LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield finished the 2022 softball season with a 7-14 record. This year, however, a change was made.
It’s head coach Hector Longo’s turn to lead the Pioneers out of the dugout this spring season.
Longo brings years of experience to Lynnfield. Recently, he was the varsity head coach at Masconomet for three seasons and, before taking this job, was the assistant coach at Triton.
Longo has always kept his eye on Lynnfield while he was coaching against the school.
“Coaching against Lynnfield in multiple sports over the last decade – the one thing I’ve always noted is that boys or girls, regardless of the sport or level, from Lynnfield compete,” Longo said. “We hope to nurture that innate quality and bond together in this program for that cause — to go out on the field every day, practice or game, and compete on every pitch.”
Last season was described as “tough” by Longo, but he’s ready to take on the new season.
“We are going to build from the ground up,” Longo said. “We’re blessed with five seniors, two were captains a year ago (Celia Carbone and Lauren Amico) and they’re providing excellent leadership.”
Longo described Carbone as the “quarterback” in the middle of the infield who will be near the top of the batting order. As for Amico, Longo said she’s been “swinging the bat well in the early going.”
Another key returner for the Pioneers is Sophia Brown, who Longo said improved due to offseason workouts.
“Brown got plenty of experience on the mound last year and has worked hard in the offseason to get better. She’s got a nice variety of pitches and is a fierce competitor,” Longo said.
Despite returning 12, the Pioneers have some “promising newcomers” according to Longo in Sierra Scanlon, Lily Williams, Gia Gagnon, and Olivia Kelter.
Scanlon can play first-base, third-base, and outfield; Lily Williams is a catcher; Gia Gagnon pitches and can play in the infield or outfield; Olivia Kelter can play in the infield or outfield.
Longo asked his team what the issue was last season, and the girls pointed to their defense, which Longo said is a focus of theirs to “make plays” behind the pitchers.
After the first week of tryouts, Longo described the mood as “upbeat, united, and competitive.”
When asked what his goals were for the upcoming season, Longo said “to qualify for the postseason this spring would be an immense boost to the program.”
After the first week of tryouts and practices, the Pioneers will take part in Preseason Play Day Saturday at 9 a.m. with St. Mary’s, Danvers, and Wakefield making the trip to Lynnfield.
