LYNNFIELD — Things are starting to come together for the Lynnfield softball team.
The team polished off tryout week with a doubleheader at home Saturday, scrimmaging against Melrose and Andover following a Friday scrimmage against Gloucester.
For the most part, Coach Hector Longo liked what he saw.
“Other than one error in the outfield, we made all the plays today (Saturday),” Longo said. “We kicked it around a little bit yesterday against Gloucester, but they bounced back well today. We still have to find two outfielders and the girls know they are competing for those spots, so the next few weeks will be interesting.
“We took some good swings today. Yesterday, we were a little too passive and took too many first-pitch strikes. I let them know about that, so today, they were more aggressive, which helped set the tone early and took the edge off. We didn’t have a lot of offense last year, so if someone hits, they will find their way into the lineup.”
The Pioneers lost only three seniors to graduation, but they were all key multi-year contributors: Cape Ann League second-team All-Star third baseman Ava Gamache, pitcher Sophia Brown, and centerfielder Catie Kampersal.
Several pitchers are in the mix to replace Brown, starting with junior Gia Gagnon, who was 1-2 last year with a 5.25 ERA and 24 strikeouts through 30.2 innings. Sophomore Faith Angelo and freshman Lilly Gately are also in the mix.
“Gia works as hard as anyone in the program. She’s a 12-month player, so she’ll get the first look because she has the most experience,” Longo said. “Faith pitched a lot on JV and Lilly, also, is very promising and is another who works 12 months a year.”
Senior shortstop Morgan Hubbard, a CAL first-team and Daily Item All-Star (.478, 18 RBI, 25 RS, HR), senior center fielder Kaila George (.382, 17 RBI, 15 RS), and junior catcher Lily Williams (.235, 10 RBI, 14 RS, HR) will serve as captains.
“Hubby is the best hitter we’ve had over three years,” Longo said. “Kaila is a sneaky hitter because her speed gets her a lot of hits. Each of those girls struck out only twice last year. I think Lily is the best defensive catcher in the league. She’s got a great arm and is very smart. She’s going to be big for the young pitchers and does a great job calling games.”
Senior Julia Corrente returns at first base, while senior Libby Considine and junior Olivia Kelter are in the mix at second and third base, respectively. Sophomore first baseman/third baseman/outfielder Chloe McEwen also returns.
“Libby has been a consummate team player, putting the program ahead of her personal stats while starting in a utility role in a handful of different places for two years now. She’s looked solid so far at second,” Longo said. “Olivia has a great arm and Julia just makes plays.”
Freshmen Angelina O’Hara (third base, pitcher), Ava Ragusa (outfield), and Maggie Pavao (outfield) are also competing for playing time.
“The four freshmen, so far, have done a really nice job,” Longo said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if one of our freshmen finds a way up as that class has some really good athletes.”
As far as the league goes, Longo said perennial powerhouse Amesbury “may be a little down as I’m not sure they have the pitching they usually have. Triton returns the league MVP, so they will be solid. North Reading is good every year and they have their pitcher back.”
Longo thinks the Pioneers’ schedule will help them in the MIAA power rankings.
“I’d like to see us get our win total up into double figures so we can get a better seed in the tournament,” he said. “We’ve won eight [or] nine games the last two years, so I’m hoping we can get up to 10 in Division 4 so we are playing a team that’s not as good as we did last year because after that, anything can happen.
“I like this team a lot, but we lost our four-year starter, so it depends on if our pitchers come through,” Longo said. “I have a bunch of confidence in them. I think we’re going to be OK.”
Last year, the Pioneers finished the regular season 8-12 and were the No. 15 seed in the Division 4 state tournament. They received a preliminary-round bye, then were eliminated by No. 18 Millbury, 6-5, in the Round of 32.
Lynnfield opens its season April 7 against Triton at home.
