AP out to finish job
DIVISION 3 SOFTBALL
Austin Prep hopes the third time is the charm.
Division 3 state finalists the past two seasons, the Cougars are looking to take the last step this spring. Led by ace Logan MacDonald, Austin Prep once again finds itself as a favorite in Eastern Mass.
MacDonald is just one piece of a strong returning core for the Cougars as offensive stalwarts shortstop Kendra Currier, catcher Francesca Fralick and outfielders Lauren Sablone and Alexandra Santostefano help make them a threat up and down the lineup.
Elsewhere in the Catholic Central League, St. Mary’s is young but expected to compete. Christina Nowicki, Talia Smaller and Alexis Schumann lead the Spartans. First-year catcher Jordan Sullivan will be a nice addition.
Amesbury is certain to be in contention behind senior flamethrower Hayley Catania. Coming off a season in which it set a program record for wins, Latin Academy is geared up for another run with catcher Shantary Pimentel, shortstop Michaela Russell, outfielder Mackenzie Theriault and third baseman Jessica Rhyme back.
Lowell Catholic looks to be the favorite to repeat as Central Catholic League Small champion with pitcher Brenna Riley and catcher Emily Bartlett back along with outfielders Mary Tibbetts and Amanda Bursey.
If there is a team that could give the Crusaders a run in the CCL Small, it is Pope John. League MVP Alana Rizzuti is back in the circle, while catcher Mackenzie Curtis, second baseman Allison Collyer, third baseman Leah Brenton and shortstop Olivia Normil are also key returnees.
Mystic Valley is a sleeper with shortstop Anastasia Bessler and outfielder Brianna Nogeria leading the charge along with catcher Samantha McGynn and outfielder Ashley Hynes.
One season after falling in the Div. 2 South final, Abington drops down to Div. 3 and finds itself as the favorite. New coach Kelsea Cheney welcomes a star-studded cast led by pitchers Tori Young and Jordyn Needle, infielders Jenna McDonough and Lauren Nelligan as well as outfielder Lauren Keleher.
The Green Wave will have plenty of competition and they will not have to go far to find it. West Bridgewater is the defending sectional champ, and despite losing key pieces to graduation, still returns pitchers Morgan Bellody and Kayla Connors. First baseman Casey Willis and catcher Jenna Raphel are in the middle of the lineup.
Diman is always a threat, having made the tournament 14 of the last 16 seasons under coach Cathie Noversa. Outfielder Mya Parker and shortstop Kaylee Kochanek are returning league All-Stars.
Elsewhere, Bristol Aggie will be in the mix with pitcher Malarie Pittsley and second baseman Cora Monast. Norfolk Aggie features outfielders Tori Cutter and Maddi Hockney.
Case is one to watch as catcher Madyson Medeiros and outfielder Fallon Marchand are returning SCC All-Stars. Riley Burgess and Aubrey Carpenter picked up experience pitching as freshman and will be relied on even more as sophomores.
Monomoy will be buoyed by 2017 Cape & Islands MVP Mollie Charest in the circle. Archbishop Williams returns shortstop Meg Marcel and catcher Jamie Herrick.