LYNN — Lynn Classical’s baseball and softball teams have officially qualified for state tournaments. The baseball team sits at 15-4, while the softball team is 12-7.
First-year head coach of the baseball team, Jason Rogato, said he enjoys the fact that his team will be playing in the Doug Mullins Memorial Tournament (which begins Friday) before the state tournament, helping his players get used to a high-stakes atmosphere.
“Luckily, the competition in the Mullins is top-notch. Obviously, St. Mary’s we’ll face Friday night, and then Swampscott and Lynn English are two very competitive teams that bring a lot of energy and experience,” he said. “It’s definitely going to be helpful playing these teams this weekend to get ready for the tournament.”
As for the softball team, Coach Joe Morin’s squad is very familiar with the postseason. It’s something he “expects” each year.
“It’s great to be back in the tournament. It’s kind of an expectation for us. I went back as far as I could on the MIAA website and Classical was always in the playoffs for softball. It was a good feeling to qualify again. I was hoping we could get to 10 wins and we’re currently at 12 right now with a game against Chelsea still to happen,” Morin said. “If we can beat Chelsea, getting to 13 wins is a great year for us – especially with us being very young. We’re starting a lot of freshmen and sophomores.”
While both teams are young, leaders are present and accounted for.
“First and foremost: Christian Figueroa. He’s been our leader for years now. He’s a four-year starter and team captain the last two years. He’s been here, done it, and seen it all,” Rogato said. “He’s the one we’re going to lean on. He’s our ace.”
In addition to Figueroa, Rogato mentioned a few underclassmen he believes are ready for the big stage.
“Outside of Figueroa, Boo (DiSaia) has been one of our best leaders throughout the season. Boo has been a top-notch leader and catcher. He’s taking command of the pitching staff. Mark Walsh is the leader of the infield at shortstop,” Rogato said. “We also have Rolky Brea. He’s a two-year varsity starter who has grown into more of a leader this year. Those four guys we’re going to be counting on.”
For the softball squad, senior Nevaeh Eth – a three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and volleyball – has the most experience on the team. Morin will rely on her and his juniors to set the tone.
“Nevaeh (Eth), Brooke (Braswell), Emma (Chevalier) – they’re all having great seasons and have been starting for me for years. They all had that experience with volleyball, too, being in the playoffs. Nevaeh has won two softball playoff games with us — one as a freshman against Medford, and her sophomore year, we beat Lexington — so she’s already played in five playoff games,” Morin said. “All three of these girls have played state tournament games in volleyball. Nevaeh also played in a couple basketball tournament games, so I think those three — one senior and two juniors — have a lot of experience in the postseason. I think they know the energy and expectation level and how every little thing is magnified.”
Last season, the baseball team reached the playoffs, but exited in the first round after falling to Malden Catholic in a tight game.
“We snuck in at 10-10 last year. It was a great game against Malden Catholic. We lost 3-1, but a couple bounces here and there and it’s 3-1 in our direction. It was a very competitive game,” Rogato said. “Last year, we were so young. We had three freshmen in the starting lineup. In some key positions like Mark Walsh at shortstop, catcher Boo Disaia — both were freshman starters. It was intense. We had college scouts at some of these games with bigger crowds. I think just having that game experience last year, as well as being a second-year starter, can give them more experience.”
Just in time for the playoffs, the Lady Rams have Chevalier – who has recovered from an injury – back in the pitching circle.
“It’s huge having her back. She’s pitched a little bit in the last few games and it’s a great alternative to Aysia (Olaes) because Emma does throw significantly harder. Emma has only thrown 15 innings, but she has 17 strikeouts. The last two games, she’s throwing harder than when she first started pitching,” Morin said. “Aysia had only thrown four varsity innings coming into this year. She’s done a tremendous job. The bigger the game, the better she does. She throws strikes and she makes teams have to beat us, and for the most part, we’ve played pretty good defense.”
Both teams finish their regular seasons this weekend before awaiting seedings and opponents.
“This has been an amazing year and ride. I’m so excited to get into the postseason,” Rogato said. “This team has gone through adversity and being 15-4 with five more wins than last year, these kids have worked so hard this year and overcome so much – It’s so exciting.”
