Numbers look good for Swampscott softball in 2009

Swampscott sports fans who liked watching their girls basketball team’s run to a Division 3 state title this season might be wondering what’s next.If the numbers are any indication, the Big Blue softball team could have a pretty successful season as well.Coach Annamaria Addonizio returns eight players – including three Northeastern Conference/South all-stars – from a team that won an NEC South co-championship with Danvers last year. The Big Blue qualified for the Division 2 state tournament, where the team lost to Central Catholic.Unlike Marlon Brando’s character in “On the Waterfront,” who ruefully noted he could have been a contender, Addonizio said she hopes Swampscott will be one this year.”We have a very strong team, a lot of talent, and veteran players,” Addonizio said. “We should have a successful year.”Those who appreciate softball on the North Shore will have a matchup to relish on April 3, when the Big Blue travels to Breed to open its season against St. Mary’s, which had its own season to remember in 2008. The Spartans went 22-3 and reached the Division 3 EMass final.One aspect of Addonizio’s team that she emphasized was her pitching. The Big Blue veterans include starting pitcher Kirstin Vinal, an NEC all-star in 2008, and No. 2 pitcher Courtney Fletcher.”Our pitching staff is outstanding,” Addonizio said. “We have two pitchers who could pitch for any varsity program. With softball, ultimately you at least need one.”However, the coach continued, “We have a lot of veteran players. I think we’re strong across the board.”The team returns an all-star duo up the middle in shortstop Marissa Gambale – who also played on the Big Blue state champion girls basketball team – and second baseman Mallarie McGrath. Rounding out the returnees are two outfielders, Alex Wilson (a junior who plays center) and Erin McLaughlin (a senior who plays left), junior infielder Monica Mosho, and Moe Bradley, who will start at catcher after backing up all-star Sam Perry last season.Perry has graduated, as have two other players, both all-stars: outfielder Katherine Gorham and pitcher Carissa Roche. Addonizio, however, is optimistic for the upcoming season. What also helps is the presence of some promising freshmen.”We have really good, talented freshmen trying out,” said the coach, who mentioned three – Lindsay Marini, Merry Ball, and Heather Doyle. She also said that, thanks in part to some younger pitchers on the JV level, “Our pitching looks pretty strong for the next few years.”Judging by the team’s talent, it seems there should be plenty of excitement in general among Big Blue softball fans this season.