Classical softball hoping 2008 scenario plays out again this season

The Lynn Classical softball team wasn’t supposed to have a very productive season a year ago, having graduated seven seniors who had led the team to a tournament berth.Yet the Rams did something they hadn’t done in 26 years: Win a Northeastern Conference championship.Now the same scenario is set to play out for coach Chris Warren’s bunch as it has to replace the bulk of a lineup that finished 15-7 and lost in the Division 1 North quarterfinals to Acton-Boxboro.”It’s different territory for us, but we’re looking forward to defending our title,” Warren said. “Last year was a great accomplishment and we’re excited about this season.”The Rams coach is also excited about being in good health this year after having surgery in December for a back injury that caused constant pain throughout the season.”It really wore on me during the year,” Warren said. “Every day was pure pain. But what kept me going was the year that we were having and the wins. It’s nice to be back and feeling healthy.”For Classical to find success this year, it will have to find players to pick up the slack offensively as 66 percent of its offense was lost via the graduation of Afton Dean, Kristen Dean, Sam Barker and Amanda Stevens. Outfielder and leadoff hitter Courtney Sullivan also graduated, giving the Rams five holes to fill in their lineup.”That’s what we lack overall, varsity experience,” Warren said.One place the Rams won’t be without a lack of experience is on the mound, where junior Jenny Garrity returns to try to repeat the success of her sophomore campaign. In her first year as the full-time starter, Garrity was 13-3 in conference play and 15-7 overall.”It’s nice to have a veteran coming back on the mound and when you have that experience there, it goes a long way,” Warren said.Another big returnee for the Rams is sophomore Hannah Byrne. Byrne made a big splash as a freshman a year ago, earning NEC all-star honors at third base. This year, Byrne will take a few steps to her left and replace Afton Dean as the Rams’ shortstop.”She won’t miss a beat going from third to short,” Warren said.Other returning players include Rachel Carroll; Jill Adams; Katie Fitzgerald and Fallon Gaudet, all of whom saw playing time throughout last season.With the relatively few number of returning players, the competition for starting spots is sure to be heated. Warren had 55 players sign up for tryouts, including strong freshman and sophomore classes.”It’s probably the strongest freshmen class I’ve had in my 10 years here,” Warren said. “We’re excited about the future but we’re playing for now.”Freshmen Katie Cuozzo, Mackenzie Coppinger and Jennie Erekson all have pitched in the past and will give Warren some extra arms in the bullpen, while Jamie Behen, Kayla Wolleston and Marysa Mezzetti will also be in the mix for varsity time after spending last season on the JV roster.”We definitely have kids that can play,” Warren said. “And we have girls as upperclassmen that know what it takes to be successful.”Warren will be assisted by Lauren Phelps and Lysa Newhall. Nicole Oak will coach the JVs while recent Endicott College grad Paula McGinn returns to her alma mater to coach the freshmen.Classical opens its season on April 6 against Revere.