Past Spartans softball teams took it for granted, but Deb Smith makes sure her squad appreciates it.

Allowing less than two runs in five out of their six wins, the girls of Pembroke Academy softball are proud to stand by their defense.

“Sometimes PA softball hasn’t seen how important defense is and relied more on offense,” said Smith, the Spartans head coach.

“But we’re trying to be sound on both sides and recognize how strong defense is for a successful team. Many of our games, we’ve been able to shut down the other guys, and it makes things a bit less stressful for us.”

The Spartans’ latest low-scoring victim was Bow, handed a 5-1 loss on Wednesday, May 9. Two days later, Pembroke took down Class I foe John Stark, 6-1.

Against the Falcons, Pembroke was in line for its first shutout of the season until Bow broke through in the top of the seventh inning.

PA jumped to a second-inning lead when third baseman Jenny Poulin started the frame with a double, scoring on Sam Boisvert’s RBI single to left-center field. Poulin and Boisvert led the lineup in the fourth with back-to-back singles. A squeeze bunt from Devin Cleary brought Poulin home.

Leadoff hitter Emily Parker opened the fifth by reaching on an error. Shortstop Sam Beauchesne also reached on a miscue, then Poulin produced a timely two-RBI hit for a 5-0 Pembroke lead.

“We’ve been aggressive at the plate,” said Smith. “But having a sound defense brings it all together, especially in Class I where one error can mean the game. If our offense isn’t clicking, we need to use the defense, and the offense feeds off of that.”

Though the defense has been one of Class I’s strongest this season, Smith said the development, due to the lack of preseason practices, took some time.

Senior Kristine Chaput, who brings a strong bat to the lineup, patrols right field with junior Shannon Keeler. Cleary’s fluid move from outfield to infield has exceeded Smith’s expectations, as has the play of sophomore first baseman Molly Griggs and sophomore third baseman Poulin.

“They’ve been looking really good,” said senior Kaitlyn Martinelli, sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL. “I’ve got an interesting perspective seeing them from the dugout every day, and they’ve all really come around.

Our defense has been playing really well, and it’s making a huge difference in our confidence this year.”

The Spartans wrap up the season at St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday, May 17, and at Con- Val on Friday, May 18.