To say the least, the Lynn English softball team had a season to remember last spring.
The Bulldogs began 4-9, but won six of their final seven games to clinch the postseason, something they hadn’t done in more than 20 years.
This year, once again led by coach Ashley Aldred, the Maroon and White are looking to improve even further. English is returning the majority of its team, despite losing a few graduates.
“Jari Perez was the starter we graduated last year and she had a really big bat in our lineup,” Aldred said. “We’re going to need to find a way to replace her. I think someone will step up… I think it comes with age and understanding the game and your approach.”
Speaking of understanding the game, Aldred believes her team’s softball IQ went up. As for why, look no further than winter leagues and year-round play.
“I think our softball IQ went up as a team, so I’m expecting my junior class to step up big this year,” Aldred said. “We have a couple of players who play year-round outside of Lynn English. You can see the girls are getting stronger overall and growing into themselves.”
“I’ve been the coach at English since 2017, and this was the first winter league they’ve played in together. You can already see the benefits. Without the winter league, it would take half the season for them to see the reps they’ve seen in the winter. You can see the difference in the players.”
Aldred named a few juniors and seniors who she believes will play big roles over the next few months.
“Angela Martinez, I’m expecting to step up big this year. Kate Johansson and LeaNyah Pineiro are players who I expect to help carry this team in a lot of ways,” Aldred said. “Gracie Mulloy and Ariana Reynoso as well.”
Plus, English boasts one thing many Greater Boston League teams don’t, a returning starting pitcher.
“Arianna Laboy is our senior pitcher who’s returning. I believe she’s the only veteran pitcher returning in the league, so, hopefully, that plays a big role for us,” Aldred said. “Her bat looked really strong in the winter league, too.”
Talk about depth. This group has it, per Aldred.
“I feel we have more flexibility on this team. Last year, we had eight strong players and the rest, I was more so finding out who can fill a spot in the order,” Aldred said. “This year, we have more depth and a deeper bench.”
One thing Aldred has tried to sustain is a competitive spirit, often keeping things light.
“Being inside, you have to use a squishy ball so it won’t bounce the way a normal softball would when you’re outside,” Aldred said. “I’ve seen such a big difference in our swings. I’ve been trying to keep it light and fun by doing friendly competition at the end of practices. Whether it’s split by grade or by the groups we put them in, they’ll do some sort of race or team-building activity, and the winning team picks an exercise for the losing group to do.”
The Bulldogs look to make the state tournament again this year, but first, step one, a home game Wednesday against Revere with first pitch set for 4 p.m.
