MARBLEHEAD — Marblehead’s softball team wrapped up its season with a 17-5 record alongside a win in the Division 2 state tournament. Although the Magicians couldn’t get back to the Final Four, as they did in 2024, they still had a successful season under Coach Johnny Gold.
“Our first goal is to always be competitive and have a winning record. So, we achieved that, but we didn’t achieve winning the conference, which is what we wanted to do,” Gold said. “We wanted to go deeper in the state tournament, but we struggled a bit offensively. We didn’t hit the ball as well as I thought we should have. I think that’s a goal for next season, since we have a lot of kids coming back.”
The Magicians graduate just two seniors, and will return seven members of their starting lineup next spring.
Gold encouraged his players to play AAU softball during the offseason.
“I hope the girls work on that because we’ve got a good amount of returners. Hitting is a little different than shooting baskets or tennis balls – you’ve got to constantly do it. You can’t just jump right into it,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of kids playing AAU. I suggested to the team — and it’s up to them — to play AAU this offseason. I’m not saying they should be a one-sport athlete. I like the fact they’re playing soccer, hockey, basketball, field hockey, etc., but you have to keep the hitting going if you don’t play AAU.”
One player who will be back in red and black is Tessa Francis, one of the top pitchers in Massachusetts.
When asked what makes Francis elite, Gold spoke about her poise.
“She doesn’t get rattled. When situations are tough and she needs to bear down, and there’s a runner or two on, she seems to come up with that strikeout or get them to hit an easy groundball or pop-up. She’s extremely competitive,” Gold said. “She works year-round at it and has an array of pitches. She has four pitches she can throw at any time.”
Gold said Francis ended the season with a 1.01 ERA and 257 strikeouts — one more punchout than last season, despite playing fewer games.
“If you just throw fastballs, high school hitters will catch up to you. But when you have a change, a curve, or a screwball in addition to a fastball, and you can throw consistently – that’s what makes her a very good player,” Gold said. “At the same time, she had a really good catcher in Luka Bornhorst. She knew how to frame and do what was needed. I only called pitches for the first half of the season and then I turned it over to them – and they did just as well. They didn’t need me to call them anymore.”
The two seniors who graduated — Bornhorst and Lyla McGovern — will be tough to replace, according to Gold.
“Lyla is fairly quiet, but was a four-year starter for us and very consistent. She was a very good first baseman. She did her job and was a real pleasure to coach,” Gold said. “Luka was our captain. It was never about her; it was always about the team. She’s going to play at Stonehill (College). Off the field, she’s mature beyond her age, and you’ll never hear her complain. Luka will stay after practice and help any kids that need help.”
Hoping to be a Northeastern Conference favorite next spring, Gold is looking forward to seeing his players develop.
“Keliane Salem will be at second base next year. She’s quick and has an excellent arm – a very good athlete with speed. From what I understand, she’s a very good field hockey player, too,” Gold said. “Carolyn Black can play both in the infield and outfield, so I expect her to see some outfield action next year, along with Lucy Rogers. Lucy has a gorgeous swing and can really play the outfield.”
