REDMEN SHOULD SHINE AGAIN ON THE DIAMOND
Tyngsboro out to make tournament noise with solid lineup
The past two seasons, the Tewksbury High softball team advanced all the way to the Division 2 state final.
Despite losing pitcher Sam Ryan (Saint Anselm) and catcher Samantha Perkins (Gordon) to graduation, the Redmen still remain a team to beat thanks to six returning starters who have all committed to play in college. That group includes shortstop Becca Harris (Bentley), pitcher Whitney Gigante and junior third baseman Abigail Tower, who hit .463 last season.
Chelmsford and Billerica (20 wins last year) are always competitive in the MVC. The Indians lost a lot of firepower and will look to re-tool with a younger roster.
In Division 4, Tyngsboro could be very dangerous will three Sun All-stars returning — gold glove center fielder/leadoff hitter Carly Dimento and Kiley Hogan, the COMVP of the Mid-wach D league with 10 pitching wins and a .548 batting average. The team also gets a boost with transfer Carly Smith, who came over from the Academy of Notre Dame. She has a career pitching mark of 17-9 with 285 strikeouts and a .509 batting average a year ago with five home runs.
Other Sun All-stars returners are Ayer-shirley’s Gabrielle Sweeney (9 HR’S), Lowell’s Alanna Carbonneau (.850 slugging percentage), Lowell Catholic’s Amanda Grace, the reigning CO-MVP of the CAC, and Wilmington’s strong hitting duo of Lily Mackenzie and Eva Boudreau.
Academy of Notre Dame/ Innovation Academy
League: CAC
Last season: 10-11
Captains: Jacqui Martineau, jr., c; Madeline Simmons, sr., p/inf. Returning letterwinners: Nora Logan, so., of; Isabelle Andrews, so., 1b; Caitlin Lafontaine, 8th, p/1b/of; Carina Clark, 8th, p/inf; Gianna Perna, 7th, ss/c. Promising newcomers: Micaela Mensah, fr., of; Naaliyah Garcia, fr., of; Delaney Varnum, 7th , inf/ of; Lara Zyla, 7th, inf/of.
Alvirne
League: NHIAA Div. I
Returning letterwinners: Alyssa Abbott, sr., ss; Avery Willard, jr., inf; Jenna Kulick, sr., inf. Promising newcomers: Kenzy Pooler, so., p; Cori Sevigny, so., c.
Ayer-shirley
League: Mid-wach D
Last season: 8-13
Captains: Gabriel Sweeney, sr., 3b; Devin Delyani, sr., cf/p; Lauren Reardon, jr., ss.
Returning letterwinners: Marney Hoeske, so., 1b/of; Abbey Hoeske, so., c/1b; Riley Adamson, jr., of; Kelsey Peterson, so., 2b. Promising newcomers: Kylie Hoeske, fr., p; Jocelyn Solitro, fr., util; Alexis Carlson, jr., of; Madelyn Koutsoufis, jr., 1b/c.
Coach Mitch Magnette (1st season): “We have some very talented and experienced returners who have the opportunity to lead our young team this year. I’m excited to see what they can do as a group over the course of the season. We’re hoping to improve on last year’s record and hope to compete for the league title and qualify for the state tournament again this year.”
Billerica
League: MVC Div. 1
Last season: 20-3, co-league champs
Captains: Julia Luther, jr., of; Olivia Emerick, jr., c; Sophie Ledoux, so., 2b. Returning letterwinner: Bree Courtemanche, so., of. Promising newcomers: Greta Tucker, so., of; Makayla Sibert, so., ss; Sophia dasilva, so., c; Avery Townsend, so., p; Leah Brown, so. of; Grace Yavanian, so., c.
Coach Patty Higgins (31st season): “We have a very athletic group with good captain leadership. The team will be young age-wise but older than their years softball-wise. It is a rejuvenation season with the potential for good things to happen. As we gain experience in the MVC, the toughest league in the state, we will continue to grow into being one of the toughest and most competitive teams in the league.”
Chelmsford
League: MVC
Last season: 11-11
Captains: Samantha Kelepouris, sr., c/of; Adrianna Capozzi, sr., 3b; Riley Powderly, sr., utility; Addison Ryan, jr., of.
Returning letterwinners: Alexandra Kenney, jr., p; Marissa Kelley, jr., of; Zoey Moscato, jr., 1b; Jenna Nigro, jr., ss; Elliana Grant, fr., inf; Julia Grundy, jr., inf; Mia Mccusker, fr., p; Jillian Capozzi, fr., c/of; Julia Salerno , fr., c; Lindsay Stuart, fr., p.
Promising newcomers: Molly Kivlan, fr., ss; Maya Barry, fr., 1b.
Coach Dana Degan (4th season): “We have a good blend of returners and newcomers. We have the potential to have a dynamic offense.”
Dracut
League: MVC
Last season: 3-18
Captains: Gabrielle Coffey, sr., ss/c; Mckenzie Lussier, jr., of.
