Addonizio optimistic about Big Blue’s chances

SWAMPSCOTT – When Annamaria Addonizio was hired as the interim Swampscott High softball coach last year, there wasn’t a whole lot of time for her to get her bearings.The former Revere High School and St. Anselm College player was thrown right into the fire after taking over for Julie Ferguson, who left just prior to the start of the season to coach in Gloucester. The Big Blue finished 10-9 during the regular season and lost to Amesbury, 6-4, in the first round of the Division 2 North sectionals. The coaching job was posted during the off-season, and Addonizio was rehired.”I feel like this year, things are going a little more smoothly than last year, when I got the job so late,” she said. “I know the girls now. I’ve been working with the captains. I’m excited (to be back).”Addonizio had many players from last year’s team returning, including all her pitchers. Carissa Roche, a senior captain who started most of the games last year, is back, as is catcher Samantha Perry, a senior captain.”They’ve been together for four years,” Addonizio said about her battery.Sophomore pitcher Kirstin Vinyl saw some action last year, and she’ll be available to step in when needed. Courtney Fletcher, another sophomore pitcher, could also see some time.”Our pitching is very strong,” Addonizio said. “We’re really fortunate to have these three. Each one would probably be starting varsity in any other program.”The Big Blue also look fairly solid in the infield with junior shortstop Marissa Gambale and junior second baseman Mallory McGrath both back and available to play anywhere in the middle infield.Senior captain Meg McGee can play in the infield, as can senior Sara Stevens, who floated between junior varsity and varsity last year. Stevens can also play outfield. Katherine Gorham is a lock in right field. She’s also a threat at the plate. Addonizio is still evaluating players for other positions.Among the other players she’s looking at are Monica Mosho, a designated hitter and outfielder last year; Moe Bradley, a sophomore ice hockey goalie who Addonizio said can “pretty much vacuum up any ball hit to her”; Alex Wilson, a speedster who came up to varsity for the tournament; and Erin McLaughlin, who bounced between junior varsity and varsity last year.”We have some experienced players coming back. It should be a successful year for us,” Addonizio said, adding that she’s still looking at players.Addonizio’s coaching staff will include her assistant, Mark Schwartz, and junior varsity coaches Christina Burrill and Jen Regan.