”

How it happened

• DeRoche’s dominance was on display the way it was on a daily basis last year. At the plate she launched the very first pitch she saw far beyond the center-field fence for a three-run home run that brought in Delia Tremble and Kylie Lamson.

“I’ve just been really working on barreling the ball up,” said DeRoche, who credited her work with assistant coach Danica Gleason. “(With a) 0-0 (count), I was just looking for a ball I could drive. … I knew it was gone, too. I was like ‘That has to be gone.’ ”

• In the circle, DeRoche struck out eight, with only one runner getting on via an error. Thornton Academy passed on trying to beat the sophomore with full swings, and had its first 13 batters attempt to bunt. Six Trojans bunted into outs, while seven struck out on bunt attempts.

“Addison’s the best pitcher in the state, if she’s not the best pitcher in New England,” said Thornton assistant coach Lance Bogardus, who was filling in for Tony Miner while Miner served a one-game suspension following an ejection in last year’s finale. “For us, our shot at this is ‘Hey, put the ball in play, make two other players make plays.'”

Cheverus is anticipating this strategy this season. The Stags practice bunt drills for 20 minutes every practice.

“We kind of expected it, but to see it almost every at-bat was a little shocking,” said first baseman Ashley Connor. “Definitely kept me on my toes.”

• The rest of the Cheverus lineup chipped in in support of its ace. Connor and Anna Goodman drove in two runs apiece, Hailey Lamontagne doubled and scored twice, while Anna Kennedy-Jensen had an RBI single. Cheverus scored three in the third and fourth, and one in the fifth.

Statistical leaders

• Cheverus: Addison DeRoche (seven innings, no hits, eight strikeouts; home run, three RBI), Ashley Connor (two singles, two RBI), Anna Goodman (single, two RBI), Hailey Lamontagne (double, single, RBI).

• Thornton Academy: Liv Marshall (three strikeouts).

Notable quotes

• “I think in the first inning, we came out with a purpose and intent to do damage, and hit the ball hard and just have energy throughout the inning.” — Cheverus pitcher Addison DeRoche

• “Honestly, that’s what I would do if I was playing against us.” — Cheverus coach John Eisenhart, on Thornton’s bunt-heavy approach.