Other returning letterwinners: Lauren Chenevert , jr., 3b; Aubrey Rizzuti, jr., of/p; Ashley Anderson, so., p/inf; Mia Cunha, so., c/inf; Aiva Pitman, so., c; Kaley Rosado, so., of/p.
Promising newcomers: Leah Dery, so., inf; Taylor Blanchette, sr., inf; Allison Daneau, fr., 1b/of; Haley Rodgers, jr., inf/of; Kate Richardson, so., of; Bella Sherman, so., inf/of.
Coach Jason Keefe (6th season): “The season is a long process. We have a few experienced players along with a young class of talented players. I am looking forward to watching them all grow as the season progresses.”
Greater Lowell Tech
League: CAC
Last season: 4-14
Captain: Paige Matte, sr., ss. Returning letterwinners: Irene Emerson, sr., 1b; Caoilinn Quealy, sr., 2b; Megan Springer, sr., 2b; Lily Locapo, so., 3b; Madyson Bertrand, jr. of; Sam Brady, so., of; Lina Gilpin, sr., c; Cora Wilder, so., c; Amaya Flood, so., p.
Promising newcomers: Jahniyaliz Vega, so., 3b; Morgan Haskell, fr., p; Chelsey Quealy, p/of; Brianna Johnston, jr., 1b; Makayla Thyne, jr., of; Madison Bradley, sr., of.
Coach Cassie Fenlon (3rd season): “Our expectation is to be on the winning side this year. We have quite a few returners mixed with some promising newcomers, so I think with hard work, commitment and winning mindset we will be ready to compete.”
Groton-dunstable
League: Mid-wach C
Last season: 6-13
Captains: Erin Ciarfella, sr., 3b/1b; Lauren Haggerty, sr., p/ss; Claudia Dutile, sr., lf; Mckenna Vesty, sr., cf/c.
Returning letterwinners: Kaitlin Haggerty, so., p/ inf; Bridget Houle, so., 1b; Priya Fiore, so., p/ss; Emma Hulslander, jr., of; Annie Apgian, jr., c/2b.
Promising newcomer: Kayliegh Knower, fr., 2b. Coach Jessica Columbus (2nd season): “After grooming a young team last season I am looking forward to coming out of the gates stronger this season.”
Littleton
League: Mid-wach C
Last season: 9-10 Returning letterwinners: Alana Delollis, sr., of; Victoria Mccoy, sr., ss; Katherine Anjoorian, sr., 2b; Ella Gearty , sr., 1b/p.
Coach Glen Macneil (1st season): “This team plans to rely on the experience and leadership of its strong senior class.”
Lowell
League: MVC
Last season: 5-15 Returning letterwinners: Alanna Carbonneau, sr., 1b/3b; Molly Schribman, sr., c; Nadeysha Gonzalez, sr., of; Sylvia Lally, jr., of; Julia Soucy, so., 2b.
Promising newcomers: Lillie Brown, fr., p; Danielle Finn, fr., util; Sammy Fitzpatrick, fr., util; Abby Meade, fr., p; Keira Money, fr., of; Kayla Moriarty, fr., 1b/3b; Tiernan Moriarty, fr., c; Audrianna Quadros, fr., p.
Coach Lizzy Mcquaide (2nd season): “Although we have a really young team this year with only five returners, this freshmen class has a lot of potential. All of them will gain a lot of experience this year and I am excited to see the growth and development of the team. The goal of the season is to reinforce the fundamentals, build team cohesion, and create a supportive environment where every player is motivated to improve.”
Lowell Catholic
League: CAC
Last season: 10-7 Captains: Kylee Mcdonough, sr., 3b/c; Molly Mcdonough, sr., of. Returning letterwinners: Kaleigh Motard, sr., lf; Eva Warren, sr., rf; Mollie Miner, jr., ss; Amanda Grace, jr., c/1b; Molly Mcdermott, jr., c/1b; Chloe Crogan, jr., 3b/1b; Maggie
Carney, jr, p.
Coach Kim Page Ducharme (1st season): “The Lowell Catholic girls are a tight knit group who came to preseason ready to perform. They are excited to set their expectations high for the upcoming season. They are an extremely coachable group with a desire to learn and grow each time they step foot on the field.”
Nashoba Tech
League: CAC
Last season: 10-11 Captains: Hanah Richard, sr., inf; Ashley Hart, sr., p; Makenna Farrell, jr., inf. Returning letterwinners: Lylah Molina, sr., c/inf; Jocelyn Soly, sr., of; Nora Riel, sr., inf; Keira Bongorno, jr., c/inf; Shaylin O’donnell, so., p/inf; Liberty Plunkett, so., p/inf; Aislynn Montgrain, p/inf; Chahd Benlahcen, so., of; Kaily Urato, so., inf; Kasey Contino, so., c/inf; Maria Rende, so., of. Promising newcomers: Annie Mcdermott, fr., inf; Ciera Carney, fr., of; Lilyana Gilman, fr., c/inf; Stephanie Silva, fr., inf; Kelsey Barnes, fr., of; Alice Tobinson, fr., of. Coach Dan Ford (15th season): “This team will have an interesting mix of returning players and promising newcomers. It should be a fun year.”
