Carmen Crockett was dominant in the circle to lead Buckfield to a 5-0 win over Penobscot Valley High School in the Class D softball state championship game played on Saturday afternoon at the University of Maine at Orono.
Crockett fired a one-hitter, with the only hit coming on a two out single in the first inning. She retired the final 19 batters. Crockett struck out 16, throwing 86 pitches (60 strikes).
Freshman Taylor Harvey had a big two-run hit in the fourth inning for the Bucks. Cori Merrill also had a single to score a run. Brittany Carrier provided the insurance runs with an inside the park homer to right field in the seventh inning.
It is the 10th state championship for Buckfield softball, with the last coming in 2008.
Lauren Veino allowed five runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out 12 for the Howlers.
