Palermo, Revere hope to continue the ride

With just a few weeks left until the April 4 season opener and Monday marking the first day of practices, coach Joe Ciccarello and the Revere softball team look to defend their title as the Division 1 North champions. With several keys players returning, Ciccarello is hoping the success that last year’s team had will give this year’s team the momentum and the leadership needed to stay atop the division.
The Patriots finished the regular season with a 20-6 overall record before seeing their
playoff ride come to a halt when eventual state champions Bridgewater-Raynham posted three runs in the fourth inning, winning the semifinal matchup, 3-1.
Falling short of last year’s goal, returning players such as Sabrina Palermo have much to look forward to — and much to play for — this season. Palermo is coming off a monster season on the mound with an ERA of 1.19 and 19 wins, along with surpassing the 500-strikeout milestone for her career.
Junior catcher Juliana Cecere is also returning. Cecere posted a .399 batting average, with two home runs, three triples and six doubles. Cecere and Palermo are key players whose impressive performances helped spark the Patriots’ tournament run.
Ciccarello made a point to mention that although his team is coming off a successful 2014
campaign, this is not last year.
“Everybody starts from zero,” he said. “This is a whole new year.”
Before losing nearly half his lineup to graduation in June, Ciccarello has some big shoes to fill on the field. The Patriots graduated their center fielder, right fielder, first baseman and second baseman.
“This year is going to depend on who is going to step up and take responsibility of their role on this team,” Ciccarello said.Ciccarello’s team began practice this week, indoors, of course. The Patriots, who will scrimmage Melrose and St. Mary’s during the preseason, open their season April 4 in Medford.