Pelham
League: NHIAA Div. 2
Last season: 7-10
Captains: Morgan Berton, sr., 3b; Lauren Lacoss, sr., 2b.; Ava Bettencourt, sr., of. Returning letterwinners: Caileigh Aguiar, so., p; Aubrin Berger, so., c; Bella Furtado, jr., cf.
Promising newcomers: Sophia Guinazzo, so., 1b/of; Lucy Daloia, so., of/2b; Sophia Forristall, fr., ss; Cheyenne Normandie, fr., of. Coach Todd Lozeau (17th season): “We have a young, but promising team. They are hard working softball players and they have been extremely positive and unselfish. I am excited for the season.”
Shawsheen Tech
League: CAC
Last season: 7-10
Captains: Reagan Bowden, sr., lf; Haylee Johnston, sr., c.
Returning letterwinners: Liv Imbimbo, jr., cf; Frankie
Reardon , so., ss; Gianna Caruso, jr., 1b; Kayla Mason , jr., 2b; Stephanie Mackeen, jr., rf; Olivia Maxwell, sr.; Anna Warford, sr.; Elianna Munroe, sr.; Lindsay Scalese, sr.; Tia Poirier, sr.; Alissa Baker, sr; Alaina Powell, jr.
Promising newcomers: Claire Murphy, so., p; Hope Didonato, fr.; Paige Martin, fr.
Coach Jodi Campbell (2nd season): “I am looking forward to this season, I have a good group of kids with good attitudes. We plan to work hard, stick together, and just have a little fun at the same time.”
Tewksbury
League: MVC 1
Last season: 19-6. Div. 2 state finalist
Returning letterwinners: Becca Harris, sr., ss; Whitney Gigante, sr., p; Avery Della Piana, sr., c/1b; Alyssa Adams, sr., cf; Aislin Davis, sr., p/of; Ava Fernandez, sr., of; Abby Tower, jr., 3b; Anya Cranston, jr., c/1b; Erin Costello, jr., of. Promising newcomers: Vanessa Iandoli, so., 2b; Sophia Cappiello, so., util; Julianna Cappiello, so., util; Abigail Downing, so., util; Gabriella Davis, so., util; Lila Areia, fr., util; Jordan Doucette, fr., util.
Coach Brittney Souza (7th season): “I’m excited for this upcoming season. We jumped up to the MVC 1 division, so it will be a challenge for us, we have a very strong schedule this year, which will prepare us for the tournament and make us ready to play the top teams. These girls worked all winter together. On day one of tryouts it seemed like we didn’t miss a beat. Our newcomers to the team had been practicing with us all last year so they knew the expectations and routine.”
Tyngsboro
League: Mid-wach D
Last season: 16-5
Captains: Carly Dimento, sr., of; Madi Mical, sr., inf; Katelyn Mcandrew, sr., inf. Returning letterwinners: Kiley Hogan, so., p/inf; Katie O’keefe, so., inf; Kaelyn Dimento, so., of; Kate Connery, jr., c/of; Kaylie Cashman, sr., of; Julia Simmons, sr., c; Jillian Pare, sr., inf. Promising newcomers: Carly Smith, fr., p/inf; Hailey Mcmahon, fr., inf; Sydney Haslam, fr., of/c.
Coach April Leonard (4th season): “We are excited to get started. We have a core group of girls coming back this season and some new talented players. With a tough schedule this season, we are looking forward to every learning opportunity and a chance to grow the program further.”
Westford Academy
League: DCL
Last season: 10-7
Captains: Katie Carroll, sr., inf; Sarah Kirby, sr., inf; Naomi Oxender, sr., of. Other returning letterwinners: Jessica Tang, so., p/of; Khloe Felicani, so., c; Anya Gesin, jr., inf; Sanvi Luthra, jr., p.
Promising newcomers: Olivia Bernie, p/of; Madison Holmberg, sr., inf; Mackenzie Fannon, sr., of; Mikayla Creighton, jr., util; Lyla Griffin, fr., c/of; Grace Janowsky, fr., inf.
Coach Gina Mustoe (4th season): “We are young, but strong and we’re ready to play some competitive softball.”
Wilmington
League: Middlesex League Freedom
Last season: 12-9
Captains: Lily Mackenzie, sr., inf/c; Julia Archer, sr., p/of.
Returning letterwinners: Kiersten Moore, jr., of; Eva Boudreau, jr., 1b/of; Summer Sands, so., of; Sofia Tentindo, so., p; Erin Mccarthy, so., inf.; Charlotte Forcina, so., of; Ali Mcelligott, so., utility. Promising newcomers: Izzy Maiella, fr., p/3b; Ava Druzdowski, so., p/2b; Olivia Raposa, so., c/dp; Jenna Colarmarco, fr.; Kacie Miller, fr.
Coach Audrey Cabral-pini (16th season): “Our captains are providing great leadership for a young team. We will be able to move people around to different positions, which will add to our versatility. We also will have three pitchers all capable of keeping us in each contest. I believe that we should do well despite our youth.”