WORCESTER — Katy O’Connor left the on-deck circle with a mission.
Chelsea Moussette had just sprinted by from third base with both arms raised, pumping her fists in celebration after a Taylor Boutwell single.
When she crossed home plate Saturday at Worcester State in the bottom of the eighth inning, it won Hampshire Regional a second consecutive Division 2 state softball championship.
Moussette turned back toward the dugout just in time to catch a bear hug from O’Connor.
O’Connor took off when Moussette left third and arrived at the plate three seconds after.
Moussette runs that fast.
The pair collided with a force that would make linebackers jealous and were soon mobbed by the rest of their Hampshire teammates.
“That means the world to me, honestly because I play soccer, basketball and softball with her, and this was it for me and her,” Moussette said. “To see her sprinting out at me as I touched home plate, it was a really special moment for me.”
On the soccer field, O’Connor plays in goal and Moussette roams the midfield, scoring and creating for her teammates.
She plays the same role on the basketball floor as a devastatingly quick point guard, a position she’ll play next season at Westfield State.
O’Connor works in the post and scored often from Moussette passes.
They share a similar symbiosis on the softball field.
Moussette, ever the plover bird, sets the table for O’Connor’s crocodile jaws and line drives.
O’Connor never expected to walk from the on-deck circle to the batter’s box in the eighth inning.
She knew she’d be making that full sprint to home and her best friend.
“I knew as soon as Taylor hit it that Chelsea’s going to win the game for us right there,” O’Connor said. “I trust Chelsea with everything. All I’m thinking is Chelsea’s got this. She’s been in big games before. She’s not worried.”
Saturday was her second state championship game, both wins. She also played in six Western Massachusetts sectional finals, winning four.
Moussette started at second base for six years at Hampshire, since she was in seventh grade.
“It’s going to be sad not to write that name in the lineup anymore. Since her cousin, Bri, I’ve been writing Moussette’s name in the lineup for nine years, and it’s over,” Hampshire coach Brian McGan said.
The “it’s over” moment hit Moussette and O’Connor differently.
O’Connor, a junior, knew this was coming.
“That hit a while ago, and I’ve kind of accepted it as the whole softball season is going on,” she said. “I think there was no better way than to go out like this.”
The moment always seemed far away to Moussette until it arrived to end her senior season and high school career.
“I thought it was endless, honestly. I started for (McGan) in seventh grade, and I can’t believe it’s over,” she said. “I’m thrilled with how it turned out.”
But “it’s over” doesn’t mean “goodbye.”
Moussette will help coach Hampshire’s summer club team in the high school league.
Then she’ll take her talents to Westfield State, easily close enough to stay in touch with a best friend.
“She’s not going that far,” O’Connor said.
Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com.