PEABODY — How do you top your best season in program history?
It’s simple according to Peabody’s new softball coach, Tawny Palmieri.
“We’re trying to evaluate the talent and put everybody where they can help the team the most,” Palmieri said. “We’ll need some new players to step in and have some younger kids who have already shown they can step in right away and make an impact. They’re a huge part of the process.”
The Tanners are coming off their best season in history. Under the direction of 24-year head coach Butch Melanaphy, the team finished the regular season 17-3 and shared the Northeastern Conference North title with Medford and Marblehead.
In the Division 1 North tournament, the Tanners were the No. 5 seed. After a preliminary round bye, they defeated Boston Latin 5-2 in the first round to pick up their first tournament win in 10 years only to be eliminated by No. 4 seed and Methuen in the quarterfinals, 4-1.
Palmieri, who played at Peabody for Melanaphy, and at Merrimack College, where her name dots the record books, said the opportunity to coach the team was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“It was weird to be back teaching here as well as being able to coach,” Palmieri, who also coaches the Tanners field hockey team, said. “Being able to give back to where I went to school and a team that I once played for is a dream come true. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to coach here at Peabody.”
At Merrimack, Palmieri was a NE-10 All-Conference honoree each of the three seasons she. A Division II All-American (2013), she’s fifth all-time in batting average (.400), fifth in home runs (27) and eighth in RBI (87). She also ranks tied for fourth in single-season homers (12).
This year, the Tanners have several holes to fill with the loss of nine seniors who provided serious offensive punch.
Gone are the likes of NEC All-Conference outfielder Luciana Mastromatteo, who now plays at Salem State. Also gone are NEC North All-Star shortstop Mallory LeBlanc, who plays at Keene State, all-star first baseman Sydney Lowry and outfielder Kelsie Blake.
The good news for Peabody is four-year starting pitcher Tianna Dawe, the reigning co-NEC Player of the Year, and her battery mate, NEC all-star catcher Kristina Rossignoll are back.
The other returning starters are senior second baseman Makayla Iannalfo, senior outfielder MacKenzie Marmion and junior third baseman Makayla Rooney. Also returning with a year of varsity experience is senior outfielder Janelle Richard.
Dawe, Rossignoll, Marmion and Iannalfo are this year’s captains.
New this year is a talented incoming group that includes junior Kaycie Mello, junior Juliana Cimino and freshmen Emma Boom, Sarah Broughton, Gina Terrazzano and Paige Ritchie.
“The perfect team would be to have all shortstops and we are lucky to have four kids who are real shortstops, so that’s a big plus,” said Palmieri. “Kaycie is new to the program and she just came out of nowhere, so she’s a welcome surprise.”
Palmieri said other than pitcher and catcher, all positions are up for grabs. Broughton, Bloom, Rooney and Iannalfo are in the mix at second, short and third, while Iannalfo may also see action in the outfield. Terrazzano, Richard and Ritchie are also in the outfield mix.
“Makayla’s one of our best defensive players and will play wherever we need, including outfield, defending on the opponent,” said Palmieri. “MacKenzie and Juliana will float between first base and outfield. Juliana will also see time at DH as she has a big bat.”
The Tanners open the season Saturday afternoon (2) against defending Division 3 North champion Austin Prep. They close out the regular season at the 13th Annual Courtney Corning Memorial Softball Tournament at Endicott where they take on cross-city rival Bishop Fenwick May 26 (9) and with either Beverly or Danvers to follow in the afternoon.
Now in her fifth season coaching softball (three at Hamilton-Wenham and one at Melrose), Palmieri is setting the bar high for the Tanners.
“I’m hoping to do something special with this team here at Peabody,” Palmieri said. “I’m both excited and nervous. I’m going to keep coaching the way I know how and have been for four years, keep it going and transition the best I can.
“Peabody’s loaded with talent in every sport so expectations are always going to be high from everyone including myself,” Palmieri added. “I set my standard very high from a talent perspective and in terms of motivation. Every player needs to have the same motivation level as a coach in order to succeed, and so far, I’ve been impressed as they are all motivated and come ready to go.”
