PEABODY — With first-year Crusaders coach Michelle Zullo now at the helm of the program, the Bishop Fenwick softball team has spent the preseason catching up to the learning curve. A new coach means new habits, new routines, new expectations and a new style of play. So far, the Crusaders have done a solid job in gaining familiarity with their new coach.
“Things have been good,” Zullo, who pitched at UMass Boston and most recently coached softball at Pope John in Everett, said. “We had 40 girls show up at tryouts, 20 of them are freshmen. They’re all transitioning well to my coaching style. They’re all excited to get going and get the season started with games.”
In the circle, Fenwick will carry two pitchers on this season’s roster. Senior right-hander Nicole Modica returns to the mix.
“I think Nicole’s going to have a great season,” Zullo said. “We had our first scrimmage Saturday and she pitched phenomenal.”
Freshman right-hander Emma Burke will also see innings in the circle. Zullo said Burke’s currently nursing an injury but will join the team during the season.
“I feel great about (Burke and Modica),” Zullo said. “I’m very confident they’re going to have great seasons. It’s awesome that we have two pitchers so they can split time in case on gets tired. I think they’ll work well together. It’s huge for the team.”
Offensively, the Crusaders will rely on three experienced seniors to lead the charge. Senior catcher Tessa Palermo returns to the batting order along with senior first baseman Meredith McInthosh and Lauren Wilkinson.
“I feel good about them,” Zullo said. “They’re definitely three strong players. They’re seniors so they’re leaders on the team. We have a lot of underclassmen so they’re a good group for them to look up to.
“We’ve been focusing a lot on hitting,” Zullo said. “The Catholic Central League is a tough league so our hitting will have to be on point.”
This season’s co-captains are Palermo, Modica and Wilkinson.
“I think they’re amazing leaders,” Zullo said. “The whole entire team looks up to them. The team felt they were the best (girls) for the job.”
Zullo points to team camaraderie as Fenwick’s strength.
“They girls all very close and support one another,” Zullo said. “I think that will take us a long way. They play together and they really trust one another.”
From her time coaching at Pope John (2016-2018), Zullo knows what to expect from the CCL. Now that Fenwick has moved into the CCL Large division, league games won’t be handed to the Crusaders.
“The large division’s a lot more intense, I’d say,” Zullo said. “We’re going up against some really good teams. I just want the girls to be ready to face any team and have the confidence to face any team.”
The Crusaders open the season next Monday afternoon (3:30) when they travel to CCL rival Archbishop Williams. Fenwick will play its home opener next Wednesday afternoon (4) when the Crusaders host Arlington Catholic.
“They’re excited to get going,” Zullo said. “We’ve all been ready. We’re very excited to get going and start winning some games.”
Joining Zullo on the coaching staff is assistant coach John Cunningham.
