METHUEN, Mass. – Three tight victories propelled the 12U ASA Northeast Hurricanes to the Methuen Start of Summer Tournament championship. The team went 6-1 during the weekend tourney, which took place June 6 to 8.

“The reason the tournament was a success for the Hurricanes,” said the team’s coach, Mike Wallace, “is that everyone on the team contributed in one way or another.”

The Hurricanes opened with a 10-3 win over the Woburn Hot Shots. Alana Luzzio pitched well, and Sara McCarthy, Sam Cloutier, Hannah Latham, Brittany Wallace and Rachel Murphy joined Luzzio in leading the offense. Kate Arsenault, Justine Monroe, Megan Zuliani, Courtney Green and Jenna Lima turned in exceptional defensive efforts.

The locals followed with a 12- 3 thrashing of the New England Firebirds. Lima earned the win with her strong pitching. Luzzio, McCarthy, Cloutier, Latham, Wallace, Murphy and Arsenault sparked the attack.

Following a 7-3 setback to the Diamond Gems, the ’Canes entered the championship round seeded second and showed their mettle in a 5-3 comeback win over the Rochester Slammers. Luzzio pitched well, and Lima delivered the game’s big hit.

In the semifinals, the Hurricanes doubled up the North Reading Hornets, 4-2. Arsenault controlled the Hornets with a fine pitching effort. Zullini keyed the offense.

The team closed the tourney with a rematch against the Hot Shots. Though the contest was much closer than the tournament opener, a seventh-inning double from Luzzio preceded consecutive infield singles by McCarthy and Cloutier, giving the locals a 7-6 triumph and the title. Luzzio handled pitching duties, helped by solid defense from Lima, Zullini, Green and Monroe.