LYNN — Lynn Classical’s softball team graduated four seniors last spring, including pitcher Rachel Dana and catcher Lauren Wilson. Despite “big losses,” according to Coach Joe Morin, the Lady Rams eye another strong season.
“They were both All-Conference, batted 1-2 in the lineup, and were my pitcher and catcher,” Morin said. “We do have 10 girls back that played a lot last year, though. They got a lot of at-bats and were in the field last year.”
Some key returners include Brooke Braswell, Nevaeh Eth, and Emma Chevalier.
“Brooke Braswell is back again. She hit over .500 in her first two years and played every inning. She’s going to be asked to pitch a bit more this year. She throws hard and she’s probably one of the harder throwers in the league,” Morin said. “Emma Chevalier played a lot last year. She’s another girl that can play a lot of different positions. She hit close to .500 and she would be my best pitcher, but she’s had a nagging foot injury, so I’m not sure how much she’ll pitch for me this year. If she can pitch this year, that will be a huge plus.”
Eth – fresh off the basketball season – was named captain and drew high praise from Morin, who respects her consistency and dedication.
“She’s been a four-year starter for me, playing shortstop, and always batted toward the top of the lineup. She’s very consistent, a very good shortstop, and hits the ball really hard,” Morin said. “She brings a really strong work ethic. She takes every rep at practice like it’s the last one. She’s always on the side, doing things, and helping the other kids. Not just for me, as I know she puts in a ton of work with her AAU program. She’s hitting at night and she’s doing as much extra work as she can. On top of that, she’s a three-sport athlete and a high honor-roll student. She’s one of a kind.”
The team also welcomes five freshmen, three of whom Morin believes can be starters on Opening Day.
“Mia Duncan played soccer and was one of the better freshmen soccer players. Chloe Corbett doesn’t play other sports at Classical, but she’s a really good athlete and will probably play in center field,” Morin said. “Then, we also have Emma Pento, who I think will be a starter right off the bat.”
A name to keep an eye on is Aysia Oleas, according to Morin. She will be one of the top pitchers in the lineup.
“We played in the winter league this year and I think that helped some other girls get a lot more playing time. Aysia Oleas played third base last year and she’ll be our main pitcher. I think the winter was beneficial to her because she got to pitch 10 games,” Morin said. “She improved a lot and throws a ton of strikes.”
As for goal-setting, Morin keeps it simple: Make the state tournament and beat traditional archrival Lynn English.
“We want to make the state tournament again. That’s a goal, but kind of like an expectation that we’re going to make it,” he said. “That goes the same with our games against Lynn English. I couldn’t tell you the last time they beat us. We want to keep that winning streak going. Our goal is to win close to 14-15 games. We were 10-10 last year and lost in the first round.”
Classical’s first game is at home Saturday, April 5 with first pitch set for noon against Lowell.
